Under Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir's watch, enforced disappearances have skyrocketed. According to a human rights group, enforced disappearances in Balochistan surged by 308% from 2020 to 2025.


Balochistan disappearances surge 308%: US urged to sanction Pakistan

Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to activate “deterrence measures” under a mutual defence pact and rapidly deploy forces to the Gulf kingdom to counter attacks by Yemen’s Houthis.

The decision was announced on Monday after the three countries’ defence and foreign ministers held an emergency meeting in Riyadh. It marked the first time the alliance – known as the Mecca Alliance for Defence – has been invoked since it was signed on August 7.

Houthis say Saudi airspace no longer safe, deny any advances by Yemen's government forces

Imran Khan supporters have begun marching towards Islamabad amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan. Protesters are heading towards the capital as security measures are stepped up. The latest march comes amid continued demands from supporters of the jailed former prime minister. Watch WION for the latest updates from Pakistan.

PTI's Islamabad rally begins from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

At a time when Pakistan has escalated its war against Afghanistan, Asim Munir's forces are struggling to deal with the situation in its own backyard.&nbsp;Balochistan continues to be on the boil.&nbsp;Baloch women have now taken up weapons, even as Pakistan has vowed to crush the insurgency with an iron fist.&nbsp;The Balochistan Liberation Front has launched its female combat unit called Karima Armed Assault Division or KAAD.&nbsp;Fighters belonging to this unit are seen marching and firing weapons at targets.&nbsp;According to BLF, this unit carried out its first operation on September 22 when it ambushed a Pak military convoy on the CPEC highway in Turbat.&nbsp;The group added that its KAAD fighters also established blockades on the Quetta-Karachi highway in Kalat and attacked Munir's forces.&nbsp;Overall, BLF claimed responsibility for the deaths of nine Pakistani military personnel, and destruction of military vehicles.&nbsp;However, Pakistan is yet to react to this claim.&nbsp;According to BLF, this unit is named after prominent political activist Karima Baloch, who headed the Baloch Students Organisation-Azad.&nbsp;While living in exile, she was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Toronto in December 2020.&nbsp;The unit seeks to challenge Pakistan's colonial domination in Balochistan as well as the patriarchal structures within Baloch society.&nbsp;Now, this is not the first time Baloch women have been at the frontline of the struggle against the Pakistani army.&nbsp;In February this year, Balochistan Liberation Army released photos of two female suicide attackers—Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal.&nbsp;According to BLA, Baloch was killed while fighting in Gwadar, whereas Mengal stormed the ISI headquarters in Nushki before detonating herself.&nbsp;What stood out was both of them were well-educated.&nbsp;Last week, the Pakistani army claimed to have killed 73 terrorists in a 96-hour period across various parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat and Noshki.&nbsp;However, Munir's forces are unable to contain the growing attacks by Baloch rebels, who have staged a number of attacks this year.&nbsp;In July, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam Project in Balochistan.&nbsp;Earlier in May, over 30 people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a train in Quetta, which was carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families.&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;Pakistan has also suppressed dissent by jailing prominent human rights activists like Mahrang Baloch.&nbsp;Now, by portraying its female members as highly educated and politically conscious, Baloch rebels are making it clear that the insurgency is not just an armed rebellion, but an intellectual movement that can transcend sectarian divisions.&nbsp;With the South Asia Terrorism Portal reporting over 552 incidents of killing in Balochistan this year, a key question arises.&nbsp;As Pakistan faces pressure from Saudi to join the war against Houthis, can it even afford to do so when it is unable to deal with the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?&nbsp;It is apparent that Munir faces an uphill task...

In February this year, the Balochistan Liberation Army released photos of two female suicide attackers—Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal. BLA said Baloch was killed while fighting in Gwadar, whereas Mengal stormed the ISI headquarters in Nushki before detonating herself.

At a time when Pakistan has escalated its war against Afghanistan, Asim Munir's forces are struggling to deal with the situation in its own backyard. Balochistan continues to be on the boil. Baloch women have now taken up weapons, even as Pakistan has vowed to crush the insurgency with an iron fist. The Balochistan Liberation Front has launched its female combat unit called Karima Armed Assault Division or KAAD. Fighters belonging to this unit are seen marching and firing weapons at targets. According to BLF, this unit carried out its first operation on September 22 when it ambushed a Pak military convoy on the CPEC highway in Turbat. The group added that its KAAD fighters also established blockades on the Quetta-Karachi highway in Kalat and attacked Munir's forces. Overall, BLF claimed responsibility for the deaths of nine Pakistani military personnel, and destruction of military vehicles. However, Pakistan is yet to react to this claim. According to BLF, this unit is named after prominent political activist Karima Baloch, who headed the Baloch Students Organisation-Azad. While living in exile, she was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Toronto in December 2020. The unit seeks to challenge Pakistan's colonial domination in Balochistan as well as the patriarchal structures within Baloch society. Now, this is not the first time Baloch women have been at the frontline of the struggle against the Pakistani army. In February this year, Balochistan Liberation Army released photos of two female suicide attackers—Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal. According to BLA, Baloch was killed while fighting in Gwadar, whereas Mengal stormed the ISI headquarters in Nushki before detonating herself. What stood out was both of them were well-educated. Last week, the Pakistani army claimed to have killed 73 terrorists in a 96-hour period across various parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat and Noshki. However, Munir's forces are unable to contain the growing attacks by Baloch rebels, who have staged a number of attacks this year. In July, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam Project in Balochistan. Earlier in May, over 30 people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a train in Quetta, which was carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families. This is not all. Pakistan has also suppressed dissent by jailing prominent human rights activists like Mahrang Baloch. Now, by portraying its female members as highly educated and politically conscious, Baloch rebels are making it clear that the insurgency is not just an armed rebellion, but an intellectual movement that can transcend sectarian divisions. With the South Asia Terrorism Portal reporting over 552 incidents of killing in Balochistan this year, a key question arises. As Pakistan faces pressure from Saudi to join the war against Houthis, can it even afford to do so when it is unable to deal with the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? It is apparent that Munir faces an uphill task...

In February this year, the Balochistan Liberation Army released photos of two female suicide attackers—Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal. BLA said Baloch was killed while fighting in Gwadar, whereas Mengal stormed the ISI headquarters in Nushki before detonating herself.

Baloch rebels launch female combat unit, 9 Pak army soldiers killed | Gravitas

High up in Pakistan's mountains, glaciers are melting and the lakes they feed are getting bigger. If one of those lakes breaks through its natural wall of ice and rock, the water can rush down the valley with almost no warning. That's what experts call a glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF.

Pakistan faces rising GOLF risk: The mountain lake danger explained 

Bangladesh faced a harsh reality check following a conspicuous leaning towards Pakistan after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, as Islamabad blocked its airspace to a Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur nuclear power plant at a time when the country is grappling with a power crisis.&nbsp;The first batch of nuclear fuel for Unit-2 of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant was scheduled to arrive on September 24 as Bangladesh was preparing to begin commercial operations at its first nuclear power plant at the earliest. Pakistan’s denial of airspace clearance will delay the delivery of nuclear fuel, which may impact the plant’s operational timeline.&nbsp;The Rooppur project has already been delayed by two years due to the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;<h2>‘Pakistan did not provide air clearance, no reason either’</h2>&nbsp;Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy major Rosatom is implementing the Rooppur project and is responsible for delivery of uranium to Bangladesh.Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the clearance and said no reason was provided by Islamabad.&nbsp;The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing in Dhaka.&nbsp;“The flight was not given permission to use Pakistani airspace. As of now, the exact reason for Pakistan not granting the airspace clearance is still unknown,” the minister told news agency ANI.&nbsp;<h2>Airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour</h2>&nbsp;Bangladeshi media reports suggested that the airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has remained tight-lipped about which country denied the airspace permit.Tauhidul Islam, joint secretary at the Science Ministry, said all preparations had been completed at the airport when officials were informed by Rosatom that it had not received airspace clearance.&nbsp;Rosatom has now rescheduled the delivery through an alternative route said a report in The Daily Star. Nuclear fuel shipments for the Rooppur plant will now resume in October.“The remaining fuel batches bound for Bangladesh will arrive by December across seven separate cargo flights,” Rosatom said, assuring Bangladesh that the project schedule won’t be impacted.&nbsp;There was no reaction from Islamabad, but the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka cited “technical” and “procedural issues” behind the incident.“Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh. It would therefore be appropriate to view the matter in its proper technical context and not attach undue significance to reports or narratives that may seek to misplace it to undermine our bilateral relations,” it said.&nbsp;<h2>Rooppur nuclear plant strategically vital for Bangladesh</h2>&nbsp;The Rooppur nuclear power project, being constructed along the Padma River, is strategically important for Bangladesh as a major part of its plan to expand reliable electricity generation.Bangladesh is among the world’s major importers of electricity, with most of it being sourced from India. It needs power to keep its garment factories running, which fuels its economy.&nbsp;In April this year, Bangladesh took a major leap towards joining the nuclear power club as fuel loading began at Unit-1 of the power plant and set the stage for the country’s first nuclear-generated electricity to enter the national grid.The final phase of testing began in August. Preparations are underway to supply around 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on a trial basis in October. Commercial power generation is expected to begin in December, making Bangladesh the world’s 33rd nuclear power-producing country.&nbsp;For over two months now, Bangladesh has been grappling with its worst power crisis amid the prolonged Iran war and its extensive reliance on gas imports. It has also forced factories producing garments, food, ceramics and pharmaceuticals to cut production.&nbsp;Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on natural gas-fired power plants. For this, it has increasingly relied on costly imported natural gas from Middle Eastern producers like Qatar.&nbsp;The closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely hit Bangladesh.

The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for the Rooppur plant was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing. Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the needed air clearance.

Bangladesh faced a harsh reality check following a conspicuous leaning towards Pakistan after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, as Islamabad blocked its airspace to a Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur nuclear power plant at a time when the country is grappling with a power crisis. The first batch of nuclear fuel for Unit-2 of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant was scheduled to arrive on September 24 as Bangladesh was preparing to begin commercial operations at its first nuclear power plant at the earliest. Pakistan’s denial of airspace clearance will delay the delivery of nuclear fuel, which may impact the plant’s operational timeline. The Rooppur project has already been delayed by two years due to the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. ‘Pakistan did not provide air clearance, no reason either’ Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy major Rosatom is implementing the Rooppur project and is responsible for delivery of uranium to Bangladesh. Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the clearance and said no reason was provided by Islamabad. The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing in Dhaka. “The flight was not given permission to use Pakistani airspace. As of now, the exact reason for Pakistan not granting the airspace clearance is still unknown,” the minister told news agency ANI. Airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour Bangladeshi media reports suggested that the airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has remained tight-lipped about which country denied the airspace permit. Tauhidul Islam, joint secretary at the Science Ministry, said all preparations had been completed at the airport when officials were informed by Rosatom that it had not received airspace clearance. Rosatom has now rescheduled the delivery through an alternative route said a report in The Daily Star. Nuclear fuel shipments for the Rooppur plant will now resume in October. “The remaining fuel batches bound for Bangladesh will arrive by December across seven separate cargo flights,” Rosatom said, assuring Bangladesh that the project schedule won’t be impacted. There was no reaction from Islamabad, but the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka cited “technical” and “procedural issues” behind the incident. “Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh. It would therefore be appropriate to view the matter in its proper technical context and not attach undue significance to reports or narratives that may seek to misplace it to undermine our bilateral relations,” it said. Rooppur nuclear plant strategically vital for Bangladesh The Rooppur nuclear power project, being constructed along the Padma River, is strategically important for Bangladesh as a major part of its plan to expand reliable electricity generation. Bangladesh is among the world’s major importers of electricity, with most of it being sourced from India. It needs power to keep its garment factories running, which fuels its economy. In April this year, Bangladesh took a major leap towards joining the nuclear power club as fuel loading began at Unit-1 of the power plant and set the stage for the country’s first nuclear-generated electricity to enter the national grid. The final phase of testing began in August. Preparations are underway to supply around 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on a trial basis in October. Commercial power generation is expected to begin in December, making Bangladesh the world’s 33rd nuclear power-producing country. For over two months now, Bangladesh has been grappling with its worst power crisis amid the prolonged Iran war and its extensive reliance on gas imports. It has also forced factories producing garments, food, ceramics and pharmaceuticals to cut production. Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on natural gas-fired power plants. For this, it has increasingly relied on costly imported natural gas from Middle Eastern producers like Qatar. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely hit Bangladesh.

The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for the Rooppur plant was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing. Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the needed air clearance.

Pakistan blocks airspace for Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur plant

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry said on Sunday that its forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in the eastern province of Nuristan after an armed group crossed the border from Pakistan "with the aim of carrying out acts of subversion and creating insecurity.”. The clash took place on Saturday in the Kamdesh district. The ministry alleged that the armed groups were supported by IS-affiliated Pakistani militias and that most of them were security personnel of the former Afghanistan government.Pakistan's Ministry of Information denied these allegations as “frivolous, baseless and devoid of any truth.” In a post&nbsp;on the social media platform, it “categorically” denied that its security forces were involved in clashes, that it had recruited or trained former Afghan security personnel or had facilitated “Daesh or any other terrorist group operating in Afghanistan”.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-sir-rti-response-an-jali-bhardwaj-june-24-order-1790516431918">SIR row: RTI response raises questions over EC’s claim of unanimous approval</a>“Alleged video being peddled on social media to support this false claim only shows a few unarmed individuals who are not even properly dressed or equipped were arrested in what seems to be a pre-planned video shoot by Afghan Taliban regime well known for lies and fabricated claims,” said Pakistan's Ministry of Information.Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of activities related to terrorist groups, a charge which Kabul denies. Afghanistan's Defence Ministry has not provided any evidence to corroborate these allegations. This comes after recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts on September 21, which caused casualties of 28 militants and 3 civilians. This has also heightened friction along the 2,611-km-long border known as the Durand Line. The Taliban administration has never officially recognised the Durand Line as a permanent international border.&nbsp;

Afghanistan says 28 fighters were killed and 32 wounded in Nuristan after an armed group crossed from Pakistan. Islamabad denied the allegations.

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry said on Sunday that its forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in the eastern province of Nuristan after an armed group crossed the border from Pakistan "with the aim of carrying out acts of subversion and creating insecurity.”. The clash took place on Saturday in the Kamdesh district. The ministry alleged that the armed groups were supported by IS-affiliated Pakistani militias and that most of them were security personnel of the former Afghanistan government. Pakistan's Ministry of Information denied these allegations as “frivolous, baseless and devoid of any truth.” In a post on the social media platform, it “categorically” denied that its security forces were involved in clashes, that it had recruited or trained former Afghan security personnel or had facilitated “Daesh or any other terrorist group operating in Afghanistan”. Also Read: SIR row: RTI response raises questions over EC’s claim of unanimous approval “Alleged video being peddled on social media to support this false claim only shows a few unarmed individuals who are not even properly dressed or equipped were arrested in what seems to be a pre-planned video shoot by Afghan Taliban regime well known for lies and fabricated claims,” said Pakistan's Ministry of Information. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of activities related to terrorist groups, a charge which Kabul denies. Afghanistan's Defence Ministry has not provided any evidence to corroborate these allegations. This comes after recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts on September 21, which caused casualties of 28 militants and 3 civilians. This has also heightened friction along the 2,611-km-long border known as the Durand Line. The Taliban administration has never officially recognised the Durand Line as a permanent international border.

Afghanistan says 28 fighters were killed and 32 wounded in Nuristan after an armed group crossed from Pakistan. Islamabad denied the allegations.

Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed in clash near Pakistan border, Islamabad denies

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has faced widespread backlash on social media after making a throat-slitting gesture toward an Afghan female journalist in September 2026. The gesture, made during an interaction with the journalist, drew condemnation online.

Khawaja Asif's threat-like gesture on treatment of Afghan women

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has urged the provincial government to call off its planned long march. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi confirmed that PTI has delayed its Islamabad protest to October 4, 2026.

Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa urges PTI to call off Oct 4 protests

India has exercised its right of reply at the UN after Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's speech. First Secretary Petal Gahlot didn't hold back, saying Pakistan's remarks on religious tolerance came from "a regime whose mainstay is blasphemy laws," and that its capital is being "fortified against its own people" by what she called a regime "of the army, by the army, and for the army." 

India flags brutal violence in Pak-occupied Jammu Kashmir 

India has exercised its right of reply at the UN after Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's speech. First Secretary Petal Gahlot didn't hold back, saying Pakistan's remarks on religious tolerance came from "a regime whose mainstay is blasphemy laws," and that its capital is being "fortified against its own people" by what she called a regime "of the army, by the army, and for the army." Watch the full statement!


India slams Pak at UN: India replies to Shehbaz Sharif's speech at UN General Assembly

India slams Pak at UNSC: India flags brutal violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir

India's UN Envoy slams Pakistan: 'They claim security by day, terrorism by night' 

Pakistan is working on 174 legislative amendments sought by the International Monetary Fund under its ongoing financial support programmes. Around $4.5 billion has already been disbursed as Islamabad moves ahead with the required reforms.

IMF pushes 174 reforms in Pakistan: $4.5bn already disbursed under IMF programmes

The Taliban has accused Pakistan of striking Afghanistan to avoid its commitments under the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid alleged Pakistan was portraying the situation as a conflict with Afghanistan to sidestep its obligations

Taliban says Pakistan is trying to escape from Mecca pact obligations

Pakistan authorities have begun sealing major roads into Islamabad to stop supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from reaching the capital. Police said key routes, including the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway, Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway and Grand Trunk Road, would be closed at several points.

Pakistan: Islamabad sealed off ahead of march by Imran Khan's party 

Pakistan says it carried out air and drone strikes on 10 targets in Afghanistan, accusing Kabul of allowing “terrorist sanctuaries” on its soil. The strikes reportedly included Kandahar, where residents heard a jet followed by a large explosion and saw a fire in the city. Afghan officials have yet to comment.


Pakistan: Air strikes hit 10 Afghanistan locations

Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires in Kabul, lodging a formal protest over airstrikes in Kunar and Paktika that it says violated Afghan sovereignty and territorial integrity. While Pakistan claims the strikes killed 28 militants, Kabul insists three civilians died, calling the claims baseless and urging Islamabad to address its own internal security issues instead. The UN has documented over 1,100 civilian deaths from cross-border violence in Afghanistan this year alone, as this now-familiar diplomatic standoff repeats itself.


Pak strikes Afghanistan: Taliban summons Pakistan's chargé d'affaires over Kunar airstrikes

Pakistan strikes Afghanistan: Taliban summons Pakistan's chargé d'affaires over Kunar strikes

Despite Pak army chief Asim Munir's attempt to project Pakistan as a security provider in West Asia, the ground reality is stark. The internal security situation has deteriorated under his watch, with a spike in terrorism.Pak authorities have largely attributed this to Fitna al-Khawarij. Holding it responsible for the recent terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan claimed to have targeted its terrorist camps and hideouts in Afghanistan a few hours earlier.While Islamabad declared the killing of 28 terrorists, the Taliban stated that three civilians lost their lives...Now, it is worth noting that Pakistan announced that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, will be officially referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij in July 2024.What was the rationale behind this move?The name change was a bid to delegitimise this outfit, which Pakistan claimed had distorted the image of Islam.A notification issued by Pakistan's interior ministry stated that TTP's activities are detrimental and in contradiction to the true teachings of Islam. It also directed that religious titles such as Mufti and Hafiz should not be used for those associated with TTP.Let's break this down further.Formed in 2007 under Baitullah Mehsud's leadership, TTP saw disparate terror outfits coming together, with an aim of overthrowing the Pakistani government and ruling as per its interpretation of Islamic law.It is widely regarded as one of the deadliest terror groups operating on Pakistani soil, having killed hundreds of military personnel and civilians.In 2011, TTP was added to the UNSC sanctions list.Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has accused it of supporting TTP, leading to a further rise in terror attacks. But the Afghan Taliban has denied this claim.TTP is believed to have an estimated strength of up to five thousand fighters at present.Now, Pakistan's deteriorating security situation is also evident from hard data.According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan has already witnessed 1,880 terrorism-related incidents this year.This marks the highest tally since 2014, which saw over 2,700 such incidents.662 civilians and over 1,020 security personnel have lost their lives.As Pakistan struggles to deal with this and backs cross-border terrorism at the same time, it would do well to recall a warning issued in 2011.The then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, and I quote her, 'you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours'.

Pakistan has labelled Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna Al-Khawarij. Here's what the group is, why Islamabad considers it a major threat and its role in rising terror attacks.

Despite Pak army chief Asim Munir's attempt to project Pakistan as a security provider in West Asia, the ground reality is stark. The internal security situation has deteriorated under his watch, with a spike in terrorism. Pak authorities have largely attributed this to Fitna al-Khawarij. Holding it responsible for the recent terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan claimed to have targeted its terrorist camps and hideouts in Afghanistan a few hours earlier. While Islamabad declared the killing of 28 terrorists, the Taliban stated that three civilians lost their lives... Now, it is worth noting that Pakistan announced that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, will be officially referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij in July 2024. What was the rationale behind this move? The name change was a bid to delegitimise this outfit, which Pakistan claimed had distorted the image of Islam. A notification issued by Pakistan's interior ministry stated that TTP's activities are detrimental and in contradiction to the true teachings of Islam. It also directed that religious titles such as Mufti and Hafiz should not be used for those associated with TTP. Let's break this down further. Formed in 2007 under Baitullah Mehsud's leadership, TTP saw disparate terror outfits coming together, with an aim of overthrowing the Pakistani government and ruling as per its interpretation of Islamic law. It is widely regarded as one of the deadliest terror groups operating on Pakistani soil, having killed hundreds of military personnel and civilians. In 2011, TTP was added to the UNSC sanctions list. Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has accused it of supporting TTP, leading to a further rise in terror attacks. But the Afghan Taliban has denied this claim. TTP is believed to have an estimated strength of up to five thousand fighters at present. Now, Pakistan's deteriorating security situation is also evident from hard data. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan has already witnessed 1,880 terrorism-related incidents this year. This marks the highest tally since 2014, which saw over 2,700 such incidents. 662 civilians and over 1,020 security personnel have lost their lives. As Pakistan struggles to deal with this and backs cross-border terrorism at the same time, it would do well to recall a warning issued in 2011. The then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, and I quote her, 'you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours'.

Pakistan has labelled Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna Al-Khawarij. Here's what the group is, why Islamabad considers it a major threat and its role in rising terror attacks.

Fitna Al-Khawarij: Decoding biggest security threat to Pakistan | Gravitas

Pakistan signed the Mecca Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye with a very clear promise: an armed attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all three. So here's an uncomfortable question for Field Marshal Asim Munir: what is the impact of this pact?Where is this pact when the Saudis are being attacked by Houthis?Saudi Arabia is facing repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks. Riyadh has been seeking additional military assistance.And what's Pakistan's response?They condemned it. They called for restraint.But no military response under the Mecca Pact.And here's Munir's rather weak reason for not getting involved: the agreement still needs mechanisms and frameworks before its operationalised.That creates an awkward little problem: if an attack on one is an attack on all, when exactly does "all" actually mean all?There is another irony Pakistan cannot escape. While presenting itself as a pillar of regional security, Pakistan is killing civilians in Afghanistan.Just today, Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing 3 locals.Was the Mecca Pact designed as a defence alliance or as a diplomatic declaration that sounds strongest before the first shot is fired?Alliances are ultimately tested not by signatures, ceremonies or speeches. They are tested when an ally calls for help.The Mecca Pact is being tested by reality, and it seems to be failing so far.

The Mecca Defence Pact faces scrutiny as Houthi attacks target Saudi Arabia while Pakistan has not mounted a military response.

Pakistan signed the Mecca Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye with a very clear promise: an armed attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all three. So here's an uncomfortable question for Field Marshal Asim Munir: what is the impact of this pact? Where is this pact when the Saudis are being attacked by Houthis? Saudi Arabia is facing repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks. Riyadh has been seeking additional military assistance. And what's Pakistan's response? They condemned it. They called for restraint. But no military response under the Mecca Pact. And here's Munir's rather weak reason for not getting involved: the agreement still needs mechanisms and frameworks before its operationalised. That creates an awkward little problem: if an attack on one is an attack on all, when exactly does "all" actually mean all? There is another irony Pakistan cannot escape. While presenting itself as a pillar of regional security, Pakistan is killing civilians in Afghanistan. Just today, Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing 3 locals. Was the Mecca Pact designed as a defence alliance or as a diplomatic declaration that sounds strongest before the first shot is fired? Alliances are ultimately tested not by signatures, ceremonies or speeches. They are tested when an ally calls for help. The Mecca Pact is being tested by reality, and it seems to be failing so far.

The Mecca Defence Pact faces scrutiny as Houthi attacks target Saudi Arabia while Pakistan has not mounted a military response.

The Verdict | The Mecca Agreement is under scrutiny as Houthis attack Saudis

Pakistan's crackdown on Imran Khan's family has escalated fast. A day after sister Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore, sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were also placed under 30-day detention under Punjab's Maintenance of Public Order law. Imran's son Kasim Khan called it "a disgrace," alleging his aunts and cousins Shershah, Shahrez, Azeem and Sakeenah were taken from their homes with no explanation. PTI says the arrests are political victimisation, timed just before its September 27 protest march demanding Imran Khan's release.


Imran Khan's sisters, nephews detained as crackdown widens ahead of PTI march 

A new UNICEF report reveals nearly 1 in 16 internet-using children in Pakistan, roughly 1.5 million kids aged 12-17, experienced online sexual exploitation in just one year. Most disturbingly, 85% of perpetrators were already known to their victims. The abuse often starts innocently, through online games or friendly chats, before escalating into coercion. With 71% of victims staying silent due to stigma and fear, UNICEF is calling for stronger protections across schools, platforms, and law enforcement.


UNICEF finds 1.5 million Pakistani children faced online abuse, 85% knew their abuser

Jamaat-e-Islami launched its "Super Long March" from Karachi's Cantt Station, with chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman leading the Rehman Baba Express toward Islamabad, demanding the petroleum levy be scrapped entirely. Islamabad authorities have sealed off the Red Zone with shipping containers as protest caravans converge from Multan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Talks with a government delegation earlier failed to break the deadlock, with Rehman warning the protest could turn into a push to oust the government if demands aren't met.


Jamaat-e-Islami's 'super long march' departs Karachi as Islamabad seals red zone with containers

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Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan detained ahead of September 27 protest

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have reportedly seized the strategic Red Sea port of Mocha, raising concerns over control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The group has also carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia, with around 70 people reportedly wounded. The escalating threats to Saudi energy, civilian and defence infrastructure are raising questions over the possible operationalisation of the Mecca Pact involving Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan.

Will the Houthi attacks activate the Mecca pact?

The death toll from an explosion and gun attack at a police headquarters in northern Pakistan has risen to at least 31, including 16 police personnel. More than 100 people have been injured, with fighting reportedly still ongoing.

Pak: A series of counter terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 

Pakistan is deepening ties with Washington as Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir meets U.S. drone maker Powerus, which has signed an MoU with the Pakistan Army and secured an initial order for unmanned aerial systems. Powerus is set to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly says there is no conflict of interest.The deal comes amid a broader Pakistan-U.S. rapprochement, with Munir cultivating ties with President Donald Trump and Pakistan also exploring cooperation with Trump-linked interests in areas including cryptocurrency.


Pak buys Trump support via drone deal with Trump family-backed company

Pakistan appears increasingly caught in a difficult position as the conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces intensifies.

The Mecca Pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey has added another layer of pressure, with the agreement committing the countries to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Islamabad is now facing questions over whether the escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could eventually force it to respond.

At the same time, the Houthi push toward Yemen’s Red Sea coastline is raising fresh concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s key maritime trade routes. Any major disruption could further threaten global shipping and energy supplies, particularly as the wider Hormuz crisis continues to affect oil markets.

Pakistan has long sought to balance its relationships with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. With tensions rising across West Asia, that balancing act is facing one of its biggest tests yet.

Watch the full report for the latest developments, Pakistan’s dilemma and the growing risks to regional and global energy security.

Pak defence minister says 'time has come to implement pact'

India’s top drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has issued a public health advisory warning consumers against using unauthorised fairness creams manufactured in Pakistan. Lab tests confirmed that products like 'Goree Beauty Cream' and 'Chandni Whitening Cream' contain excessive levels of heavy metals—including toxic mercury and lead—well beyond permissible safety limits, posing severe health risks.   


Pakistan-made fairness creams rife with heavy metals, warns India

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawja Asif on Wednesday said that the country was ready to fulfil its obligation under the Mecca Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey following what Riyadh described as an attempted drone incursion near the Muslim holy city of Mecca.&nbsp;“The Makkah Agreement applies to us, and we will fulfil our duty,” Asif told Geo News.&nbsp;“If Mecca is attacked, there is no need for an agreement to protect it,” Asif was quoted as saying. He said that there would be “absolutely no ambiguity” about its application when the attack violates the territorial integrity and geographical boundaries of any of its signatories.&nbsp;Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Pakistan remains committed to helping Saudi Arabia thwart any attacks. “However, when, how, where and what force will be used against what objectives, in which modes and matters — operational confidentiality requires us to be discreet at this stage.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-govt-modi-birthday-celebrations-aap-satya-niketan-deaths-1789641273972">AAP slams Delhi government's Modi birthday celebrations as 'insensitive' days after Satya Niketan collapse</a>Asif also added that Iran as a nation will not open up another front in the war, while distinguishing between Iranian state and non-state actors in the region. He said the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-al-Mandeb are absolutely critical to regional trade, and disruptions are already adversely affecting Pakistan's economy.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also stated that Islamabad stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Riyadh. He condemned the attack near the holy site and called for maximum restraint.Houthis have already denied targeting the Muslim holy city of Mecca, with a member of the group's political bureau calling Riyadh's claim a lie.&nbsp;Hizam al-Asad said in a post on the social media platform X, "The fabrications and lies promoted by the criminal Al Saud regime regarding the targeting of the Honourable Mecca cannot deceive anyone, for it is they who desecrate it with debauchery and licentiousness and by importing prostitutes, and there is no threat from Yemen to the sanctities. Our operations target its oil facilities and military bases, which are far removed from the sacred sites."Yemeni cartoonist Kamal Sharaf mocked Saudi Arabia’s claim that Ansarallah attempted to attack Mecca, depicting a Saudi figure beside a burning oil barrel with an image of the Kaaba taped over it. “Aramco is not the Kaaba,” Sharaf wrote.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A Yemeni Cartoonist Mocks Saudi Arabia’s Claims That Mecca Was Targeted By Missile Fire As Saudis war on Yemen catastrophically backfires, Riyadh claimed that the City of Mecca was the target of a missile strike from the Yemeni Armed Forces. There was never any evidence of this… <a href="https://t.co/DcYMTdBcxU">pic.twitter.com/DcYMTdBcxU</a>&mdash; MintPress News (@MintPressNews) <a href="https://x.com/MintPressNews/status/2100312122752200931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yemeni government forces are trying to halt the Houthi progress on several fronts, including Khabub mountain near Bab-al-Mandeb, and Taiz. Saudi Arabia is providing air support. Houthis on Thursday said three children had been killed in government strikes, according to the group's media. While one person have been killed and two ⁠others injured in a drone ⁠interception in Saudi Arabia’s southwest governorate of Taif.&nbsp;

Pakistan says it will fulfil its obligations under the Mecca Defence Agreement after Saudi Arabia reported a Houthi drone incident near Mecca.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawja Asif on Wednesday said that the country was ready to fulfil its obligation under the Mecca Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey following what Riyadh described as an attempted drone incursion near the Muslim holy city of Mecca. “The Makkah Agreement applies to us, and we will fulfil our duty,” Asif told Geo News. “If Mecca is attacked, there is no need for an agreement to protect it,” Asif was quoted as saying. He said that there would be “absolutely no ambiguity” about its application when the attack violates the territorial integrity and geographical boundaries of any of its signatories. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Pakistan remains committed to helping Saudi Arabia thwart any attacks. “However, when, how, where and what force will be used against what objectives, in which modes and matters — operational confidentiality requires us to be discreet at this stage.” Also Read: AAP slams Delhi government's Modi birthday celebrations as 'insensitive' days after Satya Niketan collapse Asif also added that Iran as a nation will not open up another front in the war, while distinguishing between Iranian state and non-state actors in the region. He said the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-al-Mandeb are absolutely critical to regional trade, and disruptions are already adversely affecting Pakistan's economy. Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also stated that Islamabad stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Riyadh. He condemned the attack near the holy site and called for maximum restraint. Houthis have already denied targeting the Muslim holy city of Mecca, with a member of the group's political bureau calling Riyadh's claim a lie. Hizam al-Asad said in a post on the social media platform X, "The fabrications and lies promoted by the criminal Al Saud regime regarding the targeting of the Honourable Mecca cannot deceive anyone, for it is they who desecrate it with debauchery and licentiousness and by importing prostitutes, and there is no threat from Yemen to the sanctities. Our operations target its oil facilities and military bases, which are far removed from the sacred sites." Yemeni cartoonist Kamal Sharaf mocked Saudi Arabia’s claim that Ansarallah attempted to attack Mecca, depicting a Saudi figure beside a burning oil barrel with an image of the Kaaba taped over it. “Aramco is not the Kaaba,” Sharaf wrote.