The suicide bombing and gun attack that killed dozens in northwest Pakistan on Sept. 18, 2026, highlighted the fragile security situation in the South Asian country. But it also shone a light on the complex and evolving extremism landscape there and the strained relationship between Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan.

Pakistan conducted precision aerial and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan in response to recent attempted drone attacks launched by the Taliban regime earlier this week, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in the

Pakistan carried out air and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan, saying the sites were used to launch and store drones allegedly deployed against Pakistan. The strikes follow civilian deaths in Kunar and Paktika and come amid escalating cross-border tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s attacks on Afghanistan and expressed condolences over civilian deaths. The MEA also called on Pakistan to demonstrate a firm commitment to tackling cross-border terrorism.

An educational lifeline for young Afghan women banned by the Taliban from training as doctors in their homeland is in jeopardy after Pakistan’s medical authorities tried to have them expelled.