Pakistan finds itself navigating an economic quagmire in 2025, balancing mounting pressures from the International Monetary Fund, soaring taxes, and a growing list of internal and external challenges. The nation has narrowly avoided a sovereign default, but the risks of another economic crisis loom large. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan Avoids Default With $7 Billion IMF Bailout

In 2024, a total of 270 terrorists were killed by security forces in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This included some high-profile militants with bounties on their heads, according to a report from the Provincial Police Department. The security forces arrested 802 suspects during anti-terror operations. In cases related to terrorism, the conviction rate also increased significantly from 13.3% last year to 38% in 2024. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan Terror Crackdown: 270 Terrorists Killed In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province In 2024

Pakistani women hope their life will change once they learns how to drive a motorcycle after undergoing a training program that teaches women how to operate two-wheelers in the bustling eastern city of Lahore.

Pakistan: 'WOW' Programme Has Trained At Least 60,000 Women To Drive So Far

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire after recent border clashes. This comes after Pakistan reportedly responded with retaliatory fire to firing by Taliban soldiers late on Saturday night. Watch in for more details!

Report: Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree To Truce After Deadly Border Skirmish

Pakistan: Women On Wheels | Driving School Programme Empowering Women

Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree On Truce After Pak Claims Taliban Forces Targeted Its Outposts

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on truce, Watch in for more details!

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on truce

Edited by: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/author/vikrant-singh" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Vikrant Singh</a>
Islamabad | At least one Pakistani soldier has died during clashes with Afghan Taliban forces amidst heightened tensions along the de-facto border, a source in Islamabad said Saturday (Dec 28). The clashes took place overnight as militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tried entering Pakistan near Kurram and North Waziristan points, the source claimed.
The clashes continued through the early hours of Saturday where Afghan Taliban forces and TTP militants opened fire on Pakistani soldiers using heavy weaponry along the frontier between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and Khost province in Afghanistan.
The source added that Pakistani retaliation resulted in &ldquo;heavy losses&rdquo; on the Afghan side, claiming that &ldquo;13 TTP and Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed and many were injured due to effective counter-fire by Pakistani military.&rdquo;
Sources in Afghanistan&rsquo;s Taliban-run defence ministry confirmed to WION about the killing of at least three soldiers while reporting injuries to nine others.
At least three soldiers sustained injuries in the battle, the Pakistani source said. News agency AFP reported citing sources that seven Pak soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire.
<h2>Timeline of escalation</h2>
The fresh escalation comes after Afghanistan&rsquo;s Taliban authorities earlier this week accused Pakistan of killing 46 people, mainly women and children, in air strikes near the border. Sources in Pakistan said the strikes were launched &nbsp;targeting &ldquo;terrorist hideouts&rdquo;; however, Islamabad has not confirmed it carried out the cross-border attack.
Tensions between the two nations are on the rise since Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. The Pakistani military had earlier carried out strikes in Afghanistan&rsquo;s border areas in March this year, killing eight civilians, as claimed by Taliban authorities.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-launches-strike-at-pakistan-islamabad-retaliates-sources-8572924">Afghanistan Taliban forces launch strike at Pakistan; Islamabad retaliates: Sources</a>
Pakistan&rsquo;s fresh strike on TTP militants came after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed raids on an army outpost earlier this month, which resulted in the death of 16 Pak soldiers.
&ldquo;We desire good ties with them (Kabul) but TTP should be stopped from killing our innocent people,&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a cabinet address Friday.
&ldquo;This is our red line,&rdquo; he added.

South Asia | The clashes continued through the early hours of Saturday where Afghan Taliban forces and TTP militants opened fire on Pakistani soldiers using heavy weaponry.

Edited by: Vikrant Singh Islamabad | At least one Pakistani soldier has died during clashes with Afghan Taliban forces amidst heightened tensions along the de-facto border, a source in Islamabad said Saturday (Dec 28). The clashes took place overnight as militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tried entering Pakistan near Kurram and North Waziristan points, the source claimed. The clashes continued through the early hours of Saturday where Afghan Taliban forces and TTP militants opened fire on Pakistani soldiers using heavy weaponry along the frontier between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and Khost province in Afghanistan. The source added that Pakistani retaliation resulted in “heavy losses” on the Afghan side, claiming that “13 TTP and Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed and many were injured due to effective counter-fire by Pakistani military.” Sources in Afghanistan’s Taliban-run defence ministry confirmed to WION about the killing of at least three soldiers while reporting injuries to nine others. At least three soldiers sustained injuries in the battle, the Pakistani source said. News agency AFP reported citing sources that seven Pak soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire. Timeline of escalation The fresh escalation comes after Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities earlier this week accused Pakistan of killing 46 people, mainly women and children, in air strikes near the border. Sources in Pakistan said the strikes were launched targeting “terrorist hideouts”; however, Islamabad has not confirmed it carried out the cross-border attack. Tensions between the two nations are on the rise since Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. The Pakistani military had earlier carried out strikes in Afghanistan’s border areas in March this year, killing eight civilians, as claimed by Taliban authorities. Also read: Afghanistan Taliban forces launch strike at Pakistan; Islamabad retaliates: Sources Pakistan’s fresh strike on TTP militants came after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed raids on an army outpost earlier this month, which resulted in the death of 16 Pak soldiers. “We desire good ties with them (Kabul) but TTP should be stopped from killing our innocent people,” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a cabinet address Friday. “This is our red line,” he added.

One Pakistani, Three Taliban soldiers dead amid clashes along border

Two security personnel were killed, and 11 others injured during an anti-terror operation in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to police. Watch to know more!

Pakistan: Several Terrorists, 2 Security Personnel Killed In Anti-Terror Operation

At least 19 Pakistani forces were killed in clashes between Pakistani and Afghan border guards at border posts in the two countries. Watch to know more!

BREAKING: Taliban Attack Pakistan, 19 Soldiers Killed | WION

BREAKING: Taliban Attacks Pakistan, 19 Soldiers Killed | WION

Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, the brother-in-law of Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and deputy chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), passed away in Lahore on Friday (December 27) following a heart attack, news agency PTI reported.
Makki, a key plotter behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 175 people and injured over 300 in 2008, was also the brother-in-law of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed. In January 2023, the United Nations designated him a global terrorist.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-mastermind-masood-azhar-makes-first-address-in-20-years-vows-to-renew-operations-against-india-781772">Pulwama attack mastermind Masood Azhar makes first address in 20 years, vows to renew operations&nbsp;against&nbsp;India</a>
The JuD said that Makki had been unwell for several days and was receiving treatment for high diabetes at a private hospital in Lahore. A JuD official told PTI, "Makki suffered a cardiac arrest early this morning and he breathed his last in the hospital."
<h2>UN declared 'global terrorist'</h2>
Makki was arrested by Pakistani authorities in May 2019 and placed under house arrest in Lahore. In 2020, he was convicted by a Pakistani court on terror financing charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. Last year, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) declared him a "global terrorist".
In addition to the 26/11 attacks, Makki was wanted by Indian security forces for his involvement in the Red Fort attack of December 22, 2000, when six LeT terrorists charged into the fort and opened fire on security personnel stationed there.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-suspected-pakistan-trained-terrorist-with-tehreek-ul-mujahideen-links-arrested-in-bengal-786049">India: Suspected Pakistan-trained terrorist with Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen links arrested in Bengal</a>
Makki&rsquo;s speeches inciting violence against India led to his inclusion in the US Treasury Department&rsquo;s list of designated and sanctioned terrorists in November 2010. At the time, the department said, "Treasury also acted against Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, head of LeT&rsquo;s political affairs department, for acting for or on behalf of LET." 
(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan | Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, a key plotter behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 175 people and injured over 300 in 2008

Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, the brother-in-law of Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and deputy chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), passed away in Lahore on Friday (December 27) following a heart attack, news agency PTI reported. Makki, a key plotter behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 175 people and injured over 300 in 2008, was also the brother-in-law of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed. In January 2023, the United Nations designated him a global terrorist. Also read: Pulwama attack mastermind Masood Azhar makes first address in 20 years, vows to renew operations against India The JuD said that Makki had been unwell for several days and was receiving treatment for high diabetes at a private hospital in Lahore. A JuD official told PTI, "Makki suffered a cardiac arrest early this morning and he breathed his last in the hospital." UN declared 'global terrorist' Makki was arrested by Pakistani authorities in May 2019 and placed under house arrest in Lahore. In 2020, he was convicted by a Pakistani court on terror financing charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. Last year, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) declared him a "global terrorist". In addition to the 26/11 attacks, Makki was wanted by Indian security forces for his involvement in the Red Fort attack of December 22, 2000, when six LeT terrorists charged into the fort and opened fire on security personnel stationed there. Also read: India: Suspected Pakistan-trained terrorist with Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen links arrested in Bengal Makki’s speeches inciting violence against India led to his inclusion in the US Treasury Department’s list of designated and sanctioned terrorists in November 2010. At the time, the department said, "Treasury also acted against Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, head of LeT’s political affairs department, for acting for or on behalf of LET." (With inputs from agencies)

26/11 Mumbai attack plotter Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki dies of 'heart attack' in Pakistan

On Tuesday (December 24) night, the Pakistani military reportedly bombed four locations of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province.
Security officials told Pakistani media that several suspected terrorists were killed and wounded in the strikes. Meanwhile, the ruling Taliban administration in Afghanistan said that a total of 46 people, including women and children, were killed in the strikes.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-government-spokesperson-claims-46-killed-in-pakistans-overnight-strike-786677" rel="dofollow">Afghanistan: Taliban government spokesperson claims 46 killed in Pakistan's overnight strike</a>
TTP pledges allegiance to, and gets its name from, the Afghan Taliban, but is not directly a part of the group that now rules Afghanistan.&nbsp;
This was the first cross-border strike inside Afghanistan in March. The strikes came hours after Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan&rsquo;s special representative for Afghanistan, travelled to Kabul to discuss a range of issues, including how to enhance bilateral trade and improve ties.
<h2>Who is the TTP?</h2>
More commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, the TTP is an alliance of formerly disparate militant groups which came together in 2007 following the Pakistani military's operations against Al-Qaeda in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
The TTP is rooted along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. According to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the TTP's stated objective "is the overthrow of the elected government of Pakistan in order to establish an emirate based on its interpretation of Islamic law."
Since its formation, the TTP has carried out multiple attacks in Pakistan which has killed numerous military and law enforcement personnel, and civilians.
During a UNSC briefing last week, Pakistani diplomat Usman Iqbal Jadoon said, "The TTP, with 6,000 fighters, is the largest listed terrorist organisation operating in Afghanistan. With safe havens close to our border, it poses a direct and daily threat to Pakistan&rsquo;s security."
Islamabad has maintained that it repeatedly shared evidence with the Afghan Taliban regarding the TTP attacks but claims these concerns had not been adequately addressed by Kabul.&nbsp;
<h2>The notable attacks of the TTP</h2>
&gt; On December 14, 2014, six TTP terrorists attacked the Army Public School in Pakistan's Peshawar- killing 149 people including 132 students. More than 100 others were injured in the attack.
&gt; The attack in the Army Public School came just months after ten TTP terrorists disguised as members of the airport security force attacked the Jinnah International Airport on June 8, killing 34 people and wounding a dozen others.&nbsp;
&gt; On April 5, 2010, at least five TTP terrorists attacked the US Consulate in Peshawar, killing six people and wounding 20 others.
<h2>Pakistan faces deadly escalation in militant violence</h2>
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 757 people were killed and nearly as many injured in the first eight months of 2024. Citing analysts, a report by DW said that 254 people were killed in August alone.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused the TTP of conducting operations inside Pakistan.
In July, a report by the UN described the TTP as "the largest terrorist group" in Afghanistan and said it receives immense support from Kabul's Taliban rulers to conduct cross-border attacks inside Pakistan.
The Pakistani military's strikes against the TTP in eastern Paktika province came after a major attack by the terrorist organisation in Pakistan's South Waziristan area - directly borders the location of the alleged camp targeted in Afghanistan - killed 16 security personnel on Saturday.
<h2>'Pakistan should understand that...'</h2>
In a post on X, Enayatullah Khowarazami, spokesperson for Afghanistan&rsquo;s defence ministry, said early Wednesday, "The Pakistani side should understand that such arbitrary measures are not a solution to any problem."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-pakistan-bombed-four-afghan-locations-8567089" rel="dofollow">Why Pakistan bombed four Afghan locations</a>
&ldquo;The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered and considers the defence of its territory an inalienable right,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>'Strikes represent a clear warning to TTP...'</h2>
Speaking to the news agency Associated Press, Islamabad-based security expert Syed Muhammad Ali said on Wednesday that Tuesday's strikes represented a "clear and blunt warning to the TTP that Pakistan will use all the available means against the terrorist outfit both inside and outside its borders.&rdquo;
However, it is not an indiscriminate use of force and due care was taken by Pakistan in ensuring that only the terrorist bases were hit and no civilian loss of life and property took place, Ali added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The UNSC reports that the TTP aims to dismantle Pakistan's government to create an emirate governed by its Islamic law interpretation, posing a significant threat to stability.

On Tuesday (December 24) night, the Pakistani military reportedly bombed four locations of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province. Security officials told Pakistani media that several suspected terrorists were killed and wounded in the strikes. Meanwhile, the ruling Taliban administration in Afghanistan said that a total of 46 people, including women and children, were killed in the strikes. Also read | Afghanistan: Taliban government spokesperson claims 46 killed in Pakistan's overnight strike TTP pledges allegiance to, and gets its name from, the Afghan Taliban, but is not directly a part of the group that now rules Afghanistan. This was the first cross-border strike inside Afghanistan in March. The strikes came hours after Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, travelled to Kabul to discuss a range of issues, including how to enhance bilateral trade and improve ties. Who is the TTP? More commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, the TTP is an alliance of formerly disparate militant groups which came together in 2007 following the Pakistani military's operations against Al-Qaeda in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The TTP is rooted along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. According to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the TTP's stated objective "is the overthrow of the elected government of Pakistan in order to establish an emirate based on its interpretation of Islamic law." Since its formation, the TTP has carried out multiple attacks in Pakistan which has killed numerous military and law enforcement personnel, and civilians. During a UNSC briefing last week, Pakistani diplomat Usman Iqbal Jadoon said, "The TTP, with 6,000 fighters, is the largest listed terrorist organisation operating in Afghanistan. With safe havens close to our border, it poses a direct and daily threat to Pakistan’s security." Islamabad has maintained that it repeatedly shared evidence with the Afghan Taliban regarding the TTP attacks but claims these concerns had not been adequately addressed by Kabul. The notable attacks of the TTP > On December 14, 2014, six TTP terrorists attacked the Army Public School in Pakistan's Peshawar- killing 149 people including 132 students. More than 100 others were injured in the attack. > The attack in the Army Public School came just months after ten TTP terrorists disguised as members of the airport security force attacked the Jinnah International Airport on June 8, killing 34 people and wounding a dozen others. > On April 5, 2010, at least five TTP terrorists attacked the US Consulate in Peshawar, killing six people and wounding 20 others. Pakistan faces deadly escalation in militant violence According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 757 people were killed and nearly as many injured in the first eight months of 2024. Citing analysts, a report by DW said that 254 people were killed in August alone. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the TTP of conducting operations inside Pakistan. In July, a report by the UN described the TTP as "the largest terrorist group" in Afghanistan and said it receives immense support from Kabul's Taliban rulers to conduct cross-border attacks inside Pakistan. The Pakistani military's strikes against the TTP in eastern Paktika province came after a major attack by the terrorist organisation in Pakistan's South Waziristan area - directly borders the location of the alleged camp targeted in Afghanistan - killed 16 security personnel on Saturday. 'Pakistan should understand that...' In a post on X, Enayatullah Khowarazami, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s defence ministry, said early Wednesday, "The Pakistani side should understand that such arbitrary measures are not a solution to any problem." Also read | Why Pakistan bombed four Afghan locations “The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered and considers the defence of its territory an inalienable right,” he added. 'Strikes represent a clear warning to TTP...' Speaking to the news agency Associated Press, Islamabad-based security expert Syed Muhammad Ali said on Wednesday that Tuesday's strikes represented a "clear and blunt warning to the TTP that Pakistan will use all the available means against the terrorist outfit both inside and outside its borders.” However, it is not an indiscriminate use of force and due care was taken by Pakistan in ensuring that only the terrorist bases were hit and no civilian loss of life and property took place, Ali added. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Who is the TTP whose camps were struck by Pakistan in Afghanistan?

On Tuesday (December 24) night, Pakistani fighter jets carried out airstrikes on four locations in Afghanistan&rsquo;s eastern Paktika province, targeting camps linked to the banned group, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to security officials, several suspected militants were killed or injured in the operation. The Afghan defence ministry, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that Pakistani forces had carried out the airstrikes. However, the Afghan Taliban claimed that the attack also caused casualties among civilians, including children.&nbsp;
Sources revealed that the airstrikes targeted TTP camps in the Murgha and Laman areas of Bernal district. One of the camps was reportedly used by key figures, including Sher Zaman, also known as Mukhlis Yar, Commander Abu Hamza, Commander Akhtar Muhammad and the head of TTP&rsquo;s media wing, Umar Media.&nbsp;
This was reportedly the second time since March that Pakistan had carried out an attack targeting what it claims are hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in areas along the Afghan border. Pakistan often accuses the TTP of using Afghan territory as a base to plan and launch attacks on its soil. However, Afghanistan&rsquo;s government has denied these allegations.&nbsp;
The airstrikes happened on the same day that a Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, visited Kabul. They met interim Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi to restart diplomatic talks after a year-long break.&nbsp;
Pakistan has faced a rise in violence since the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), an ally of the Afghan Taliban, ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. In 2023 alone, over 700 attacks claimed nearly 1,000 lives.&nbsp;
The Pakistani government blames the Afghan Taliban for giving shelter to the TTP. Over the years, Pakistan has tried different ways to control the TTP, such as holding talks, building a border fence with Afghanistan and urging the Afghan government to stop supporting the group. In October 2023, Pakistan expelled over 500,000 Afghan refugees and, in July 2024, a second phase began to expel another 800,000.&nbsp;
Pakistan has little control over the violence in its border areas with Afghanistan. It can no longer use its past support for the Taliban during the US war to stop the TTP. Pakistan is, thus, stuck in a problem it created itself. The Taliban leaders it supported during the 20-year war in Afghanistan are now protecting militant groups that attack Pakistan.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-launches-airstrike-in-afghanistan-civilians-suffer-no-official-confirmation-from-islamabad-786628" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts</a>
<h2>Cause of Conflict Between Former Allies&nbsp;</h2>
Pakistan and Afghanistan have had a troubled relationship in recent years, but the main issues&mdash;disputes over the border and violence across it&mdash;have been problems for a long time. Since Pakistan became independent, no Afghan government, including the current Taliban leadership, has accepted the official border, says Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. Both countries have also accused each other for years of hiding militants who launch attacks across the border, according to TIME.com.&nbsp;
The Durand Line, a border drawn during colonial times, spans over 1,640 miles (2,640 km) and officially separates Pakistan from Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan has never accepted this border and the Taliban have taken an even tougher stance on the issue. This has led to several clashes between Taliban fighters and Pakistani soldiers working on border fencing, often causing the closure of key border crossings.&nbsp;
Border tensions have worsened because the Taliban have taken a more forceful stand on the issue, says Kugelman. The border runs through tribal areas mostly populated by Pashtuns, the largest ethnic group living on both sides. Pakistan has promised to finish building a barbed-wire fence along the internationally accepted border, but the Taliban argue that it divides families.&nbsp;
Now that the war in Afghanistan is over, the Taliban no longer rely on Pakistan for safe havens or wartime help. Instead, it is focussing on gaining more support within Afghanistan, where many people have always been suspicious of Pakistan&rsquo;s government. According to Kugelman, by criticizing Pakistan, the Taliban hope to win some favour from among the Afghan people.&nbsp;
<h2>Pressure From China Cause of Operation?&nbsp;</h2>
Officials from Pakistan told BBC that the country&rsquo;s new military operation is being carried out because of pressure from China. Many Chinese workers are involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects under the &lsquo;Belt and Road&rsquo; initiative. In March, a suicide bomber, who Pakistan claimed was an Afghan citizen, attacked their convoy in northwest Pakistan, killing five Chinese engineers.&nbsp;
China has a lot of influence over the Taliban because it can invest in Afghanistan, which is struggling under sanctions. Kugelman explains that, if China uses the promise of investment to persuade the Taliban to reduce militant activities both inside Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan, it would benefit both China and Pakistan.&nbsp;
<h2>Pakistan&rsquo;s Ongoing Battle for Stability&nbsp;</h2>
The TTP was formed in 2007 as a group that brought together several hardline Sunni Islamist factions operating in Pakistan. This happened after Pakistan&rsquo;s military launched operations against al-Qaeda-linked militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).&nbsp;
Before merging with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, FATA covered 27,220 square kilometres along Pakistan&rsquo;s border with Afghanistan. The region was home to about 5 million people, mostly Pashtun tribes. It spanned a long, narrow strip with varying widths and included seven tribal agencies and six frontier regions. The region operated under a separate administrative system governed by colonial-era laws called the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), which gave significant authority to tribal elders while limiting the role of Pakistan&rsquo;s central government.&nbsp;
Known for its rugged terrain, tribal traditions and strategic location, FATA was historically challenging to govern due to its remote geography and the independence of its tribal communities. Following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the region became a hub for such militant groups as the Taliban and al-Qaeda. In 2018, FATA was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province in Pakistan, to integrate it into the country&rsquo;s mainstream legal and administrative system. This merger aimed to improve governance, boost development and strengthen security in the region.&nbsp;
The TTP was formed under the leadership of Baitullah Mehsud, who is no longer alive. The group is based along the Pak-Afghan border. It is estimated that the TTP has a membership of around 30,000 to 35,000 fighters. While the TTP operates in regions populated by Pashtuns, it does not represent the Pashtun people as a whole. In fact, many Pashtuns oppose the TTP and have been victims of their violence.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-government-spokesperson-claims-46-killed-in-pakistans-overnight-strike-786677" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Afghanistan: Taliban government spokesperson claims 46 killed in Pakistan's overnight strike</a>
The United Nations states that the main goal of the TTP is to overthrow Pakistan&rsquo;s elected government and replace it with an emirate&mdash;a government led by a religious leader or ruler under Islamic law&mdash;based on their strict interpretation of Islamic principles. The TTP has tried to weaken Pakistan by targeting the army and assassinating politicians. They have carried out many attacks, including suicide bombings, which have killed hundreds of soldiers, police officers and civilians.&nbsp;
The group has carried out some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan, targeting such places as churches and schools. They were also behind the 2012 attack on Malala Yousafzai, who was shot for speaking out against their attempts to stop women from getting educated. Despite the attack, Malala survived and continued her campaign for education rights.&nbsp;
After the Afghan Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, it gave new confidence to the TTP, whose leaders and fighters are hiding in Afghanistan. Since November 2022, when the TTP broke a ceasefire with the Pakistani government, attacks on Pakistani soldiers and police have increased. The ceasefire had been agreed upon during talks hosted by Afghanistan&rsquo;s government in Kabul, but the discussions failed. In recent months, the TTP has carried out numerous attacks in Pakistan, killing and injuring many soldiers.&nbsp;
<h2>Roots of Conflict &amp; Strategic Advantage&nbsp;</h2>
The main demand of the TTP is to undo the merger of FATA with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. This issue has remained a key focus for the group and they continue to push for it for several reasons. Although the TTP is not a single, unified group, its most influential faction has been the Mehsud group, mainly made up of Pashtuns, an ethnic community largely found in the FATA and KP regions of Pakistan.&nbsp;
The TTP uses the FATA regions to strengthen its operations and recruit new members because many local and migrant Pashtuns live in these areas. The TTP takes advantage of their unique political problems and dissatisfaction to gain support. Second, the FATA region gives the TTP a strategic advantage because of its location near the Afghan border. This allows the group to carry out cross-border operations and use Afghanistan as a safe hiding place. They also work with other militant groups, such as the Haqqani Network, taking advantage of shared ethnic and militant ties.&nbsp;

Pakistan has faced a rise in violence since the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), an ally of the Afghan Taliban, ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. In 2023 alone, over 700 attacks claimed nearly 1,000 lives.

On Tuesday (December 24) night, Pakistani fighter jets carried out airstrikes on four locations in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, targeting camps linked to the banned group, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to security officials, several suspected militants were killed or injured in the operation. The Afghan defence ministry, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that Pakistani forces had carried out the airstrikes. However, the Afghan Taliban claimed that the attack also caused casualties among civilians, including children. Sources revealed that the airstrikes targeted TTP camps in the Murgha and Laman areas of Bernal district. One of the camps was reportedly used by key figures, including Sher Zaman, also known as Mukhlis Yar, Commander Abu Hamza, Commander Akhtar Muhammad and the head of TTP’s media wing, Umar Media. This was reportedly the second time since March that Pakistan had carried out an attack targeting what it claims are hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in areas along the Afghan border. Pakistan often accuses the TTP of using Afghan territory as a base to plan and launch attacks on its soil. However, Afghanistan’s government has denied these allegations. The airstrikes happened on the same day that a Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, visited Kabul. They met interim Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi to restart diplomatic talks after a year-long break. Pakistan has faced a rise in violence since the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), an ally of the Afghan Taliban, ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. In 2023 alone, over 700 attacks claimed nearly 1,000 lives. The Pakistani government blames the Afghan Taliban for giving shelter to the TTP. Over the years, Pakistan has tried different ways to control the TTP, such as holding talks, building a border fence with Afghanistan and urging the Afghan government to stop supporting the group. In October 2023, Pakistan expelled over 500,000 Afghan refugees and, in July 2024, a second phase began to expel another 800,000. Pakistan has little control over the violence in its border areas with Afghanistan. It can no longer use its past support for the Taliban during the US war to stop the TTP. Pakistan is, thus, stuck in a problem it created itself. The Taliban leaders it supported during the 20-year war in Afghanistan are now protecting militant groups that attack Pakistan. Also read | Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts Cause of Conflict Between Former Allies Pakistan and Afghanistan have had a troubled relationship in recent years, but the main issues—disputes over the border and violence across it—have been problems for a long time. Since Pakistan became independent, no Afghan government, including the current Taliban leadership, has accepted the official border, says Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. Both countries have also accused each other for years of hiding militants who launch attacks across the border, according to TIME.com. The Durand Line, a border drawn during colonial times, spans over 1,640 miles (2,640 km) and officially separates Pakistan from Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan has never accepted this border and the Taliban have taken an even tougher stance on the issue. This has led to several clashes between Taliban fighters and Pakistani soldiers working on border fencing, often causing the closure of key border crossings. Border tensions have worsened because the Taliban have taken a more forceful stand on the issue, says Kugelman. The border runs through tribal areas mostly populated by Pashtuns, the largest ethnic group living on both sides. Pakistan has promised to finish building a barbed-wire fence along the internationally accepted border, but the Taliban argue that it divides families. Now that the war in Afghanistan is over, the Taliban no longer rely on Pakistan for safe havens or wartime help. Instead, it is focussing on gaining more support within Afghanistan, where many people have always been suspicious of Pakistan’s government. According to Kugelman, by criticizing Pakistan, the Taliban hope to win some favour from among the Afghan people. Pressure From China Cause of Operation? Officials from Pakistan told BBC that the country’s new military operation is being carried out because of pressure from China. Many Chinese workers are involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects under the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative. In March, a suicide bomber, who Pakistan claimed was an Afghan citizen, attacked their convoy in northwest Pakistan, killing five Chinese engineers. China has a lot of influence over the Taliban because it can invest in Afghanistan, which is struggling under sanctions. Kugelman explains that, if China uses the promise of investment to persuade the Taliban to reduce militant activities both inside Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan, it would benefit both China and Pakistan. Pakistan’s Ongoing Battle for Stability The TTP was formed in 2007 as a group that brought together several hardline Sunni Islamist factions operating in Pakistan. This happened after Pakistan’s military launched operations against al-Qaeda-linked militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Before merging with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, FATA covered 27,220 square kilometres along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. The region was home to about 5 million people, mostly Pashtun tribes. It spanned a long, narrow strip with varying widths and included seven tribal agencies and six frontier regions. The region operated under a separate administrative system governed by colonial-era laws called the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), which gave significant authority to tribal elders while limiting the role of Pakistan’s central government. Known for its rugged terrain, tribal traditions and strategic location, FATA was historically challenging to govern due to its remote geography and the independence of its tribal communities. Following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the region became a hub for such militant groups as the Taliban and al-Qaeda. In 2018, FATA was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province in Pakistan, to integrate it into the country’s mainstream legal and administrative system. This merger aimed to improve governance, boost development and strengthen security in the region. The TTP was formed under the leadership of Baitullah Mehsud, who is no longer alive. The group is based along the Pak-Afghan border. It is estimated that the TTP has a membership of around 30,000 to 35,000 fighters. While the TTP operates in regions populated by Pashtuns, it does not represent the Pashtun people as a whole. In fact, many Pashtuns oppose the TTP and have been victims of their violence. Also read | Afghanistan: Taliban government spokesperson claims 46 killed in Pakistan's overnight strike The United Nations states that the main goal of the TTP is to overthrow Pakistan’s elected government and replace it with an emirate—a government led by a religious leader or ruler under Islamic law—based on their strict interpretation of Islamic principles. The TTP has tried to weaken Pakistan by targeting the army and assassinating politicians. They have carried out many attacks, including suicide bombings, which have killed hundreds of soldiers, police officers and civilians. The group has carried out some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan, targeting such places as churches and schools. They were also behind the 2012 attack on Malala Yousafzai, who was shot for speaking out against their attempts to stop women from getting educated. Despite the attack, Malala survived and continued her campaign for education rights. After the Afghan Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, it gave new confidence to the TTP, whose leaders and fighters are hiding in Afghanistan. Since November 2022, when the TTP broke a ceasefire with the Pakistani government, attacks on Pakistani soldiers and police have increased. The ceasefire had been agreed upon during talks hosted by Afghanistan’s government in Kabul, but the discussions failed. In recent months, the TTP has carried out numerous attacks in Pakistan, killing and injuring many soldiers. Roots of Conflict & Strategic Advantage The main demand of the TTP is to undo the merger of FATA with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. This issue has remained a key focus for the group and they continue to push for it for several reasons. Although the TTP is not a single, unified group, its most influential faction has been the Mehsud group, mainly made up of Pashtuns, an ethnic community largely found in the FATA and KP regions of Pakistan. The TTP uses the FATA regions to strengthen its operations and recruit new members because many local and migrant Pashtuns live in these areas. The TTP takes advantage of their unique political problems and dissatisfaction to gain support. Second, the FATA region gives the TTP a strategic advantage because of its location near the Afghan border. This allows the group to carry out cross-border operations and use Afghanistan as a safe hiding place. They also work with other militant groups, such as the Haqqani Network, taking advantage of shared ethnic and militant ties.

Why Pakistan bombed four Afghan locations

Pakistan in rare airstrikes targeted multiple suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban inside neighboring Afghanistan. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan Launches Strikes On Suspected TTP Targets In Afghanistan

Pakistan Launches Series Airstrikes On Afghanistan

Pakistan Hits Suspected TTP Hideouts in Afghanistan

At a time when India and China are witnessing a gradual improvement in ties, there are reports suggesting that Pakistan and China are taking their military ties to all new heights.  The latest in the list of hardware that Pakistan is looking to procure from China is the J-35, a 5th generation fighter aircraft. This is the kind of fighter jet that India is at least a decade away from producing domestically. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan To Get Fighter Jets From China: What This Means To India's Air Defence Capailities?

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Islamabad, Pakistan
<meta charset="utf-8"/>The Pakistan government led by Shehbaz Sharif is planning to procure 40 of China’s new J-35 stealth fighter jets, as stated by a media outlet on Monday (23 Dec). 
The land-based version of the J-35 was called the J-31, according to previous reports. China is currently the only country in the region to have developed stealth aircraft. Further, if the deal gets through, this will mark the first time an export of a jet from China to a foreign ally. 
<h2>Pakistan Air Force's plan</h2>
&gt; The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reports stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 aircraft. 
&gt;  PAF’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters will be replaced by these aircrafts. 
&gt; In January, Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said, "The foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-dogfight-over-himalayas-between-indias-rafale-vs-chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-who-wins-326656">In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins?</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">China-Pakistan alliance</h2>
Until now there has been no official confirmation from Beijing or China's state media mentioning the deal; the conjecture increased after the J-35 was exhibited at the annual air show in Zhuhai last month. Senior PAF officials attended the event, which further triggered the talks about the potential acquisition.
There has been a strong military alliance between China and Pakistan. As Beijing persists in investing billions in modernising the armed forces of its own, it further plays a strong role in strengthening Pakistan's defence competence across all military branches. 
Watch | China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre' | IAEA Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia | WION Speed News
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2023/05/31/3105_NS_WION_SPEED_NEWS_1030AM-1685515211-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3105_NS_WION_SPEED_NEWS_1030AM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=810&tags=China,IAEA,Ukraine,Zaporizhzhia,Zelensky,North Korea,kyiv,World News" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
(With inputs from agencies)

As told by China's state-run People's Daily, the J-35A is for maintaining air supremacy missions. Both J-35 versions are smaller than China’s other aircraft, like the J-20.



Islamabad, Pakistan The Pakistan government led by Shehbaz Sharif is planning to procure 40 of China’s new J-35 stealth fighter jets, as stated by a media outlet on Monday (23 Dec). The land-based version of the J-35 was called the J-31, according to previous reports. China is currently the only country in the region to have developed stealth aircraft. Further, if the deal gets through, this will mark the first time an export of a jet from China to a foreign ally. Pakistan Air Force's plan > The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reports stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 aircraft. > PAF’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters will be replaced by these aircrafts. > In January, Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said, "The foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid." Also Read: In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins? China-Pakistan alliance Until now there has been no official confirmation from Beijing or China's state media mentioning the deal; the conjecture increased after the J-35 was exhibited at the annual air show in Zhuhai last month. Senior PAF officials attended the event, which further triggered the talks about the potential acquisition. There has been a strong military alliance between China and Pakistan. As Beijing persists in investing billions in modernising the armed forces of its own, it further plays a strong role in strengthening Pakistan's defence competence across all military branches. Watch | China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre' | IAEA Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia | WION Speed News (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to acquire 40 J-35 fighter jets from China: Reports

The Senate has convened a parliamentary session to discuss the UAE's visa restrictions and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. The session aims to address concerns related to the impact on Pakistani workers and their families abroad, with a focus on finding solutions to ease the visa challenges. Watch in for more details!

Pakistani Travellers Need Police Verification Report To Obtain UAE Visa

The Senate has convened a parliamentary session to discuss the UAE's visa restrictions and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. The session aims to address concerns related to the impact on Pakistani workers and their families abroad, with a focus on finding solutions to ease the visa challenges.

Pakistani Travellers Need Police Clearance For UAE Visa

The Senate has convened a parliamentary session to discuss the UAE's visa restrictions and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. The session aims to address concerns related to the impact on Pakistani workers and their families abroad, with a focus on finding solutions to ease the visa challenges.



Pakistani Travellers Need Police Verification For UAE Visa

Pakistan is set to purchase 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighter jets, marking China's first transfer of fifth-generation aircraft to a foreign ally. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan To Purchase Stealth Fighter Jets From China

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