🛑 18 October 2025 | Saturday | Key Headlines at a Glance

Welcome to your daily news briefing. On **18 October 2025**, Saturday brings a series of critical developments impacting Pakistan and the wider region. From stern warnings on national security and ongoing talks with the Afghan Taliban to significant decisions by the Supreme Judicial Council and key economic updates, today’s news is packed with important information. This post provides a clear and concise look at the key headlines at a glance, ensuring you stay informed on the events shaping our world.

National Security & Pak-Afghan Tensions

• “I warn the Indian military leadership: in a nuclear environment there is no room for war between the two countries,” says Field-Marshal.
• Taliban regime must rein in proxies attacking Pakistan from Afghan soil: Field-Marshal.
• “Every enemy proxy will be crushed; we will not bow before terrorists who distort Islam,” COAS Gen. Asim Munir.
• Doha: First round of talks led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif with Afghan Taliban concludes.
• Foreign-office spokesman: talks aim at urgent steps to end cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan.
• North-Waziristan suicide blast by Gul Bahadur group kills 3 women, 2 children; 4 terrorists shot dead.
• Overnight targeted strikes on Gul Bahadur group eliminated 60-70 foreign militants, says Information Minister.
• “Any attack from Afghanistan will get a full-blooded response,” KP Chief Minister.
• “800,000 Afghan refugees have returned; 1.2 million still here—will be sent back with dignity,” Sohail Afridi.
• Afghan Taliban shut down Shamshad TV for refusing to air anti-Pakistan propaganda.
• “Afghanistan forgot all our favours and committed naked aggression; our forces gave a befitting reply,” Shahid Afridi.
• “Our policy is clear: hit back instantly if attacked—no IOUs,” Rana Sanaullah.
• Intelligence-based operation in Bannu kills Fitnat-ul-Khawarif chief and 2 terrorists.
• “Afghan govt may keep friendly ties with India, but not at Pakistan’s security expense,” Saad Rafique.
• “Pakistan wants no war; talks with Afghan Taliban today,” Foreign Office.
• “Four-day war gave Pakistan a great victory; India will never forget this defeat,” PM.
• “Areas were cleared—who brought these terrorists back?” KP CM.
• “Both states suffering human, economic loss in Pak-Afghan tensions,” Barrister Saif.

Domestic Politics, Governance & Legal Affairs

• Judges barred from speaking to media; Supreme Judicial Council amends code of conduct.
• Supreme Judicial Council throws out 70 complaints against judges, refers 3 for further action.
• Ahle-Sunnat groups demand release of TLP workers, reopening of sealed mosques.
• Lahore religious-party protests spread; arrests in multiple cities.
• Fact-check: KP CM Sohail Afridi did NOT remove Quaid-e-Azam’s portrait.
• Islamabad ATC issues arrest warrants for PTI lawyers.
• Nawaz Sharif announces Imperial College London campus in Lahore IT City.
• PPP Central Executive voices concern over Punjab govt attitude.
• KP cabinet consultations complete; announcement expected soon.
• “Karsaz tragedy ranks among the nation’s gravest disasters,” Bilawal Bhutto.
• Rawalpindi police form team to arrest Aleema Khan.
• Balochistan Assembly summoned for 20 October.
• KP CM’s request to meet Imran Khan opposed.
• Fears grow of PTI disqualification from Punjab local polls.
• Court issues notice to cancel Aleema Khan’s bail in protest case.
• Court orders arrest of PTI lawyers in Khawar Maneka assault case.
• 18 years on, Karsaz wounds still fresh; 150 martyred in blast.

Economic & Financial Highlights

International News

• Who decided Trump-Putin meet in Hungary? “Your mom,” White House spokesman tells reporter.
• Major breakthrough: Trump-North Korea leader meet expected.
• China dismisses army general close to president plus eight others.
• Nine Chinese military officers, including two top generals, sacked on graft charges.
• Last August Sheikh Hasina fled to India as public uprising toppled her govt.
• Deal reached in Bangladesh but unrest, arson continue.
• Portugal bans niqab in public, joining other European states; fines, jail terms set.
• Indian actress Zaira Wasim, who quit Bollywood for Islam, marries; veiled pics go viral.

Sports & Miscellaneous

• Head coach Mike Hesson recommends summit to decide ODI captain.
• Afghanistan pulls out of tri-nation T20 series; Zimbabwe accepts PCB invitation.
• PCB reacts after Afghanistan withdraws from Pakistan-hosted tri-series.
• Bahawalpur: 174 couples wed under Punjab “Dhee Rani” scheme, each gifted Rs 200,000.
• Sargodha: five-month-old twin sisters die under mysterious circumstances.
• Dengue, malaria cases surge in Hyderabad and interior Sindh.
• Three women among four dead as car rams truck in Attock.
• Maryam Nawaz gifts Lahore children two giraffes for zoo.
• Private Hajj scheme booking deadline extended by five days.

Conclusion: A Day of Decisive Actions

In conclusion, the news landscape for **18 October 2025** is dominated by Pakistan’s firm stance on national security, crucial diplomatic engagements, and significant domestic policy changes. The day’s events underscore a period of heightened geopolitical activity and internal reforms. This summary of the day’s key headlines at a glance provides a vital overview of the most pressing issues.

What are your thoughts on today’s developments? Share your perspective in the comments below!