Photo : Al Jazeera
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Al Jazeera
In Focus
Pak-Afghan Border Clashes
Tensions Escalate Amid Border Closures and Diplomatic Rift
Dawn and The News International reported on 14 October that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan rapidly deteriorated following deadly cross-border clashes, as well as the cessation of all significant trade routes, including the Torkham and Chaman–Spin Boldak crossings. The clashes erupted following what Islamabad described as unprovoked firing by Afghan security forces. Trade and travel have been suspended for the second day in a row, stranding "thousands" of trucks and costing "millions" of rupees in daily trade for traders on both sides.
According to officials, the closure of important border crossings – Torkham in the Khyber district, Angoor Adda in South Waziristan, Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan, and Kharlachi in Kurram – has brought the flow of goods and commuters to a complete standstill. Customs authorities claimed that exports had lost approximately USD 1.5 million in a day, while imports totaling Rs545 million have been halted. This episode follows a series of clashes in February and March when skirmishes over construction along the border had escalated into intermittent exchanges of gunfire over multiple days.
During an interview, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan's counteroffensive has eliminated an excess of 200 Afghan Taliban and associated militants in operations following the attack from across the border that killed 23 Pakistani soldiers. He condemned Kabul's “mixed approach of threats and dialogue” and stressed that Pakistan intends to defend its sovereignty and is not attacking civilians. Asif stated again that securing the frontier and managing Afghan refugee repatriation are the responsibilities of the federal government, though he appreciated any cooperation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Dawn additionally reported quotations suggesting that the United States and China both offered to mediate between the two neighbors and that Russia welcomed “stabilization” of the situation. However, Asif cautioned that the “environment remains hostile” and that “hostilities can resume anytime.” Pakistan's Foreign Office similarly chastised Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid for comments on internal protests in Pakistan, stating that Afghanistan should “mind its own business and respect diplomatic norms.”
(Border closures disrupt Pak-Afghan trade, transit, The News International, 14 October 2025; Asif slams Kabul’s mixed stance of threats, talks, The News International, 14 October 2025;Hostilities with Kabul can resume any time: Kh Asif, Dawn, 14 October 2025)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PTI's Sohail Afridi elected new KP CM
What happened in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly?
On 13 October, Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province elected its new Chief Minister. The KP assembly that consists of 145 members, required 73 votes for a simple majority. The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) that is in power in KP Assembly, earlier with Ali Amin Gandapur as CM has now elected Sohail Afridi as its new CM, securing 90 votes, surpassing the majority mark in the provincial assembly during the session held under tight security in Peshawar.
On 8 October, Ali Amin Gandapur had announced his resignation and stepped down as Chief minister of KP by formally sending a letter addressed to the Governor of KP. Stating the reason for his resignation, he said that he was stepping down on the directives of PTI party founder Imran Khan. The reasons cited by PTI includes concerns of deteriorating security situation in the province and particularly the dissatisfaction in the border areas.
Who is Sohail Afridi and what is his political background?
Muhammad Sohail Afridi elected as 23rd chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a businessman turned politician and a Pakhtun, and a traditional tribesman hails from Khyber district in KP Province. In the CM election session, he secured 90 votes in KP assembly, surpassing the majority mark of 73, strengthening the hold of PTI over the Province. Earlier, he contested and won the seat by large margin from the constituency PK-70 (Khyber -II) as an independent candidate backed by PTI in the 2024 KP general election. The PTI decision to elect him as new CM can be seen favourable as he represents a younger generation.
Why is there a constitutional controversy over the chief minister’s resignation?
Dr Ibadullah, opposition leader in KP assembly, protested termed the election “Unconstitutional”and would challenge Sohail Afridi’s election in court. He said that as per the constitution, another chief minister could only be elected after the resignation of CM Ali Amin Gandapur was accepted. However, Ali Amin Gandapur mentioned in the assembly that he had twice sent his resignation letter to the governor's house. During the session, the Speaker of the assembly Babar Saleem Swati said “It is clear that under Article 130 sub-clause 8, no approval or resignation acceptance by the governor is required and the governor is only the addressee, not the appointing authority of the chief minister and has no authority to force an unwilling chief minister to remain in his office”.
Also, the government maintained that the governor has no authority to approve or reject the resignation, according to the constitution. However, Governor Fisal Khan objected to Gandapur's signature on resignation letter and summoned him to visit the governor's office for clarification on 15 October, still elections proceeded and a new CM has been elected. PTI approached Peshawar High Court. Meanwhile, Additional Attorney General Sanaullah said the Constitution was clear that if the governor refused to administer the oath, then Article 255 could be invoked. The Court has issued a stay order and instructed that the Chief Minister’s election be deferred until the pending case is decided.
What does this election mean for PTI and politics in KP?
With new CMs election, PTI has showcased its stronghold over the province, overcoming political friction to ensure a decisive victory. The newly elected CM in his maiden speech vowed to annul the KP action (in aid of Civil Power Ordinance) 2019 to abolish legislative cover for the military’s operations in the province. Also took a stance in favour of Afghanistan refugees. Also, he will work for the release of Imran Khan, and other PTI leaders and workers. The new young leadership will be playing a crucial role from a security and development perspective in the province.
(“PTI seeks court’s blessing for oath after electing new KP CM”, Dawn, 14 October 2025) (“PTI's Sohail Afridi elected new K-P CM”, The Express Tribune, 13 October 2025) (“Sohail Afridi elected KP CM amid opposition’s boycott”, The News International, 14 October, 2025) (“Peshawar High Court’s Stay Order and Gandapur’s Dual Resignations Deepen PTI’s Political Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” The Daily Independent, 13 October 2025)
TLP Protests
Crackdown on TLP: Why did the Muridke protests escalate to violence?
On 13 October, Dawn reported on the security forces carrying out a pre-dawn operation in Muridke, Punjab, to disperse the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest camp, leading to violent confrontations that lasted for several hours. Around 1,500 police personnel, supported by armored vehicles and water cannons, surrounded the protest site along the Grand Trunk Road. The clashes resulted in the death of Inspector Shehzad Nawaz, while three TLP workers were reportedly killed. Dozens of officers and civilians sustained injuries. The police denied rumors that TLP chief Saad Rizvi had been detained or hurt during the operation.
According to The News International, authorities confirmed the arrest of several protesters and the seizure of vehicles allegedly used during the violence. Protesters were accused of throwing petrol bombs, opening fire, and torching more than 40 vehicles. In response to the unrest, roads linking Lahore, Islamabad, and Muridke were closed, and mobile internet services were suspended in parts of Punjab. Schools in Islamabad and nearby areas were shut down early amid heightened security concerns.
By late Monday, Dawn reported that calm gradually returned to the region, though Faizabad Interchange remained blocked. Authorities claimed that no major TLP retaliation had been observed. However, protests spread to other areas, including Lahore, where TLP-affiliated lawyers organised sit-ins demanding the release of detained members and accountability for the police action.
1. Why did the TLP protests escalate to violence?
The escalation reflected both organisational strength and frustration within the TLP over the government’s handling of its longstanding demands. The Muridke sit-in had been part of a broader mobilisation calling for the implementation of “Sharia-based governance” and the release of previously detained party activists. The government’s decision to forcibly clear the protest site, reportedly after failed negotiations, turned the standoff into a violent confrontation. The use of heavy police deployment and water cannons further inflamed tensions. TLP’s history of mass mobilisation and confrontational tactics, especially over religious and political issues, also contributed to the rapid spiral into violence.
2. What does the government’s response indicate about its strategy toward TLP?
The operation in Muridke signals a shift from accommodation to containment. Previous governments have often sought negotiated settlements with TLP to avoid political backlash or disruption in Punjab’s urban centres. However, the latest crackdown, executed with coordination between provincial and federal authorities suggests that the current administration aims to project firmness and reclaim control over major transport routes and public order. The decision to suspend mobile internet and pre-emptively close schools also indicates a preventive security posture. Still, the risk of backlash remains, as TLP continues to command strong grassroots support among conservative sections of society, especially in Punjab and Karachi.
3. How does the crackdown reflect the state’s evolving approach to religious movements?
The Muridke crackdown indicates a shift from negotiation to assertive enforcement against groups like the TLP. Previously, governments often accommodated TLP to avoid mass protests or political backlash. The pre-dawn deployment of 1,500 police, backed by armoured vehicles and water cannons, shows a readiness to impose law and order decisively. Measures such as internet suspension, road closures, and early school shutdowns highlight a proactive strategy to prevent escalation. While temporary calm was restored, the operation reflects the state’s recognition of the disruptive potential of religious mobilization and a willingness to confront groups operating outside legal frameworks.
References
Imran Ayub, “Tensions simmer after crackdown on TLP protesters in Muridke,” Dawn, 14 October 2025
“Police disperse TLP protesters after violent clashes,” The News International, 14 October 2025
Editorials/Opinions
Manzoor Ali, “Situationer: Constitutional crisis knocks at KP’s door,” Dawn, 14 October 2025
"Constitutional crisis knocks at KP’s door; resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur … yet to be ‘formally accepted’ by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi; are there currently two chief ministers in the province, or not even one?; resignation letters delivered to him on October 8 and 11; KP Speaker Babar Saleem Swati ruled that the governor was not the appointing authority; Sohail Afridi … elected as the new chief executive of the province; CM-elect … without the oath, Mr Afridi remains a CM-elect and out of office; there was no chief minister in KP at present; province is reeling from a significant rise in terrorist activities”
"New KP CM," Dawn, 14 October 2025
“The PTI has managed to get its way; installed in the office of the provincial chief executive in KP; stream of regime-aligned personalities … levelled … allegations; PTI enjoys an overwhelming majority in the KP Assembly; the PTI could have shown greater maturity by not rushing the matter”
Arifa Noor, "Rough ride ahead?" Dawn, 14 October 2025
"Unlike Balochistan, the powers that be still worry about the people’s sentiment in KP. While the former can be given a completely puppet government with no legitimate voice, there is less willingness to be this indifferent to public sentiment in KP."
Dr Niaz Murtaza, "Two icons," Dawn, 14 October 2025
"People facing injustice need both advocacy against it and aid to meet their urgent survival needs — till advocacy slowly wins. Both can go hand in hand. But advocacy against abusive states can risk aid work. Do-gooders tackle the risk wisely. Some do loud advocacy only and others muffle it to retain aid access to save lives — the top humane aim. Aid is Band-Aid but advocacy is surgery. Aid more often meets its simple aim than, sadly, advocacy meets its lofty one. To not impute such good motives to a do-gooder, and instead, call her selfish is naïve. Comparisons between Greta and Malala tend to buck such issues and vainly pit one do-gooder against another. In fact, looked at through a different lens, they both complement, and compliment, each other."