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In Focus
The ban on the TLP takes effect
On 25 October, Dawn reported on the federal government formally enforcing a ban on the Tehreek‑e‑Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), notifying the decision under Statutory Regulatory Order 2011(1) of 2025 after the Punjab government’s proposal had been ratified by the federal cabinet. The party was declared a proscribed organisation under Section 11B(1)(a) of the Anti‑Terrorism Act 1997 and placed on the Act’s First Schedule. Authorities highlighted that this time no major religious or political organisation publicly backed the TLP, marking a departure from the party’s previous ban in 2021. The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) issued an advisory to all provinces, law-enforcement agencies, the banking sector and the Election Commission regarding restrictions applicable to the party, including the sealing of offices, limits on printed and digital promotional material, bans on press statements or conferences, financial sanctions, and curbs on political and social activities. Punjab authorities also took control of mosques linked to TLP supporters; the umbrella body Tanzeemat Ahl‑i‑Sunnat Pakistan expressed concerns over mosque takeovers and replacement of clerics in consultation with provincial officials. Meanwhile, a senior cleric associated with the Barelvi school of thought stated that the TLP was repeatedly violating agreements and distancing itself from senior religious leadership. (Kalbe Ali, "No religious group backs TLP as ban takes effect," Dawn, 25 October 2025)
Istanbul talks on Pakistan-Afghanistan border conflict: Islamabad wants an oversight mechanism
On 25 October, Dawn reported on Pakistan preparing to enter the second round of talks with Afghanistan in Istanbul, seeking the establishment of a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” to curb cross-border terrorism, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson. This follow-up to the Doha cease-fire agreement was expected to shift the process from political commitment to operational detail. Islamabad aimed to secure Afghan commitments on dismantling militant sanctuaries, intelligence-sharing, real-time monitoring and timelines for border control. Turkiye, playing host, was set to chair a technical committee that would develop definitions of cross-border terrorism, verification rules and a dispute-resolution mechanism. Kabul’s delegation, led by an interim interior ministry deputy, confirmed participation. Islamabad noted that the initial Doha truce had largely held and emphasised its participation “with the same sincerity of purpose” ahead of Istanbul. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, "Oversight mechanism on Pakistan’s wishlist at Istanbul talks today," Dawn, 25 October 2025)
Pakistan pushes for a central role in regional connectivity with the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul corridor
On 25 October, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared Pakistan stands as a vital connection point between China and Central Asia and the Middle East during the Regional Transport Ministers Conference closing session in Islamabad on 25 October. The Prime Minister told delegates from 20 nations and international organization representatives that CPEC and transnational transport corridors would establish Pakistan as a commercial and cooperative link between China and Central Asia and the Middle East.
The Prime Minister described economic cooperation as a beneficial opportunity for all participating nations while encouraging them to unite their development targets through joint infrastructure development and trade systems, including the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul corridor. The Prime Minister emphasised digital and technological connectivity while showing Pakistan's digital infrastructure growth and its large young population base, which reaches 60 per cent of the total population.
PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to Qatari investors to access Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) opportunities for energy and agricultural and tourism development. The Prime Minister praised Pakistani polio workers for their dedication to their work despite security risks while expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia and the Gates Foundation for their financial support of polio eradication programs. (Syed Irfan Raza, "Pakistan’s position vital to regional connectivity role: PM," Dawn, 25 October 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
CM Afridi announces launch of campaign for Imran’s release
On 25 October, The News International reported that during his first public meeting since he assumed office, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's new CM, Sohail Afridi, announced a campaign for Imran’s release. Earlier, he was not allowed to meet the PTI founder despite the Islamabad High Court directions. He announced that all his policies and actions would be in line with the vision of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf founder. He also reaffirmed that the party’s stance remains clear that there would be no military operations or drone attacks in the province under his leadership. (“CM Afridi announces launch of campaign for Imran’s release,” The News International, 25 October 2025)
SECURITY
Cops martyred in Hangu blasts
On 25 October, Dawn reported that successive remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) blasts at a checkpoint and roadside had jolted Hangu district. Three policemen were martyred. Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan is blamed for the result. In another development, eight TTP members, including a key TTP commander, were killed after a fierce exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation in Tank district. A sanitization process was underway in the area. (“SP among three cops martyred in Hangu blasts,” Dawn, 25 October 2025)
ECONOMY
Transit trade remains suspended at Chaman, but repatriation continues
On 25 October, Dawn reported that the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains closed for trade activities amid tensions with neighbouring Afghanistan. No commercial activities have happened between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as the Chaman border has remained closed for the last 12 days. For Afghan refugees returning to their home country, the border was open for a limited time. In another development, the suspension of customs clearance for both exports and imports at major border crossings, Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, and Angoor Adda, led to the stranding of hundreds of vehicles loaded with transit cargo, export consignments, and imported goods at the border stations. (“No transit trade at Chaman, but repatriation continues,” Dawn, 25 October 2025)
Balochistan Assembly seeks inclusion in CPEC Phase-II
On 25 October, Dawn reported that the Balochistan Assembly adopted two resolutions, calling for the inclusion of the province’s development projects in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the upgrade of Margha Kabzai to the status of a subdivision. One of the MPA in the assembly session criticized the federal government for excluding the province from the ongoing CPEC Phase-II initiatives. The provincial assembly also discussed police and lawmakers’ salaries, which remain low in comparison to other provinces. Also, the security concerns were raised, as 27 workers had been kidnapped within a week. (“Balochistan Assembly seeks inclusion in CPEC Phase-II,” Dawn, 25 October 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
Editorial, "TLP ban," Dawn, 25 October 2025
"The point is that unless the leaders and members of extremist groups are prosecuted for their crimes — promoting terrorism, inciting violence, hate speech, etc — the state’s attempts to impose bans will not work. The state has banned TLP today, but until those associated with it who have broken the law are prosecuted, it may re-emerge tomorrow in an even more extreme form."
Editorial, "Cost of closure," Dawn, 25 October 2025
"Even if the situation is not dire, ordinary citizens and traders continue to bear the brunt of the deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Kabul that have brought cross-border trade to a standstill. Unless border trade resumes soon, the compounded shocks of natural disasters, inflation and disrupted supply chains threaten to make life difficult for even more people."
Fahad Hashmi, "A US-Pakistan opportunity," Dawn, 25 October 2025
"Handled right, a US-Pakistan minerals partnership could go far beyond supply chains. It could strengthen regional stability, create thousands of jobs, and offer Pakistan a genuine path to sustainable growth. More importantly, it could show that resource partnerships can be transparent, ethical, and fair — a model for how developing economies can negotiate on equal footing."
Aasim Sajjad Akhtar, "The ‘operation’," Dawn, 25 October 2025
"Liberal euphoria at the temporary ‘victories’ of the state should not distract from the fact that there is no substitute for the popularisation of a meaningful progressive political alternative that can channel the needs and desires of the mass of young people — primarily men but also women — who gravitate towards the militant right."
Omay Aimen, "Water as weapon," The News International, 25 October 2025
"The Kabul River Basin has emerged as the new front in the hydro-political chessboard where India’s growing involvement in Afghanistan’s water infrastructure threatens not only Pakistan’s water security but also the fragile equilibrium of regional peace. Behind the façade of development lies a calculated attempt to weaponise water as a tool of long-term leverage, reshaping hydrological realities to serve strategic ambitions."
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