Khawaja Muhammad Asif

Stories

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan activate Mecca defense pact for first time

Said Pakistani forces already support reconnaissance operations

Turkey's parliament is considering the Mecca defense agreement after the government sent it for ratification on October 20. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia finished their own approval processes by October 23, leaving Turkey as the last of the three to sign off.

Updated Oct 24

Pakistan and Afghanistan locked in escalating cross-border military cycle

Force in Play

As of October 2026: Declared 'open war' in February; government resumed cross-border strikes in June and September

Pakistan and Afghanistan traded fire in the first days of October, and each government said it killed dozens of the other's troops. Islamabad calls the fight an "open war" and says airstrikes will continue until the Taliban reins in the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the militant group Pakistan blames for cross-border attacks.

Updated Oct 4

Pakistan's escalating sectarian violence against Shia Muslims

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Serving as Defence Minister since 2022; leading government response

Pakistan had not seen a suicide bombing in its capital since 2016. That changed in November 2025, when an attacker killed 12 outside an Islamabad court. On February 6, 2026, a suicide bomber killed 31 at the Shia Khadija Tul Kubra mosque during Friday prayers, wounding 169 more — the deadliest since the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing that killed 63.

Updated May 27

Notable Quotes

We are definitely involved in reconnaissance and such things, but the combat is practically being conducted by Saudi Arabia's own forces.

from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan activate Mecca defense pact for first time · Updated Oct 24

The attacker had been travelling to and from Afghanistan. — Statement following the Islamabad mosque bombing

from Pakistan's escalating sectarian violence against Shia Muslims · Updated May 27