The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded its first physical protection advisory mission to Pakistan, stating that the country has established a "robust nuclear security regime" for its nuclear material and facilities. The mission, conducted from September 28 to October 9, reviewed Pakistan's legislative framework and assessed measures at a nuclear facility, noting continuous improvements and contributions to nuclear security expertise.
Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to deploy military forces in Saudi Arabia as part of the Makkah Alliance for Defence. This decision follows recent attacks by Houthi rebels and aims to strengthen collective deterrence against threats to Saudi Arabia. The alliance, formed in August, considers an attack on one member as an attack on all.
Pakistan has summoned India's Charge d'Affaires to protest the killing of two alleged civilians by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the international border in Punjab. While India claims the individuals were intruders, Pakistan asserts they were unarmed civilians and demands a transparent investigation into the incident.
Pakistan has welcomed an Indian delegation's visit to Islamabad for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, marking the first such visit after a significant gap. The visit is seen as a positive step towards regional peace and cooperation, with Pakistan also commenting on other international and domestic issues.
Top defence officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have affirmed their commitment to the Makkah Defence Alliance, a trilateral pact aimed at collective security against threats, particularly from Yemen's Houthi rebels. The alliance, formed last month, considers an attack on one as an attack on all, and its members met in Riyadh to discuss intelligence sharing, military coordination, and capability integration to defend Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reiterated the nation's unwavering commitment to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, underscoring its role in regional security following an attempted drone attack near the holy city of Mecca. The pact, signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, establishes a framework for collective deterrence against armed attacks.
Pakistan's government is exploring measures, including potential smart lockdowns and austerity, to reduce petroleum consumption. This comes after recent fuel price hikes driven by rising global oil prices and West Asia tensions, which have also raised concerns about oil supply disruptions. The government is also implementing a fuel relief scheme and faces public pressure over the price increases.
Pakistan continues to offer a 7 million rupee reward for information leading to the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, who remains on the Federal Investigation Agency's "Red Book" of most-wanted terrorists. This development comes ahead of the Financial Action Task Force's plenary meeting, highlighting Pakistan's ongoing efforts against terror financing.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning that the Makkah Defence Alliance, a newly formed pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, stands ready to activate its collective defence provisions in response to escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has described militants operating in Balochistan as 'foreign-sponsored proxies' actively working to destabilise the province and obstruct its development.
Imran Khan has been declared 'medically fit' by a team of doctors after a comprehensive examination at Shifa International Hospital.
Pakistan summoned US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker to lodge a "strong demarche" following remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of India. Pakistan's Foreign Office condemned Gor's characterisation, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory and that the US ambassador's statement contradicted the US's long-standing position and commitment to international law.
Pakistan is set to bestow its highest civilian honour, Nishan-e-Imtiaz, upon two Mumbai-based Parsi doctors. The award recognises their crucial role in maintaining the secrecy surrounding Muhammad Ali Jinnah's terminal illness, a secret that a federal minister suggests was pivotal in the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital for a medical examination concerning an eye ailment. This directive comes despite jail authorities claiming his eyesight was "almost normal," following petitions from his legal team expressing dissatisfaction with government hospital treatment.
Five persons were arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Thursday in connection with its probe into a terror module of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, officials said.
Pakistan's military leadership has committed to securing the country's "rightful share" of water under the Indus Water Treaty, following India's actions post-Pahalgam attack. The military also expressed concerns over militant activities from Afghan territory and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris, vowing continued operations against terrorism.
Pakistan capital Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the US and Iran, a media report said Sunday.
UNESCO has warned Pakistan that two historical sites within the Taxila World Heritage site could be placed on a "danger list" or even delisted if "unnecessary interventions" and "reconstructions" are not reversed. The UN cultural agency highlighted concerns about new masonry replacing ancient walls and increased wall heights, compromising the authenticity of the sites. Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the work constitutes conservation, not reconstruction.
Pakistan and Qatar have successfully mediated separate meetings between US and Iranian negotiators in Doha, reporting positive progress on a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at West Asian peace. Further discussions are planned after the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid and binding, rejecting India's decision to revoke it following a terror attack. He emphasised the treaty's role in regional peace and warned of "profound consequences" if Pakistan is deprived of its allocated waters. PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also proposed an international convention against the weaponisation of waterways.
