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Qatar announced a ceasefire deal between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Doha talks. Khawaja Asif said both sides will meet in Istanbul on Oct 25 to firm up mechanisms. Islamabad and Kabul pledged to respect sovereignty and curb cross-border militancy. Ishaq Dar called it a first step and urged a verifiable monitoring system. The move follows recent clashes and precision strikes along the porous frontier.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf is in the US for talks on maritime cooperation. He met senior US Navy, Coast Guard and State Department officials. Discussions focused on regional security, training and joint initiatives. ISPR calls the trip a sign of durable defence ties. The visit builds on recent army and air force engagements in Washington.
Islamabad announced a 48-hour truce with the Afghan Taliban, effective 6pm, to enable talks. Pakistani forces earlier hit Taliban brigades in Kandahar, claiming heavy militant losses. ISPR said an attack in Spin Boldak was repelled and the Friendship Gate on Afghan side was damaged. Fresh clashes in Kurram saw eight Afghan posts and six tanks destroyed, officials added. Pakistan cites UN reports and ongoing security operations as tensions persist along the border.
ISPR reported repelling an Afghan Taliban assault in Spin Boldak, killing 15–20. The army said the Afghan side damaged the Friendship Gate and used villages for cover. Overnight in Kurram, eight posts and six tanks were destroyed, with 25–30 militants killed. Security sources said Kabul’s side sought a ceasefire after retaliatory strikes. Pakistan warned it would counter any aggression with full force.
COAS Asim Munir briefed President Zardari on recent Afghan Taliban actions along the border. Military updates included repelled attacks in Spin Boldak and strikes on Afghan posts and armour. Officials cited over 200 militant deaths and 23 Pakistani martyrs in recent clashes. Zardari voiced confidence in the forces and vowed to safeguard sovereignty. PM Shehbaz later met the president to review security and foreign-policy priorities.
Pakistan told a UN committee that India’s narrative on Kashmir is a “recycled script.” Islamabad said Kashmir is a UN-recognised dispute requiring a plebiscite. Allegations included mass arrests, extrajudicial killings and demographic changes. Pakistan framed a recent response to India as lawful self-defence under the UN Charter. The envoy accused New Delhi of backing militant proxies and stoking intolerance. Islamabad vowed continued diplomatic push for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Trump tells Israel’s Knesset the Gaza ceasefire ushers a “new Middle East.” He thanks Arab and Muslim mediators and signals openness to an Iran deal. Calls on Israel’s president to pardon PM Netanyahu during the address. Session briefly disrupted by a protesting MP; proceedings quickly resumed. Prisoner swaps tied to the truce continue as crowds celebrate in Gaza. Leaders gather in Egypt to reinforce guarantees and discuss next steps.
PTI petitions the Peshawar High Court to speed up CM-elect Sohail Afridi’s oath. Salman Akram Raja says the chief justice can nominate an official if needed. Governor’s doubts over Gandapur’s resignation fuel the transition dispute. Court seeks a report and adjourns until Tuesday as PTI presses urgency.
Sohail Afridi urges a rethink of Pakistan’s Afghan policy in his first speech. Says anti-terror strategy must include tribal elders and local stakeholders. Wins the CM vote amid an opposition boycott and procedural disputes. Vows loyalty to Imran Khan and warns against moving the PTI founder. Promises probes into alleged election irregularities.
Two Israeli MPs interrupt Trump’s Knesset speech with “Recognise Palestine” signs. Security escorts them out as the president continues his address. Lawmakers later argue that peace depends on Palestinian statehood. Trump frames the Gaza truce as proof diplomacy is advancing.
Hamas accepted a truce and hostage release without full Israeli pullout. Officials say Trump’s direct role convinced them he would enforce a deal. Mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey helped lock in first steps. Risk remains that Israel could resume operations after releases. Success hinges on enforcement, aid access and later political phases.
Washington and Doha sign a deal for training at Mountain Home AFB. Facility will host Qatari F-15s and pilots to boost interoperability. Pentagon stresses it remains a U.S.-controlled base. Agreement follows U.S. security assurances to Qatar amid Gaza tensions. Officials hail it as a deepening of a long-term defense partnership.
