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In Focus
Istanbul talks enter third day: No breakthrough yet
On 28 October, Dawn, The News International, and The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan–Afghanistan negotiations in Istanbul continued for three days until 28 October but failed to produce any agreement. The negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan under Turkish and Qatari mediation aimed to enhance the Doha ceasefire from 19 October, but failed to achieve any breakthrough because Pakistan demanded written proof of Afghan territory being used for terrorism against Pakistan.
The two delegations established mutual agreement about all points on the agenda, yet the discussions failed to establish a system for tracking counterterrorism efforts. The Afghan Taliban delegation followed instructions from Kabul and Kandahar to avoid making any written promises about eliminating Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups' safe havens. The Pakistani negotiators stated that Taliban support for terrorist organizations must end because Pakistan needs to see actual progress from Kabul to maintain cooperation.
Security forces from Pakistan stopped multiple attempts of infiltration, which took place in Kurram and North Waziristan, thus making it difficult for Kabul to prove its dedication to stopping border violence. The Taliban proposed direct talks with the TTP, but Islamabad refused this offer because the Doha Agreement makes the Taliban responsible for eliminating terrorist organisations.
The ongoing dialogue between parties showed their willingness to talk, but the current deadlock demonstrated growing distrust and exasperation between them. Pakistan declared it would not tolerate extended inaction and threatened to take unilateral border security measures and diplomatic actions with regional partners if verifiable counterterrorism steps were not implemented. (“Agreement eludes neighbours despite three days of talks,” Dawn, 28 October 2025; “Third day of Pakistan-Afghan Taliban talks in Istanbul ends without breakthrough,” The News International, 28 October 2025; “Administration in Kabul blamed for ‘deadlock’ in Istanbul talks,” The News International, 28 October 2025; “Istanbul impasse,” Dawn, 28 October 2025; “Istanbul talks,” The News International, 28 October 2025; “Istanbul talks dilemma,” The Express Tribune, 28 October 2025)
Pakistan and Bangladesh: Islamabad rekindles economic ties with Dhaka after 20 years
On 28 October, The News International reported that after two decades, Pakistan and Bangladesh revived their long-stalled economic partnership. The ninth Joint Economic Commission meeting was conducted between the two countries in Dhaka to strengthen the bilateral economic ties. The previous joint economic commission meeting was held in 2005. With this new development, both sides agreed to cooperate in various sectors including agriculture, transportation, education, healthcare and others.
In the education sector, Pakistan announced 500 fully funded scholarships and increased the number of training slots under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. Both countries are focusing on the trade sector, aiming to reach a USD three billion trade volume within a year. Also, Pakistan has offered the use of Karachi Port Trust to enhance national shipping service to Bangladesh as a trade gateway to regional markets, including China and Central Asia. Both countries also emphasised the significance of establishing direct air connectivity. Also, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Halal Trade Cooperation between the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute. This meeting marked a milestone in bilateral ties in different sectors. (“Pakistan, Bangladesh rekindle economic ties after 20 years,” The News International, 28 October 2025)
PM Sharif in Riyadh: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reinforce strategic and economic partnership
On 28 October, Dawn and The News International reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Riyadh during the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII9) to strengthen mutual support for trade expansion, defence and investment partnerships. The meeting was hosted at Al Yamamah Palace with Field Marshal Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and multiple senior cabinet officials in attendance. The leaders discussed ways to enhance their partnership through energy sector development, infrastructure construction, technology advancement and human resource growth while assessing worldwide and regional developments. The parties failed to release a joint statement about their meeting before the press deadline.
Prime Minister Sharif thanked MBS for his dedicated support, which helps Pakistan and Saudi Arabia build their strategic partnership. The Prime Minister described their relationship as an enduring historical alliance that supports mutual economic growth and sustainable development initiatives. The visit served as part of Pakistan's economic diplomacy efforts to secure foreign investment while building stronger ties with neighbouring countries. The Prime Minister would participate in FII9 summit activities with world leaders, business representatives and investors who share the conference theme "The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth." The conference focused on innovation alongside sustainability and economic inclusion. The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan would demonstrate its investment opportunities through the platform to establish partnerships that match the "Think, Exchange, and Act" framework.
The two countries established a defence agreement, which establishes that any attack on one country will trigger a joint response. The security and economic partnership between these countries has developed through this historic agreement, which serves as their first joint security and economic cooperation pact. The Riyadh meeting demonstrated Pakistan's increasing Gulf region partnerships while the country expanded its foreign investment and strategic relationships amidst the changing worldwide economic conditions. (“PM Shehbaz talks investment, trade ties with MBS,” Dawn, 28 October 2025; “Shehbaz, MBS vow to deepen trade, economic partnership,” The News International, 28 October 2025)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan likely to contribute troops for the Gaza force
On 28 October, Dawn reported that, as the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) will be assembled for Gaza, the Pakistan government is leaning towards participation by contributing troops to the ISF. ISF will be composed of troops from Muslim-majority countries. Discussions between the government and the Army are at an advanced stage, as Pakistan is inclined to take part in the mission. Pakistan is one of the largest troop contributors to United Nations Peace Missions. It has deployed more than 200,000 personnel to over 40 operations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This strong track record, along with foreign policy imperatives, supports Pakistan’s inclusion in the ISF. (“Pakistan likely to contribute troops for Gaza force,” Dawn, 28 October 2025)
POLITICS
Fazl and Bilawal mull joint strategy on key national issues
On 28 October, Dawn reported that the Pakistan People's Party and Jamiat-i-Islam Chairman discussed the prevailing political situation and formulated a joint strategy on key national issues. PPP’s Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari discussed the importance of opposition parties in the upcoming legislation with JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rehman. JUI-F Chairman raised concerns over the attitude and relationship between the government and the opposition parties. Earlier, JUI-F had announced that the party would march on Islamabad and organise a series of countrywide gatherings against flawed government policies. Separately, the PTI leader remarked that there is less possibility of the JUI-F supporting the PTI for the opposition leader slot in the National Assembly. (“Fazl, Bilawal mull ‘joint strategy’,” Dawn, 28 October 2025)
SECURITY
Pakistan to shut airspace for two days amid Indian military exercises
On 28 October, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has decided to close its airspace temporarily amid the Indian military exercises near the frontier. As the closure will remain in effect on 28 October and 29 October, restrictions will apply to several flight routes within the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Region. The Civil Authority has advised all airlines and aviation operators to take alternate flight paths. (“Pakistan closes airspace for two days amid Indian military drills,” The Express Tribune, 28 October 2025)
Armed men attack Bhag town and set buildings ablaze
On 28 October, Dawn reported that the convoy of the Kech Deputy Commissioner was targeted by a roadside explosion in Turbat, Balochistan. In the incident, nine levies’ officers were injured. Militants have used improvised explosive devices fitted in a motorbike, driving it next to convoy vehicles. The deputy commissioner, travelling in a bulletproof vehicle, remained safe in the explosion.
In a separate incident, armed men set the Bhag police station and other buildings on fire and escaped after invading a town in the Kachhi district of Balochistan Province. The Tehsil office and National Bank building were also damaged. (“10 security men injured as Kech DC survives IED blast in Turbat,” Dawn, 28 October 2025)
Pakistan Occupied Kashmir:
PML-N to back PPP’s no-confidence motion in "AJK"
On 28 October, The News International reported that Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) announced its support for Pakistan People's Party in a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister of "Azad Jammu and Kashmir." However, PMLN will not become a part of the new government and will join the government as opposition. Both PPP and PMLN criticised the present "AJK" government for failing to fulfil its responsibilities. (“PMLN to back PPP’s no-trust move in AJK,” The News International, 28 October 2025)
AF-PAK
Ex-ISI Chief denies Pakistan’s role in handing over former Taliban envoy Mullah Abdus Salam Zaeef to the US forces in 2001
On 28 October, Dawn reported that the retired General Ehsanul Haq, a former ISI head, denied Pakistan's involvement in the handover of the former Taliban envoy Mullah Abdus Salam Zaeef to US forces in 2001. General Haq was speaking at a seminar in Islamabad when he said that Zaeef was taken to the Torkham border and surrendered to Afghan officials, who later placed him in American custody, and that Pakistan has "not handed over any Afghan to the US." He claimed that Zaeef had ignored his repeated advice to leave Islamabad after the Taliban government lost recognition. Zaeef asserted that the general was mistaken. (“Ex-spymaster disputes Taliban envoy’s account of US handover,” Dawn, 28 October 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
Raashid Wali Janjua, "Our Afghan imbroglio," The Express Tribune, 28 October 2025
"Since neither geopolitics nor external alliances will help resolve the Afghan issue, Pakistan has to undertake internal reforms and defensive measures to tackle the Afghan predatory behaviour and economic parasitism. Pakistan has to finish the open border laissez faire illegal trade and cross border movement culture by strong border management practices and their consistent application. The demand for smuggled goods generated in Pakistani markets will have to be curtailed through crime control measures, even if it hits the interests of powerful and politically influential lobbies inside Pakistan."
Editorial, "Istanbul talks dilemma," The Express Tribune, 28 October 2025
"The categorical reluctance from the Taliban delegation to take verifiable action against TTP and other militant groups operating from Afghan soil clogs not only success prospects of arbitration, but also endangers the expectations for regional peace and stability. While the first day of the talks were consumed in hammering out perceptional differences between the two sides, the need is to jot down rational talking points for a breakthrough. The onus is on Taliban 2.0 to find a common ground on the issue of dismantling terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan, and to duly cooperate with Pakistan in this regard."
Editorial, "Istanbul talks," The News, 28 October 2025
"It is now abundantly clear that Pakistan has little room left for further patience or ambiguity. Having put forward clear, evidence-based and solution-oriented demands, Islamabad cannot allow the status quo to continue indefinitely. If Kabul remains unwilling to act, Pakistan may be compelled to explore other options to safeguard its national security. The Istanbul talks may not yield an immediate breakthrough, but they do represent a moment of reckoning. The Afghan Taliban must decide whether they wish to be seen as responsible state actors committed to peace or as enablers of violence and instability."
Editorial, "Istanbul impasse," Dawn, 28 October 2025
"...there can be no permanent peace until terrorist groups based in Afghanistan stop their violent anti-Pakistan campaigns. If Kabul can rein in these outfits, there would be nothing like it. But if the dialogue process goes nowhere, Pakistan must be prepared to defend its frontiers. Intelligence-based operations must be conducted to prevent militants from crossing the border, and targeting innocent Pakistanis. If the Taliban remain unwilling to stop cross-border terrorism, then, along with using its kinetic options, Pakistan must launch a diplomatic offensive, involving regional allies such as China, the Gulf states, Iran, etc, to freeze the normalisation process with Kabul until it takes verifiable action against terrorist groups."
Abdullah Rehman Butt, "Pakistan’s Afghan policy, The News, 28 October 2025
"The notion that Pakistan could beat the Taliban militarily overlooks the deeper strategic calculation that defines Islamabad’s posture. Military power has never been the sole instrument of influence in Afghanistan. Geography, intelligence, economic connectivity and sociocultural proximity are Pakistan’s true assets. While Pakistan possesses the military capability to respond decisively, it recognises that durable stability requires regional consensus and Afghan ownership of peace."
Niaz Murtaza, "Triple trouble," Dawn, 28 October 2025
"Sudden twin problems with the TLP and Afghanistan have ended the post-May lull in crises. The aura of power and progress built on the gains in May and risky foreign deals has vanished to expose the risks that the TTP, BLA and the TLP pose."
Arifa Noor, "Journalism’s burden," Dawn, 28 October 2025
It is no longer necessary that once the borders of Pakistan are crossed, threatened journalists will be able to breathe freely. Once this was a guarantee of safety but not anymore. Despite this, many others from the community have left the country and settled abroad. And for multiple reasons, journalism and the ability of journalists to do their job has been in a free fall since 2022; it was not much better before it either but the speed at which the environment has become worse is increasing. So much has been written about this already that little can be added to it."
Editorial, "Toxic skies," Dawn, 28 October 2025
"Lahore recently ranked as the world’s most polluted city, with the Air Quality Index hitting 412 — a level hazardous to human health. Other cities such as Faisalabad and Gujranwala recorded similar levels. The air in much of central Punjab is now unsafe to breathe. The Punjab government has responded in familiar fashion with short-term measures: revising school timings, issuing health advisories, deploying ‘anti-smog guns’ and warning farmers against crop-residue burning. While these steps may marginally reduce exposure, they do little to address the root causes. Each winter, the same cycle is repeated — toxic air, public outrage, administrative meetings and temporary curbs — only for the smog to return the following year with greater intensity."
Zubair Torwali, "Language and ethnic identity," The News, 28 October 2025
"In the national census, citizens are required to identify their nationality as ‘Pakistani’, ‘Afghan’, or ‘Iranian’, but not their ethnic group. However, in the same form, people are asked to specify their mother tongue, a category that has become a political tool for classifying ethnicities. The 2023 census recognised only 14 of Pakistan’s 70-plus languages, excluding dozens of smaller but historically rich linguistic communities. This selective recognition has created distortions and competition. Major ethnic groups use these limited categories to assert demographic dominance, while smaller languages disappear from official records altogether."
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