Overall Highlights

• India is expanding its influence in Afghanistan by exporting medicines, which poses a challenge to Pakistan’s position in the region.
• Pakistan is focusing on internal issues, such as politics and youth empowerment, while also dealing with international scrutiny over its military actions.
• Both countries are vying for influence in the U.S. political landscape, with differing strategies and outcomes regarding their relationships with past administrations.
• Pakistan’s military leadership is under pressure due to geopolitical challenges, including the situation in Gaza and internal security issues.
• India’s military continues to receive recognition and support, as evidenced by congratulatory messages from Pakistan on Vijay Diwas.

India Perspective (India Sources)

• India has begun exporting medicines to Afghanistan, which is seen as a significant blow to Pakistan’s influence in the region.
• The Indian Army received a congratulatory message from Pakistan on Vijay Diwas, indicating a complex relationship despite ongoing tensions.
• India is analyzing its diplomatic strategies in relation to the U.S., questioning whether its recent snubs were beneficial compared to Pakistan’s approach.

Pakistan Perspective (Pakistan Sources)

• Pakistan is focusing on internal political issues, with calls to end religion-based politics, reflecting a desire for secular governance.
• The government has launched a Rs16.79 billion program aimed at empowering Baloch youth, indicating efforts to address regional disparities.
• Pakistan’s military leadership is facing scrutiny over its handling of international relations and internal security, particularly regarding the Gaza situation.
• There is a strong emphasis on rejecting India’s criticisms of Pakistan’s constitutional changes, showcasing a defensive stance on national sovereignty.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-IN] Beep App Pakistan Set for Government Use - Daily Times (12/17/2025)
2. [en-IN] India, Pakistan Vie For White House Influence: Did Pakistan Really “Play It Well” With Trump? Was Indian Snub A Right Move? OPED - EurAsian Times (12/17/2025)
3. [en-IN] Big blow to Shehbaz Sharif as India starts exporting medicines to Afghanistan, Taliban government now plans t - india.com (12/17/2025)
4. [en-IN] Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir in spotlight over Trump’s Gaza plan - Reuters (12/17/2025)
5. [en-IN] Military Maneuver: Pakistan’s Chief Faces Gaza Challenge - Devdiscourse (12/17/2025)
6. [en-IN] Termez Dialogue, Pakistan and linking South & Central Asia - The Express Tribune (12/16/2025)
7. [en-IN] Customs seize narcotics, smuggled goods, vehicles worth $4.9 million in southwest Pakistan - Arab News PK (12/16/2025)
8. [en-IN] Pakistan warned to withdraw from Balochistan, PoK and Sindh on Vijay Diwas, who is threatening Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif, army chief Asim Munir? - news24online.com (12/16/2025)
9. [en-IN] On Vijay Diwas, Indian Army receives congratulatory message from Pakistan which also asks Shehbaz and Munir t - india.com (12/16/2025)
10. [en-IN] Showcase Pakistan’s atrocities in Balochistan: Baloch leader’s to Bollywood - Siasat.com (12/16/2025)
11. [en-PK] PPP leader calls for end to politics in the name of religion - The Nation (Pakistan ) (12/17/2025)
12. [en-PK] Rs16.79b program aims to empower Baloch youth - The Express Tribune (12/17/2025)
13. [en-PK] Fury as Bihar CM forcibly removes Muslim woman’s niqab - The Express Tribune (12/17/2025)
14. [en-PK] Bondi gunman confirmed to be of Indian origin - The Express Tribune (12/17/2025)
15. [en-PK] Govt explores Djibouti route for Africa trade - The Express Tribune (12/17/2025)
16. [en-PK] Pak rebuffs India’s criticisms of constitutional tweaks - The Express Tribune (12/16/2025)
17. [en-PK] Govt launches Shahdara heritage restoration - The Express Tribune (12/16/2025)
18. [en-PK] SHO sacked over negligence in DSP double murder case - The Express Tribune (12/16/2025)
19. [en-PK] Alhamra unveils two-year cultural plan - The Express Tribune (12/16/2025)
20. [en-PK] Seasonal influenza situation under control: minister - The Express Tribune (12/16/2025)