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Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, has revealed that Pakistani army chief Asim Munir raised the issue of growing ties between Hindus and Jews being directed against Muslims and Pakistan. Munir allegedly made the remark during a four-nation security meeting in Tehran on October 26.&nbsp;&nbsp;A video of Rezaei talking about Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin portraying India-Israel ties as a threat to Pakistan and the wider Muslim world has come to light. The video is from an interview of Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei with Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.&nbsp;Munir represented Pakistan in the Tehran meeting, where Kalin was the Turkish representative, while Saudi Arabia and Iran were represented by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and security chief Rezaei, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-don-t-need-it-trump-says-us-will-stop-4-billion-in-military-aid-to-israel-this-year-1793714883551">‘They don’t need it’: Trump says US will stop $4 billion in military aid to Israel this year</a>&nbsp;Munir had met Rezaei and other Iranian officials in an earlier visit to Tehran also, and in the video footage released then, Rezaei had appeared stiff and reserved while greeting Munir.&nbsp;Reacting to the video of Rezaei interview, Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi said on his YouTube channel that Munir had warned that an alliance between Hindus and Jews was a “major threat” and had spoken of a “geopolitical convergence against Muslims and Pakistan”.&nbsp;Munir has repeatedly invoked religious differences between Hindus and Muslims and even said that the two communities are fundamentally distinct. Now, he has also brought the Jews into the picture.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haley-stevens-defends-her-gop-endorsement-slams-democratic-diatribe-in-900-word-post-1793709969615">Haley Stevens defends her GOP endorsement, slams Democratic diatribe in 900-word post</a><h2>Deepening India-Israel ties causing anxiety to Munir?</h2>&nbsp;The India-Israel partnership has been growing with increasing cooperation in the fields of defence and intelligence, counterterrorism, trade, agriculture, water management and emerging technologies. The countries elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership during PM Narendra Modi's February 2026 visit to Israel.&nbsp;Israel had also openly backed India’s right to self-defence during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, had said that terrorists had nowhere to hide.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-abdul-el-sayed-comes-under-fire-for-saying-males-in-girls-sports-is-manufactured-issue-1793633930588">US midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed comes under fire for saying males in girls’ sports is ‘manufactured’ issue</a><h2>Netanyahu proposed ‘hexagon of alliances’</h2>&nbsp;In February this year, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu proposed a “hexagon of alliances” involving India, Israel, Greece, Cyprus and other countries to counter what he called radical Shia and Sunni axes. In October, he named India as a key partner in his plans to build alternative alliances, warning that Israel could face a hostile US administration after President Donald Trump leaves the White House.

Pakistani army chief General Asim Munir has repeatedly invoked religious differences between Hindus and Muslims and even said that the two communities are fundamentally distinct. Now, by raising the bogey of Hindu-Jewish covergence, Munir has also brought the Jews into the picture.

Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, has revealed that Pakistani army chief Asim Munir raised the issue of growing ties between Hindus and Jews being directed against Muslims and Pakistan. Munir allegedly made the remark during a four-nation security meeting in Tehran on October 26. A video of Rezaei talking about Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin portraying India-Israel ties as a threat to Pakistan and the wider Muslim world has come to light. The video is from an interview of Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei with Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. Munir represented Pakistan in the Tehran meeting, where Kalin was the Turkish representative, while Saudi Arabia and Iran were represented by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and security chief Rezaei, respectively. Also Read: ‘They don’t need it’: Trump says US will stop $4 billion in military aid to Israel this year Munir had met Rezaei and other Iranian officials in an earlier visit to Tehran also, and in the video footage released then, Rezaei had appeared stiff and reserved while greeting Munir. Reacting to the video of Rezaei interview, Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi said on his YouTube channel that Munir had warned that an alliance between Hindus and Jews was a “major threat” and had spoken of a “geopolitical convergence against Muslims and Pakistan”. Munir has repeatedly invoked religious differences between Hindus and Muslims and even said that the two communities are fundamentally distinct. Now, he has also brought the Jews into the picture. Also Read: Haley Stevens defends her GOP endorsement, slams Democratic diatribe in 900-word post Deepening India-Israel ties causing anxiety to Munir? The India-Israel partnership has been growing with increasing cooperation in the fields of defence and intelligence, counterterrorism, trade, agriculture, water management and emerging technologies. The countries elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership during PM Narendra Modi's February 2026 visit to Israel. Israel had also openly backed India’s right to self-defence during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, had said that terrorists had nowhere to hide. Also Read: US midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed comes under fire for saying males in girls’ sports is ‘manufactured’ issue Netanyahu proposed ‘hexagon of alliances’ In February this year, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu proposed a “hexagon of alliances” involving India, Israel, Greece, Cyprus and other countries to counter what he called radical Shia and Sunni axes. In October, he named India as a key partner in his plans to build alternative alliances, warning that Israel could face a hostile US administration after President Donald Trump leaves the White House.

Pakistani army chief General Asim Munir has repeatedly invoked religious differences between Hindus and Muslims and even said that the two communities are fundamentally distinct. Now, by raising the bogey of Hindu-Jewish covergence, Munir has also brought the Jews into the picture.

Munir raised bogey of Hindu-Jewish convergence against Muslims at meeting with Turkey, Iran, Saudi

Muhammad Raza Dar, a relative of Pakistan's deputy prime minister and the foreign minister Ishaq Dar, has been cleared of sexual assault charges in a case involving the alleged gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore. Notably, the sexual assault and rape charges have been dropped despite the absence of a complete police investigation report.According to an incomplete police investigation report submitted to a trial court, Muhammad Raza Dar now remains accused of other offences, including kidnapping, illegal confinement and extortion. The report has cleared five suspects, including Raza Dar, of the sexual assault allegations, saying investigators found no evidence connecting them to the alleged rape. Three other suspects have instead been charged with sexually assaulting the women.The case involves two cryptocurrency business partners from the Netherlands and Venezuela, who alleged that they were abducted, held against their will and sexually assaulted after travelling to Pakistan in June 2026.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/captured-on-cctv-video-six-year-old-special-needs-girl-brutally-attacked-by-class-iii-boy-student-at-panchkula-school-sanskriti-model-school-brick-1793432688240">Captured on CCTV video: Six-year-old special needs girl brutally attacked by Class III student at Panchkula school</a>Notably, Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed in July 2026 that police had identified Raza Dar and established his family connection to Ishaq Dar, Dawn reported. The exact relationship remains unclear. Early reports described Raza Dar as Ishaq Dar's grandson, while ARY News said he is the grandson of Ali Dar, the deputy prime minister's son, which would make him the great-grandson.<h2>How did the alleged crime unfold?</h2>According to the police report cited by Dawn, the women met one of the three main suspects in Singapore in 2025 and invited him to invest in their cryptocurrency business. After receiving returns on his initial investment, he reportedly put in another $500,000. The women allegedly failed to pay the promised profits or return the additional amount.In June 2026, the suspect invited the women to Pakistan, saying he would arrange a meeting with another investor. After staying at a hotel in Islamabad and visiting Murree, they were allegedly taken to a house in Lahore's Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Phase VII, on June 29.Investigators alleged that the women were held there and pressured to repay the money. They were reportedly forced to transfer around $19,500, which was converted into Pakistani rupees through a Lahore-based bank account. Two suspects allegedly received Rs 1.1 million each.The women also claimed that armed men guarded them and threatened to kill them, warning that their body parts would be sold if they failed to meet the demands.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-rebels-shoot-down-helicopter-carrying-lt-gen-sanjay-mitra-s-family-in-uttarakhand-indian-army-fact-check-reveals-1793420061417">Did rebels shoot down helicopter carrying Lt Gen Sanjay Mitra's family in Uttarakhand? Indian Army fact-check reveals...</a><h2>Women escaped after car accident</h2>The police report said the women managed to escape on July 1 when the car taking them to the airport met with an accident near Bhatta Chowk. They raised an alarm, prompting the relative of the senior political figure to flee. Police subsequently took the women into their protection.Both women left Pakistan on July 3.Police said they recovered Rs 4.3 million allegedly extorted from the complainants, along with a mobile phone and a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime. Firearms were also seized, leading to separate cases under the Arms Ordinance.

A relative of Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been cleared of sexual assault charges in the alleged gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore, but still faces other accusations. Notably the relief has been triggered by an ‘incomplete police report’. All we know.

Muhammad Raza Dar, a relative of Pakistan's deputy prime minister and the foreign minister Ishaq Dar, has been cleared of sexual assault charges in a case involving the alleged gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore. Notably, the sexual assault and rape charges have been dropped despite the absence of a complete police investigation report. According to an incomplete police investigation report submitted to a trial court, Muhammad Raza Dar now remains accused of other offences, including kidnapping, illegal confinement and extortion. The report has cleared five suspects, including Raza Dar, of the sexual assault allegations, saying investigators found no evidence connecting them to the alleged rape. Three other suspects have instead been charged with sexually assaulting the women. The case involves two cryptocurrency business partners from the Netherlands and Venezuela, who alleged that they were abducted, held against their will and sexually assaulted after travelling to Pakistan in June 2026. Also read | Captured on CCTV video: Six-year-old special needs girl brutally attacked by Class III student at Panchkula school Notably, Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed in July 2026 that police had identified Raza Dar and established his family connection to Ishaq Dar, Dawn reported. The exact relationship remains unclear. Early reports described Raza Dar as Ishaq Dar's grandson, while ARY News said he is the grandson of Ali Dar, the deputy prime minister's son, which would make him the great-grandson. How did the alleged crime unfold? According to the police report cited by Dawn, the women met one of the three main suspects in Singapore in 2025 and invited him to invest in their cryptocurrency business. After receiving returns on his initial investment, he reportedly put in another $500,000. The women allegedly failed to pay the promised profits or return the additional amount. In June 2026, the suspect invited the women to Pakistan, saying he would arrange a meeting with another investor. After staying at a hotel in Islamabad and visiting Murree, they were allegedly taken to a house in Lahore's Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Phase VII, on June 29. Investigators alleged that the women were held there and pressured to repay the money. They were reportedly forced to transfer around $19,500, which was converted into Pakistani rupees through a Lahore-based bank account. Two suspects allegedly received Rs 1.1 million each. The women also claimed that armed men guarded them and threatened to kill them, warning that their body parts would be sold if they failed to meet the demands. Also read | Did rebels shoot down helicopter carrying Lt Gen Sanjay Mitra's family in Uttarakhand? Indian Army fact-check reveals... Women escaped after car accident The police report said the women managed to escape on July 1 when the car taking them to the airport met with an accident near Bhatta Chowk. They raised an alarm, prompting the relative of the senior political figure to flee. Police subsequently took the women into their protection. Both women left Pakistan on July 3. Police said they recovered Rs 4.3 million allegedly extorted from the complainants, along with a mobile phone and a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime. Firearms were also seized, leading to separate cases under the Arms Ordinance.

A relative of Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been cleared of sexual assault charges in the alleged gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore, but still faces other accusations. Notably the relief has been triggered by an ‘incomplete police report’. All we know.

Rape charges dropped against Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar's relative despite incomplete police report

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman mocked Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif as he took a jibe at him in the National Assembly over Army Chief Asim Munir’s participation in a high-level regional security meeting in Iran, and questioned why the defence minister was not attending the talks.Fazl raised the issue during his address to the National Assembly on Wednesday, referring to a meeting in Tehran attended by Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alongside senior officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.&nbsp;“A defence pact is taking shape in Iran, a meeting is under way (there), and the defence minister is sitting here,” Fazl said, drawing laughter from his fellow lawmakers and desk-thumping in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ra-amgate-an-earthquake-arab-parties-want-islamisation-of-israel-says-netanyahu-1793270521942">‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu</a><h2>‘The interior minister is required there as well?’</h2>&nbsp;The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl leader then went on to point out Naqvi’s presence in the Tehran meeting, and asked, “The interior minister is required there as well?”Maulana Fazlur Rehman then turned Khawaja Asif’s own words against him, repeating a phrase the defence minister had previously used to taunt Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;“There is your respect and stature — koi sharam hoti hai, koi haya hoti hai (have some shame, show some modesty),” he said, again triggering laughter in the National Assembly even as Asif sat with a sombre expression.&nbsp;Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan shared a clip of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s speech on X, and it soon went viral.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">جناب خواجہ آصف صاحب بھی تشریف فرما ہیں۔ وزیرِ دفاع!

 دفاعی معاہدہ ایران میں ہو رہا ہے، میٹنگ ہو رہی ہے، دفاعی وزیر یہاں بیٹھا ہوا ہے، خارجہ وزیر یہاں بیٹھا ہوا ہے۔ وہاں بھی وزارتِ داخلہ کی ڈیوٹی ہوتی ہے؟ اپنی عزت و مقام، کوئی شرم ہوتی ہے، کوئی حیا ہوتی ہے۔امیر جےیوآئی کا قومی اسمبلی میں خطاب
#مولاناکی_للکار 
#عوام_کاسامناکرو
#سنسرڈ_پارلیمنٹ_نامنظور
#حلف_سےوفاداری_نبھاؤ
#جمھوریت_میں_زباں_بندی_کیوں&mdash; Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) <a href="https://x.com/juipakofficial/status/2115448055734652955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ally-fla-vio-bolsonaro-arrives-in-miami-with-family-after-fleeing-brazil-1793204345550">Trump ally Flávio Bolsonaro arrives in Miami with family after fleeing Brazil</a>&nbsp;Rehman’s comments have put the spotlight back on the unequal balance of power between Pakistan’s civilian government and its powerful military leadership, at times involving decisions on national security and foreign policy.Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a prominent Pashtun (Pathan) cleric-turned-politician from Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;<h2>Asif responds, denies defence pact being negotiated in Tehran</h2>&nbsp;Asif responded in the National Assembly on Thursday and denied that a defence pact was being negotiated in Tehran. He said the discussions had nothing to do with Pakistan’s defence or any related matter. He argued that Munir had assumed a role focused on maintaining peace and dialogue following the military conflict with India last year.The meeting in Tehran brought together Munir, Naqvi, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, alongside senior Iranian officials, to discuss regional security and cooperation.The talks took place under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in August.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-will-celebrate-piyush-goyal-says-india-will-have-strong-comparative-advantage-after-us-trade-deal-1793278798694">‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal</a>&nbsp;A joint statement issued after the talks said the participants had agreed to continue their dialogue to strengthen cooperation among the four regional countries, particularly on peace and security.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also called for greater regional unity, saying closer cooperation among Muslim nations would help address shared challenges and external pressure.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s comments have put the spotlight back on the unequal balance of power between Pakistan’s civilian government and its powerful military leadership, at times involving decisions on national security and foreign policy.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman mocked Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif as he took a jibe at him in the National Assembly over Army Chief Asim Munir’s participation in a high-level regional security meeting in Iran, and questioned why the defence minister was not attending the talks. Fazl raised the issue during his address to the National Assembly on Wednesday, referring to a meeting in Tehran attended by Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alongside senior officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. “A defence pact is taking shape in Iran, a meeting is under way (there), and the defence minister is sitting here,” Fazl said, drawing laughter from his fellow lawmakers and desk-thumping in the House. Also Read: ‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu ‘The interior minister is required there as well?’ The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl leader then went on to point out Naqvi’s presence in the Tehran meeting, and asked, “The interior minister is required there as well?” Maulana Fazlur Rehman then turned Khawaja Asif’s own words against him, repeating a phrase the defence minister had previously used to taunt Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). “There is your respect and stature — koi sharam hoti hai, koi haya hoti hai (have some shame, show some modesty),” he said, again triggering laughter in the National Assembly even as Asif sat with a sombre expression. Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan shared a clip of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s speech on X, and it soon went viral.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s comments have put the spotlight back on the unequal balance of power between Pakistan’s civilian government and its powerful military leadership, at times involving decisions on national security and foreign policy.

‘Koi sharam hoti hai?’: Pakistani lawmaker Maulana Fazlur Rehman mocks defence minister Khawaja Asif over Munir’s Iran visit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington’s relationship with Pakistan or any other country “will never come at the expense” of its ties with India. Rubio made the assertion on being asked whether a situation like the 1970s, when then-US President Richard Nixon and his national security advisor Henry Kissinger displayed an obvious tilt towards Pakistan, was returning.&nbsp;“…What everyone should be assured of in India is that our relationship, not just with Pakistan but with any country in the world, will never come at the expense of our relationship. We don’t view it that way in our relationship with India,” Rubio said in an interview with The Indian Express.&nbsp;<h2>‘World looks nothing like it did back then’</h2>&nbsp;Rubio added in his response that he would “not use the 1970s as an example today”, saying, “The world looks nothing like it did back then. Back then, we had the Cold War and all sorts of other dynamics that no longer exist.”The Nixon-Kissinger era refers to the period between 1969–1974, when former US president Richard Nixon and his then national security adviser Henry Kissinger displayed a “pro-Pakistan tilt” and took a contradicting view of former prime minister Indira Gandhi amid the Indian forces’ push towards the then East Pakistan, which was recognised as Bangladesh three days later.&nbsp;<h2>‘Can discourage actions that worry India’</h2>&nbsp;Rubio further said that engagement with Islamabad puts the US in a position where it can “discourage” actions that worry India.“Pakistan is a country we have a relationship with, and we need to have a relationship with. And, in some ways, it could be a positive thing if we could help discourage actions that could potentially lead to conflict, if we could use our influence in ways that are positive,” he said.&nbsp;The US Secretary of State further said that his visits to India, America’s “commitment” to the trade deal with New Delhi and their “engagements” are evidence of the relations.&nbsp;Rubio, who travelled to India for the second time in less than five months, is here for a three-day official visit with a large business delegation. He held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday after landing in Mumbai.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the meeting, Rubio said both countries were “very close” to finalising a trade deal, with only a few items left.&nbsp;In another interview, Rubio acknowledged the difficulties in ending Russia’s four-year-old war in Ukraine.“These things are complex, and if this was an easy war to solve, it would have been solved a long time ago,” he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s engagement with Islamabad puts the US in a position where it can discourage actions that worry India. He said his India visits, America’s commitment to the trade deal with New Delhi and their engagements are evidence of the relations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington’s relationship with Pakistan or any other country “will never come at the expense” of its ties with India. Rubio made the assertion on being asked whether a situation like the 1970s, when then-US President Richard Nixon and his national security advisor Henry Kissinger displayed an obvious tilt towards Pakistan, was returning. “…What everyone should be assured of in India is that our relationship, not just with Pakistan but with any country in the world, will never come at the expense of our relationship. We don’t view it that way in our relationship with India,” Rubio said in an interview with The Indian Express. ‘World looks nothing like it did back then’ Rubio added in his response that he would “not use the 1970s as an example today”, saying, “The world looks nothing like it did back then. Back then, we had the Cold War and all sorts of other dynamics that no longer exist.” The Nixon-Kissinger era refers to the period between 1969–1974, when former US president Richard Nixon and his then national security adviser Henry Kissinger displayed a “pro-Pakistan tilt” and took a contradicting view of former prime minister Indira Gandhi amid the Indian forces’ push towards the then East Pakistan, which was recognised as Bangladesh three days later. ‘Can discourage actions that worry India’ Rubio further said that engagement with Islamabad puts the US in a position where it can “discourage” actions that worry India. “Pakistan is a country we have a relationship with, and we need to have a relationship with. And, in some ways, it could be a positive thing if we could help discourage actions that could potentially lead to conflict, if we could use our influence in ways that are positive,” he said. The US Secretary of State further said that his visits to India, America’s “commitment” to the trade deal with New Delhi and their “engagements” are evidence of the relations. Rubio, who travelled to India for the second time in less than five months, is here for a three-day official visit with a large business delegation. He held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday after landing in Mumbai. After the meeting, Rubio said both countries were “very close” to finalising a trade deal, with only a few items left. In another interview, Rubio acknowledged the difficulties in ending Russia’s four-year-old war in Ukraine. “These things are complex, and if this was an easy war to solve, it would have been solved a long time ago,” he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s engagement with Islamabad puts the US in a position where it can discourage actions that worry India. He said his India visits, America’s commitment to the trade deal with New Delhi and their engagements are evidence of the relations.

‘US relationship with Pak will never come at expense of India ties,’ says Marco Rubio

The ruling elite of Pakistan are seemingly losing faith in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government as they are relocating abroad while still being in office. This harsh reality amid the growing powers of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has been revealed by none other than the country’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif.&nbsp;Asif has raised concerns about what he terms a “significant exodus” of bureaucrats, claiming that many planned their relocation to foreign nations while still in office.&nbsp;Asif said in a post on X that many officers in Pakistan’s bureaucracy have made Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years, reported Express Tribune.&nbsp;“They [bureaucrats] prepared for this while they were employed by the Government of Pakistan, doing so under a deliberate plan. This raises questions about their commitment to their homeland and their jobs during their tenure,” Asif said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Portugal the favoured destination for bureaucratic exodus’</h2>&nbsp;Portugal has emerged as one of the favoured destinations for what he described as a “bureaucratic exodus” in recent years, said the Defence Minister, adding that the officers whose names emerged in the matter held important positions and were close to successive governments.Without providing any documentary evidence or taking names, Asif further alleged that a person who facilitated permanent residency (PR) arrangements with these bureaucrats had fled after collecting substantial sums of money from the officers.&nbsp;<h2>‘Accumulate wealth through both legitimate and illegitimate means while…’</h2>&nbsp;The minister also raised questions about the commitment of such bureaucrats, asking whether their loyalty to Pakistan remained beyond suspicion in their careers. Asif also raised doubts about the conduct of officials who, he said, had enjoyed opportunities to accumulate wealth through both legitimate and illegitimate means while being favoured by politicians.Asif questioned whether such bureaucrats viewed Pakistan as a mere temporary stop before settling abroad.&nbsp;The allegations have brought the focus back on the functioning of Pakistan’s civilian-military hybrid regime. In Pakistan, bureaucrats function under the heavy shadow of the armed forces, which has historically been an important stakeholder and, in many instances, a prime force in the country’s political system.The current Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League (N) government is in power with the support of the Pakistan People’s Party but is seen as dependent on Asim Munir, whose fortunes received a tremendous boost since he found a place in US President Donald Trump’s good books.&nbsp;&nbsp;Munir has introduced some fundamental changes to the system, which critics say have somewhat undermined the country’s democratic and constitutional institutions.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in a post on X that many officers in Pakistan’s bureaucracy have made Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years.

The ruling elite of Pakistan are seemingly losing faith in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government as they are relocating abroad while still being in office. This harsh reality amid the growing powers of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has been revealed by none other than the country’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif. Asif has raised concerns about what he terms a “significant exodus” of bureaucrats, claiming that many planned their relocation to foreign nations while still in office. Asif said in a post on X that many officers in Pakistan’s bureaucracy have made Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years, reported Express Tribune. “They [bureaucrats] prepared for this while they were employed by the Government of Pakistan, doing so under a deliberate plan. This raises questions about their commitment to their homeland and their jobs during their tenure,” Asif said. ‘Portugal the favoured destination for bureaucratic exodus’ Portugal has emerged as one of the favoured destinations for what he described as a “bureaucratic exodus” in recent years, said the Defence Minister, adding that the officers whose names emerged in the matter held important positions and were close to successive governments. Without providing any documentary evidence or taking names, Asif further alleged that a person who facilitated permanent residency (PR) arrangements with these bureaucrats had fled after collecting substantial sums of money from the officers. ‘Accumulate wealth through both legitimate and illegitimate means while…’ The minister also raised questions about the commitment of such bureaucrats, asking whether their loyalty to Pakistan remained beyond suspicion in their careers. Asif also raised doubts about the conduct of officials who, he said, had enjoyed opportunities to accumulate wealth through both legitimate and illegitimate means while being favoured by politicians. Asif questioned whether such bureaucrats viewed Pakistan as a mere temporary stop before settling abroad. The allegations have brought the focus back on the functioning of Pakistan’s civilian-military hybrid regime. In Pakistan, bureaucrats function under the heavy shadow of the armed forces, which has historically been an important stakeholder and, in many instances, a prime force in the country’s political system. The current Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League (N) government is in power with the support of the Pakistan People’s Party but is seen as dependent on Asim Munir, whose fortunes received a tremendous boost since he found a place in US President Donald Trump’s good books. Munir has introduced some fundamental changes to the system, which critics say have somewhat undermined the country’s democratic and constitutional institutions.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in a post on X that many officers in Pakistan’s bureaucracy have made Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries their permanent homes over the past several years.

Khawaja Asif flags ‘bureaucratic exodus’ from Pak amid Munir’s growing clout, loss of faith in govt

At least 28 people, including 17 students and a female teacher, were killed after roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar, on Thursday (Oct 15), a hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim said. The injured people were immediately taken to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH). The hospital spokesperson also added that an emergency was declared as the injured people arrived and medical teams were deployed to promptly. He also added that all the children killed in the incident were aged 13 or younger, the spokesperson added. Rescue 1122 teams reached the site with ambulances and disaster response vehicles and launched rescue operations.&nbsp;A report in Express Tribune stated that Pakistan Army personnel were assisting rescue and relief operations to recover children and school staff trapped under the rubble and shift them to hospitals. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed deep sorrow and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children. He also directed the relevant authorities to provide them with the best possible medical facilities and sought a detailed report to determine the cause of the incident. Additionally, K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed ordered the immediate and safe recovery of people trapped under the rubble and directed the Peshawar Chief Traffic Officer to establish a green corridor to ensure the uninterrupted movement of ambulances.&nbsp;(More details awaited)

At least 18 people, including 17 students and a female teacher, were killed after the roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar on Thursday (October 15), a hospital spokesperson said.

At least 28 people, including 17 students and a female teacher, were killed after roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar, on Thursday (Oct 15), a hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim said. The injured people were immediately taken to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH). The hospital spokesperson also added that an emergency was declared as the injured people arrived and medical teams were deployed to promptly. He also added that all the children killed in the incident were aged 13 or younger, the spokesperson added. Rescue 1122 teams reached the site with ambulances and disaster response vehicles and launched rescue operations. A report in Express Tribune stated that Pakistan Army personnel were assisting rescue and relief operations to recover children and school staff trapped under the rubble and shift them to hospitals. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed deep sorrow and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children. He also directed the relevant authorities to provide them with the best possible medical facilities and sought a detailed report to determine the cause of the incident. Additionally, K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed ordered the immediate and safe recovery of people trapped under the rubble and directed the Peshawar Chief Traffic Officer to establish a green corridor to ensure the uninterrupted movement of ambulances. (More details awaited)

At least 28 people, including 17 students and a female teacher, were killed after the roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar on Thursday (October 15), a hospital spokesperson said.

School roof collapses in Pakistan's Peshawar, at least 28 killed including students

Around 1.5 million internet-using children in Pakistan experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, according to a study by Unicef, ECPAT International and INTERPOL. The findings come as a senior United Nations official warns that artificial intelligence, conflict and climate-related emergencies are exposing children to new and overlapping risks.Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, presented her final report to the UN General Assembly on Monday (Oct 12), urging governments to strengthen protections for children facing multiple crises. “Almost 45 million children are displaced because of conflict, but also because of natural disasters, because of the climate crisis,” she told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York.M’jid also warned that rapid advances in technology, while creating opportunities for learning and communication, were opening new avenues for abuse. She pointed to AI-enabled sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, deepfakes and the recruitment of children into criminal activities.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/imf-world-economic-outlook-10-economies-to-watch-for-growth-in-fy27-and-fy28-where-does-india-stand-1791868386918">IMF World Economic Outlook: 10 economies to watch for growth in FY27 and FY28 - Where does India stand?</a><h2>Most children knew their alleged abusers</h2>The study, Disrupting Harm in Pakistan, published in September 2026, found that nearly one in 16 internet-using children aged 12 to 17 had experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse over 12 months.The reported abuse included unwanted sexual images or conversations, demands for intimate photographs, the non-consensual sharing of children's images, and sexual threats or blackmail.The findings also challenge the assumption that strangers primarily committed online abuse. Shockingly, in 85 per cent of the incidents reported by children, the perpetrator was someone they already knew. Social media was the most commonly reported digital setting, accounting for 44 per cent of cases.Fear and stigma can make it difficult for children to seek help, it noted. Some worry that their families will blame them, humiliate them or impose restrictions on their internet access. Boys may face additional barriers because of social expectations around masculinity and reluctance to discuss sexual abuse.According to UNICEF, more than half of the children who experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse did not tell anyone. None of the children surveyed reported their experiences through formal channels such as helplines, social workers or the police.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatsapp-parental-controls-for-teens-what-parents-can-see-and-change-is-it-available-in-india-and-more-all-you-need-to-know-meta-ai-1790834115201">WhatsApp parental controls for teens: Can parents read messages? What they can see and change. All you need to know</a><h2>Poverty and displacement deepen risks</h2>Online abuse is part of a broader child-protection crisis shaped by poverty, displacement and interruptions to essential services, M’jid warned. Food insecurity and rising prices can leave families struggling to protect children, while conflict and natural disasters can disrupt schooling and weaken support networks.Climate-related emergencies have also caused widespread disruption across South Asia. Unicef estimates that weather-related disasters displaced 15.6 million children in the region between 2016 and 2022. In Bangladesh, climate-related events disrupted schooling for 35 million children in 2024. &nbsp;

Around 1.5 million internet-using children in Pakistan experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, a study has found. The UN is warning that AI, poverty, conflict and climate emergencies are creating overlapping risks for children.


Around 1.5 million internet-using children in Pakistan experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, according to a study by Unicef, ECPAT International and INTERPOL. The findings come as a senior United Nations official warns that artificial intelligence, conflict and climate-related emergencies are exposing children to new and overlapping risks. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, presented her final report to the UN General Assembly on Monday (Oct 12), urging governments to strengthen protections for children facing multiple crises. “Almost 45 million children are displaced because of conflict, but also because of natural disasters, because of the climate crisis,” she told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York. M’jid also warned that rapid advances in technology, while creating opportunities for learning and communication, were opening new avenues for abuse. She pointed to AI-enabled sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, deepfakes and the recruitment of children into criminal activities. Also read | IMF World Economic Outlook: 10 economies to watch for growth in FY27 and FY28 - Where does India stand? Most children knew their alleged abusers The study, Disrupting Harm in Pakistan, published in September 2026, found that nearly one in 16 internet-using children aged 12 to 17 had experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse over 12 months. The reported abuse included unwanted sexual images or conversations, demands for intimate photographs, the non-consensual sharing of children's images, and sexual threats or blackmail. The findings also challenge the assumption that strangers primarily committed online abuse. Shockingly, in 85 per cent of the incidents reported by children, the perpetrator was someone they already knew. Social media was the most commonly reported digital setting, accounting for 44 per cent of cases. Fear and stigma can make it difficult for children to seek help, it noted. Some worry that their families will blame them, humiliate them or impose restrictions on their internet access. Boys may face additional barriers because of social expectations around masculinity and reluctance to discuss sexual abuse. According to UNICEF, more than half of the children who experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse did not tell anyone. None of the children surveyed reported their experiences through formal channels such as helplines, social workers or the police. Also read | WhatsApp parental controls for teens: Can parents read messages? What they can see and change. All you need to know Poverty and displacement deepen risks Online abuse is part of a broader child-protection crisis shaped by poverty, displacement and interruptions to essential services, M’jid warned. Food insecurity and rising prices can leave families struggling to protect children, while conflict and natural disasters can disrupt schooling and weaken support networks. Climate-related emergencies have also caused widespread disruption across South Asia. Unicef estimates that weather-related disasters displaced 15.6 million children in the region between 2016 and 2022. In Bangladesh, climate-related events disrupted schooling for 35 million children in 2024.

Around 1.5 million internet-using children in Pakistan experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, a study has found. The UN is warning that AI, poverty, conflict and climate emergencies are creating overlapping risks for children.

UN study exposes Pakistan's child abuse crisis; 1.5 million children experienced online sexual abuse in a year

India slammed Pakistan at the United Nations (UN) over its terror networks adding that even Pakistan’s leaders have begun to acknowledge it now. India also urged the international community to take stronger action against states accused of sponsoring terrorism. Exposing Islamabad's duplicity before the international community, Raghoo Puri, a first secretary in India’s UN mission, said that Islamabad has stated that the rogue Pakistani state has completely lost control of the 'Frankenstein’s monster of terrorism' it engineered.' Puri was delivering India's right of reply in response to an unprovoked tirade launched against New Delhi by Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon during proceedings at the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, which handles legal affairs. “Pakistan has presented itself as a frontline state in combating terrorism and as a victim, while masking the fact that the Frankenstein’s (monster) the Pakistani state has created and lost control over have moved from wreaking havoc in neighbouring countries to doing the same in Pakistan,” said on Wednesday (local time). "This was exposed recently by a provincial chief minister of Pakistan, and may I jog the memory of colleagues to an interview in 2018 by her father and former prime minister of Pakistan, exposing this dark secret. You cannot run with the hares and hunt with the hounds," he stated.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-flags-brutal-violence-in-pak-occupied-jammu-kashmir-1790407228648">India flags brutal violence in Pak-occupied Jammu Kashmir</a> Drawing international scrutiny to Islamabad's elaborate smokescreens designed to shield high-value terrorist masterminds, Puri highlighted the farcical hike in the bounty announced by Pakistan for Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, which saw the reward raised merely from Pakistani rupees 50 lakh to 70 lakh. "Pakistan glosses over its state support for terrorism by announcing enhanced rewards for apprehending UN-listed head of Jaish-e-Mohammed, terrorist and mastermind of several attacks against my country," he stated. "When the media can reach Masood Azhar and get confirmation from him about the success of Operation Sindoor, surely the Pakistani state knows his whereabouts," he pointed out. Puri cautioned that "when terrorist groups are allowed to operate under state political power, international commitments become meaningless, and when perpetrators are provided safe havens, the victims of terrorism are denied justice."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pakistan-to-rapidly-deploy-troops-to-saudi-arabia-under-mecca-joint-defence-agreement-as-houthi-attacks-escalate-1791227340249">Turkey, Pakistan to rapidly deploy troops to Saudi Arabia under Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as Houthi attacks escalate</a><h2>Pakistan's terror record listed</h2>Recalling the tragic carnage orchestrated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, The Resistance Front, during last year's Pahalgam terror attack, he reminded the international community how the jihadists systematically singled out Hindu and Christian tourists by interrogating their religious identity prior to execution. He said that Osama bin Laden, whose al-Qaeda network masterminded the 9/11 attacks was ultimately tracked down by US Navy SEALs residing comfortably within a fortified compound situated a stone's throw from the elite Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. "The world has not forgotten 26/11," when Pakistani terrorists mercilessly slaughtered 166 innocent lives across Mumbai in 2008, he stressed. “The world has not forgotten Pahalgam.”

India accused Pakistan at the UN of losing control of terror groups it had helped foster, citing remarks by Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif. Diplomat Raghoo Puri also rejected Pakistan's claims over Operation Sindoor and highlighted 26/11, Pahalgam and Masood Azhar

India slammed Pakistan at the United Nations (UN) over its terror networks adding that even Pakistan’s leaders have begun to acknowledge it now. India also urged the international community to take stronger action against states accused of sponsoring terrorism. Exposing Islamabad's duplicity before the international community, Raghoo Puri, a first secretary in India’s UN mission, said that Islamabad has stated that the rogue Pakistani state has completely lost control of the 'Frankenstein’s monster of terrorism' it engineered.' Puri was delivering India's right of reply in response to an unprovoked tirade launched against New Delhi by Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon during proceedings at the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, which handles legal affairs. “Pakistan has presented itself as a frontline state in combating terrorism and as a victim, while masking the fact that the Frankenstein’s (monster) the Pakistani state has created and lost control over have moved from wreaking havoc in neighbouring countries to doing the same in Pakistan,” said on Wednesday (local time). "This was exposed recently by a provincial chief minister of Pakistan, and may I jog the memory of colleagues to an interview in 2018 by her father and former prime minister of Pakistan, exposing this dark secret. You cannot run with the hares and hunt with the hounds," he stated. Also Read: India flags brutal violence in Pak-occupied Jammu Kashmir Drawing international scrutiny to Islamabad's elaborate smokescreens designed to shield high-value terrorist masterminds, Puri highlighted the farcical hike in the bounty announced by Pakistan for Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, which saw the reward raised merely from Pakistani rupees 50 lakh to 70 lakh. "Pakistan glosses over its state support for terrorism by announcing enhanced rewards for apprehending UN-listed head of Jaish-e-Mohammed, terrorist and mastermind of several attacks against my country," he stated. "When the media can reach Masood Azhar and get confirmation from him about the success of Operation Sindoor, surely the Pakistani state knows his whereabouts," he pointed out. Puri cautioned that "when terrorist groups are allowed to operate under state political power, international commitments become meaningless, and when perpetrators are provided safe havens, the victims of terrorism are denied justice." Also Read: Turkey, Pakistan to rapidly deploy troops to Saudi Arabia under Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as Houthi attacks escalate Pakistan's terror record listed Recalling the tragic carnage orchestrated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, The Resistance Front, during last year's Pahalgam terror attack, he reminded the international community how the jihadists systematically singled out Hindu and Christian tourists by interrogating their religious identity prior to execution. He said that Osama bin Laden, whose al-Qaeda network masterminded the 9/11 attacks was ultimately tracked down by US Navy SEALs residing comfortably within a fortified compound situated a stone's throw from the elite Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. "The world has not forgotten 26/11," when Pakistani terrorists mercilessly slaughtered 166 innocent lives across Mumbai in 2008, he stressed. “The world has not forgotten Pahalgam.”

India accused Pakistan at the UN of losing control of terror groups it had helped foster, citing remarks by Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif. Diplomat Raghoo Puri also rejected Pakistan's claims over Operation Sindoor and highlighted 26/11, Pahalgam and Masood Azhar

'Frankenstein’s monster': India tears into Pakistan at UN over terror links

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's supporters are set to begin a days-long march towards Islamabad on Sunday, October 4, to demand his release as talks between the government and opposition failed to reach any concrete resolution. Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) representatives said that the primary goal is securing the freedom of Imran Khan. The march will start from Gandi Chawk, Lakki Marwat district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where PTI is in power. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the plan in a social media post on the platform X.&nbsp;The Caravan will be joined by people from the districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat. It will make several halts for the night, including near Karak on October 4, halting for the night near Kohat on October 5, halting near Matni on October &nbsp;6, and halting near Charsadda Interchange on October 7. &nbsp;They will be joined by people from nearby districts. On October 8, the march will proceed from Charsadda Interchange before the entire gathering converges at Khairabad, where the next phase of the march will be announced.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-redirects-177m-human-rights-fund-conservative-causes-1791058126118">Trump administration redirects over $175mn human rights fund to far-right causes abroad</a>Imran Khan has been imprisoned since 2003 on corruption and other charges, which Khan's PTI says are politically motivated. Khan remains the prominent political rival of Shehbaz Sharif. Authorities have erected roadblocks, using containers, at the entrance to Islamabad and inside the city. The PTI and the Pakistan Federal government failed to reach a conclusion on postponing the march. Sharif's government cited a surge in militant attacks in the northwest, where the Pakistani Taliban have stepped up attacks. They accused PTI of sympathising with the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.Apart from Khan's release, they are also demanding his transfer to a hospital and permission for his family to visit him. Authorities maintain that Khan is in good health and receives regular visits from family. But urged that meetings with the imprisoned family leader can not be used for political purposes. Demonstrators also demanded proper medical check-ups and fair, unhindered legal hearings for Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi. and immediate release of detained activists, local leaders, and Khan's three sisters who were recently arrested in Lahore.The PTI was planning the long march on September 27, but postponed it as authorities blocked key approaches to Islamabad, including Attock Bridge, a major crossing for convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Previous protests by Khan's supporters had turned violent. Following Khan's arrest, riots broke out in 2023; vandalism and arson caused an estimated $8.9 million in damage, and thousands were arrested. In 2024, the demonstrations against the February general election results, which Khan's supporters claimed were rigged, left at least six security personnel and civilians dead.

Imran Khan's PTI supporters have begun a long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad, demanding his release and other concessions from the Pakistan government.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's supporters are set to begin a days-long march towards Islamabad on Sunday, October 4, to demand his release as talks between the government and opposition failed to reach any concrete resolution. Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) representatives said that the primary goal is securing the freedom of Imran Khan. The march will start from Gandi Chawk, Lakki Marwat district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where PTI is in power. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the plan in a social media post on the platform X. The Caravan will be joined by people from the districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat. It will make several halts for the night, including near Karak on October 4, halting for the night near Kohat on October 5, halting near Matni on October 6, and halting near Charsadda Interchange on October 7. They will be joined by people from nearby districts. On October 8, the march will proceed from Charsadda Interchange before the entire gathering converges at Khairabad, where the next phase of the march will be announced. Also Read: Trump administration redirects over $175mn human rights fund to far-right causes abroad Imran Khan has been imprisoned since 2003 on corruption and other charges, which Khan's PTI says are politically motivated. Khan remains the prominent political rival of Shehbaz Sharif. Authorities have erected roadblocks, using containers, at the entrance to Islamabad and inside the city. The PTI and the Pakistan Federal government failed to reach a conclusion on postponing the march. Sharif's government cited a surge in militant attacks in the northwest, where the Pakistani Taliban have stepped up attacks. They accused PTI of sympathising with the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. Apart from Khan's release, they are also demanding his transfer to a hospital and permission for his family to visit him. Authorities maintain that Khan is in good health and receives regular visits from family. But urged that meetings with the imprisoned family leader can not be used for political purposes. Demonstrators also demanded proper medical check-ups and fair, unhindered legal hearings for Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi. and immediate release of detained activists, local leaders, and Khan's three sisters who were recently arrested in Lahore. The PTI was planning the long march on September 27, but postponed it as authorities blocked key approaches to Islamabad, including Attock Bridge, a major crossing for convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Previous protests by Khan's supporters had turned violent. Following Khan's arrest, riots broke out in 2023; vandalism and arson caused an estimated $8.9 million in damage, and thousands were arrested. In 2024, the demonstrations against the February general election results, which Khan's supporters claimed were rigged, left at least six security personnel and civilians dead.

Imran Khan's PTI supporters have begun a long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad, demanding his release and other concessions from the Pakistan government.

Imran Khan supporters begin march to Islamabad, demand his release

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation from Rothschild &amp; Co in London on September 29 but made the mistake of sharing the development on social media and subsequently inviting a vitriolic backlash from Pakistanis.In a post on X on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office said, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met delegation of Rothschild &amp; Co headed by Lord Mark Sedwill, Chair of Geostrategic Advisory in London, today.”The handle also posted a picture of Shehbaz Sharif meeting with a delegation from Rothschild &amp; Co.&nbsp;Pakistanis noted the post on X and blasted Sharif for meeting executives of the financial firm, as the Rothschild family has historical connections with Jewish settlements in Palestine before Israel was established in 1948.&nbsp;The Rothschild family has a documented historical connection with Jewish settlement in Palestine, particularly through Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, a member of the Rothschild banking family. Edmond provided substantial financial support to Jewish agricultural settlements in Palestine from the 1880s and later established the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA), states the website of the Israeli parliament Knesset.&nbsp;The photo and meeting details were enough to anger Pakistani citizens on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Curse be upon Pakistani govt and establishment’</h2>&nbsp;One X user from Pakistan called Sharif a “Yahoodi agent”, while another wrote, “Curse be upon the Pakistani govt and establishment. As a Pakistani, I’m ashamed of this.”&nbsp;Pakistani columnist Raja Muneeb said the meeting showed that “begging for funds” was more important for PM Sharif, than “freedom of Palestine”, as he sat with “the Jewish family”.&nbsp;Muneeb said, “Note he is meeting the Jewish family of Rothschild &amp; Co. What explains Pakistan PM sitting with Jewish family. Begging for funds is more important than Palestine’s freedom!!”&nbsp;Pakistani human rights advocate and writer Humaira Wajahat slammed the meeting with “Israel’s founding family”, and said, “We don’t need Israel’s geostrategy for Pakistan.”&nbsp;Islamabad-based PTI member Choudhry Ahtsham Mustufa said, “Shahbaz Sharif has met with representatives of the notorious Zionist Rothschild family in London. Have a look at some of this family’s history so you can understand who is behind the current regime, and why Imran Khan is in prison.”&nbsp;“Noon League [Sharif’s party PML-N] spent years calling Imran a Yahoodi agent,” said one X user, accusing the Sharif government of “zero shame”.&nbsp;<h2>‘Shameful and highly condemnable’</h2>&nbsp;Islamabad-based journalist and influencer Haris Nadeem Khan said, “The act by PM Pakistan is shameful and highly condemnable. It disgraces his office, betrays public trust and tarnishes Pakistan’s image. Such irresponsible behaviour is unacceptable and must be strongly condemned.”&nbsp;The meeting also comes after Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy by referring to the sons of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Jemima Goldsmith as Jews. Goldsmith has a Jewish background.&nbsp;Imran Khan has repeatedly faced criticism from some quarters in Pakistan over allegations of representing the “Jewish lobby”.&nbsp;&nbsp;An X user based in Pakistan wrote, “You people used to say Imran Khan is a Jewish agent, but he turned out to be a true Momen, but in fact you and your handlers are true Jewish agents.”&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan does not recognise Israel as country</h2>&nbsp;As a policy, Pakistan does not recognise Israel as a country and has consistently maintained its support for the Palestinian cause. Islamabad has repeatedly stated that it will not recognise Israel unless a just settlement of the Palestine issue, satisfactory to the Palestinian people, is reached.&nbsp;The Pakistani government’s official statement said that the discussions with Rothschild &amp; Co centred on Pakistan’s geo-economic priorities and potential advisory collaboration on capital markets and investment strategy.&nbsp;Shehbaz met Rothschild &amp; Co as part of a round of meetings with global financial institutions. He also held talks with representatives of Barclays, JP Morgan, Citi and BlackRock during his UK visit.&nbsp;<h2>What is Rothschild connection with Israel?</h2>&nbsp;The Knesset website describes Baron Edmond James de Rothschild as a public figure known as the “Founding Father of the Yishuv” during the period of the First Aliyah. He was the third son of James Mayer de Rothschild, who headed the French branch of the Rothschild family.According to the Knesset, Baron de Rothschild sought to remain anonymous in his philanthropic activities and was consequently known for years as “the Known Benefactor”. During World War I, he became more closely associated with the Zionist movement, particularly in connection with the Balfour Declaration and the post-war Paris Peace Conference.In 1923, de Rothschild established the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA) to administer his lands in Eretz Yisrael, appointing his son, James, as its president.&nbsp;<h2>The Balfour Declaration</h2>&nbsp;On November 2, 1917, British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour addressed the document that became known as the Balfour Declaration to “Dear Lord Rothschild”, asking him to communicate it to the Zionist Federation.The declaration said the British government viewed “with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.”The Rothschild Archive says Edmond supported land purchases and settlements from the 1880s and that his donations provided “significant support” to the movement that eventually helped lead to Israel’s establishment. By his death in 1934, his activities had involved nearly 500,000 dunams of land and almost 30 settlements, according to the archive.

The meeting details shared in Pakistan’s PMO post were enough to anger Pakistani citizens. The Rothschild family has a documented historical connection with Jewish settlement in Palestine, particularly through Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, a member of the Rothschild banking family.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation from Rothschild & Co in London on September 29 but made the mistake of sharing the development on social media and subsequently inviting a vitriolic backlash from Pakistanis. In a post on X on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office said, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met delegation of Rothschild & Co headed by Lord Mark Sedwill, Chair of Geostrategic Advisory in London, today.” The handle also posted a picture of Shehbaz Sharif meeting with a delegation from Rothschild & Co. Pakistanis noted the post on X and blasted Sharif for meeting executives of the financial firm, as the Rothschild family has historical connections with Jewish settlements in Palestine before Israel was established in 1948. The Rothschild family has a documented historical connection with Jewish settlement in Palestine, particularly through Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, a member of the Rothschild banking family. Edmond provided substantial financial support to Jewish agricultural settlements in Palestine from the 1880s and later established the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA), states the website of the Israeli parliament Knesset. The photo and meeting details were enough to anger Pakistani citizens on social media. ‘Curse be upon Pakistani govt and establishment’ One X user from Pakistan called Sharif a “Yahoodi agent”, while another wrote, “Curse be upon the Pakistani govt and establishment. As a Pakistani, I’m ashamed of this.” Pakistani columnist Raja Muneeb said the meeting showed that “begging for funds” was more important for PM Sharif, than “freedom of Palestine”, as he sat with “the Jewish family”. Muneeb said, “Note he is meeting the Jewish family of Rothschild & Co. What explains Pakistan PM sitting with Jewish family. Begging for funds is more important than Palestine’s freedom!!” Pakistani human rights advocate and writer Humaira Wajahat slammed the meeting with “Israel’s founding family”, and said, “We don’t need Israel’s geostrategy for Pakistan.” Islamabad-based PTI member Choudhry Ahtsham Mustufa said, “Shahbaz Sharif has met with representatives of the notorious Zionist Rothschild family in London. Have a look at some of this family’s history so you can understand who is behind the current regime, and why Imran Khan is in prison.” “Noon League [Sharif’s party PML-N] spent years calling Imran a Yahoodi agent,” said one X user, accusing the Sharif government of “zero shame”. ‘Shameful and highly condemnable’ Islamabad-based journalist and influencer Haris Nadeem Khan said, “The act by PM Pakistan is shameful and highly condemnable. It disgraces his office, betrays public trust and tarnishes Pakistan’s image. Such irresponsible behaviour is unacceptable and must be strongly condemned.” The meeting also comes after Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy by referring to the sons of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Jemima Goldsmith as Jews. Goldsmith has a Jewish background. Imran Khan has repeatedly faced criticism from some quarters in Pakistan over allegations of representing the “Jewish lobby”. An X user based in Pakistan wrote, “You people used to say Imran Khan is a Jewish agent, but he turned out to be a true Momen, but in fact you and your handlers are true Jewish agents.” Pakistan does not recognise Israel as country As a policy, Pakistan does not recognise Israel as a country and has consistently maintained its support for the Palestinian cause. Islamabad has repeatedly stated that it will not recognise Israel unless a just settlement of the Palestine issue, satisfactory to the Palestinian people, is reached. The Pakistani government’s official statement said that the discussions with Rothschild & Co centred on Pakistan’s geo-economic priorities and potential advisory collaboration on capital markets and investment strategy. Shehbaz met Rothschild & Co as part of a round of meetings with global financial institutions. He also held talks with representatives of Barclays, JP Morgan, Citi and BlackRock during his UK visit. What is Rothschild connection with Israel? The Knesset website describes Baron Edmond James de Rothschild as a public figure known as the “Founding Father of the Yishuv” during the period of the First Aliyah. He was the third son of James Mayer de Rothschild, who headed the French branch of the Rothschild family. According to the Knesset, Baron de Rothschild sought to remain anonymous in his philanthropic activities and was consequently known for years as “the Known Benefactor”. During World War I, he became more closely associated with the Zionist movement, particularly in connection with the Balfour Declaration and the post-war Paris Peace Conference. In 1923, de Rothschild established the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA) to administer his lands in Eretz Yisrael, appointing his son, James, as its president. The Balfour Declaration On November 2, 1917, British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour addressed the document that became known as the Balfour Declaration to “Dear Lord Rothschild”, asking him to communicate it to the Zionist Federation. The declaration said the British government viewed “with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.” The Rothschild Archive says Edmond supported land purchases and settlements from the 1880s and that his donations provided “significant support” to the movement that eventually helped lead to Israel’s establishment. By his death in 1934, his activities had involved nearly 500,000 dunams of land and almost 30 settlements, according to the archive.

The meeting details shared in Pakistan’s PMO post were enough to anger Pakistani citizens. The Rothschild family has a documented historical connection with Jewish settlement in Palestine, particularly through Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, a member of the Rothschild banking family.

‘Yahoodi agent’, ‘begging for funds’: Pakistanis slam PM Shehbaz Sharif over meeting with Israel-linked Rothschild & Co

Bangladesh faced a harsh reality check following a conspicuous leaning towards Pakistan after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, as Islamabad blocked its airspace to a Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur nuclear power plant at a time when the country is grappling with a power crisis.&nbsp;The first batch of nuclear fuel for Unit-2 of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant was scheduled to arrive on September 24 as Bangladesh was preparing to begin commercial operations at its first nuclear power plant at the earliest. Pakistan’s denial of airspace clearance will delay the delivery of nuclear fuel, which may impact the plant’s operational timeline.&nbsp;The Rooppur project has already been delayed by two years due to the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;<h2>‘Pakistan did not provide air clearance, no reason either’</h2>&nbsp;Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy major Rosatom is implementing the Rooppur project and is responsible for delivery of uranium to Bangladesh.Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the clearance and said no reason was provided by Islamabad.&nbsp;The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing in Dhaka.&nbsp;“The flight was not given permission to use Pakistani airspace. As of now, the exact reason for Pakistan not granting the airspace clearance is still unknown,” the minister told news agency ANI.&nbsp;<h2>Airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour</h2>&nbsp;Bangladeshi media reports suggested that the airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has remained tight-lipped about which country denied the airspace permit.Tauhidul Islam, joint secretary at the Science Ministry, said all preparations had been completed at the airport when officials were informed by Rosatom that it had not received airspace clearance.&nbsp;Rosatom has now rescheduled the delivery through an alternative route said a report in The Daily Star. Nuclear fuel shipments for the Rooppur plant will now resume in October.“The remaining fuel batches bound for Bangladesh will arrive by December across seven separate cargo flights,” Rosatom said, assuring Bangladesh that the project schedule won’t be impacted.&nbsp;There was no reaction from Islamabad, but the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka cited “technical” and “procedural issues” behind the incident.“Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh. It would therefore be appropriate to view the matter in its proper technical context and not attach undue significance to reports or narratives that may seek to misplace it to undermine our bilateral relations,” it said.&nbsp;<h2>Rooppur nuclear plant strategically vital for Bangladesh</h2>&nbsp;The Rooppur nuclear power project, being constructed along the Padma River, is strategically important for Bangladesh as a major part of its plan to expand reliable electricity generation.Bangladesh is among the world’s major importers of electricity, with most of it being sourced from India. It needs power to keep its garment factories running, which fuels its economy.&nbsp;In April this year, Bangladesh took a major leap towards joining the nuclear power club as fuel loading began at Unit-1 of the power plant and set the stage for the country’s first nuclear-generated electricity to enter the national grid.The final phase of testing began in August. Preparations are underway to supply around 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on a trial basis in October. Commercial power generation is expected to begin in December, making Bangladesh the world’s 33rd nuclear power-producing country.&nbsp;For over two months now, Bangladesh has been grappling with its worst power crisis amid the prolonged Iran war and its extensive reliance on gas imports. It has also forced factories producing garments, food, ceramics and pharmaceuticals to cut production.&nbsp;Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on natural gas-fired power plants. For this, it has increasingly relied on costly imported natural gas from Middle Eastern producers like Qatar.&nbsp;The closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely hit Bangladesh.

The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for the Rooppur plant was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing. Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the needed air clearance.

Bangladesh faced a harsh reality check following a conspicuous leaning towards Pakistan after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, as Islamabad blocked its airspace to a Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur nuclear power plant at a time when the country is grappling with a power crisis. The first batch of nuclear fuel for Unit-2 of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant was scheduled to arrive on September 24 as Bangladesh was preparing to begin commercial operations at its first nuclear power plant at the earliest. Pakistan’s denial of airspace clearance will delay the delivery of nuclear fuel, which may impact the plant’s operational timeline. The Rooppur project has already been delayed by two years due to the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. ‘Pakistan did not provide air clearance, no reason either’ Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy major Rosatom is implementing the Rooppur project and is responsible for delivery of uranium to Bangladesh. Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the clearance and said no reason was provided by Islamabad. The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing in Dhaka. “The flight was not given permission to use Pakistani airspace. As of now, the exact reason for Pakistan not granting the airspace clearance is still unknown,” the minister told news agency ANI. Airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour Bangladeshi media reports suggested that the airspace denial happened at the eleventh hour. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has remained tight-lipped about which country denied the airspace permit. Tauhidul Islam, joint secretary at the Science Ministry, said all preparations had been completed at the airport when officials were informed by Rosatom that it had not received airspace clearance. Rosatom has now rescheduled the delivery through an alternative route said a report in The Daily Star. Nuclear fuel shipments for the Rooppur plant will now resume in October. “The remaining fuel batches bound for Bangladesh will arrive by December across seven separate cargo flights,” Rosatom said, assuring Bangladesh that the project schedule won’t be impacted. There was no reaction from Islamabad, but the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka cited “technical” and “procedural issues” behind the incident. “Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh. It would therefore be appropriate to view the matter in its proper technical context and not attach undue significance to reports or narratives that may seek to misplace it to undermine our bilateral relations,” it said. Rooppur nuclear plant strategically vital for Bangladesh The Rooppur nuclear power project, being constructed along the Padma River, is strategically important for Bangladesh as a major part of its plan to expand reliable electricity generation. Bangladesh is among the world’s major importers of electricity, with most of it being sourced from India. It needs power to keep its garment factories running, which fuels its economy. In April this year, Bangladesh took a major leap towards joining the nuclear power club as fuel loading began at Unit-1 of the power plant and set the stage for the country’s first nuclear-generated electricity to enter the national grid. The final phase of testing began in August. Preparations are underway to supply around 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on a trial basis in October. Commercial power generation is expected to begin in December, making Bangladesh the world’s 33rd nuclear power-producing country. For over two months now, Bangladesh has been grappling with its worst power crisis amid the prolonged Iran war and its extensive reliance on gas imports. It has also forced factories producing garments, food, ceramics and pharmaceuticals to cut production. Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on natural gas-fired power plants. For this, it has increasingly relied on costly imported natural gas from Middle Eastern producers like Qatar. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely hit Bangladesh.

The Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for the Rooppur plant was supposed to cross Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India before landing. Bangladesh science and technology minister Faqir Mahbub Anam admitted that Pakistan did not provide the needed air clearance.

Pakistan blocks airspace for Russian flight carrying nuclear fuel for Bangladesh’s Rooppur plant

Pakistan has appointed retired Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary-General of the Secretariat that will oversee implementation of the Mecca pact—the trilateral defence agreement between Saudi, Turkey and Pakistan. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a post on X wrote: "The government of Pakistan is pleased to announce the appointment of Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), (retired), as the first secretary general pursuant to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” the FO said in a handout, referring to the alliance’s initial name. “The secretary general will lead the general secretariat of the alliance being established at Riyadh,” Pakistani Foreign Office said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-kind-of-confession-is-this-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-s-terrorists-would-be-roaming-new-york-remark-goes-viral-raises-alarm-online-watch-1790136284702">'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch</a>&nbsp;Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August, pledging to treat an armed attack on any one of the three countries as an attack on all. The agreement followed a separate bilateral mutual defence agreement Islamabad and Riyadh signed in September 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-afghanistan-tensions-escalate-after-deadly-strikes-kills-three-in-kunar-1789978021284">Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions escalate after deadly strikes kill three in Kunar</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260924/image-1790231162506.png"></figure>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-mecca-defence-pact-houthi-drone-incident-saudi-arabia-1789648511839">Pakistan vows to honour Mecca defence pact after drone incident near holy city</a><h2>Who is Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood</h2>Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood is from Baloch Regiment and was promoted to Lt-Gen in April 2019. He previously served as the 35th president of the National Defence University in Islamabad, from November 2021 to April 2023. He also served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of an infantry division in North Waziristan District. Before he was promoted to Lt Gen, Mahmood was at the rank of Major General, and served as Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence’s (ISI’s) analysis wing. He was later appointed to the Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi as Inspector-General (IG) for the Communication and Information Technology branch. He was also appointed Commander of XI Corps in December 2019, a position he held until 23 November, 2021, when he was succeeded by Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed.

Pakistan has appointed retired Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary general of the Makkah Defence Alliance involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The former ISI official will lead the alliance's General Secretariat in Riyadh under the joint defence agreement signed in August.

Pakistan has appointed retired Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary-General of the Secretariat that will oversee implementation of the Mecca pact—the trilateral defence agreement between Saudi, Turkey and Pakistan. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a post on X wrote: "The government of Pakistan is pleased to announce the appointment of Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), (retired), as the first secretary general pursuant to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” the FO said in a handout, referring to the alliance’s initial name. “The secretary general will lead the general secretariat of the alliance being established at Riyadh,” Pakistani Foreign Office said. Also Read: 'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August, pledging to treat an armed attack on any one of the three countries as an attack on all. The agreement followed a separate bilateral mutual defence agreement Islamabad and Riyadh signed in September 2025. Also Read: Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions escalate after deadly strikes kill three in Kunar Also Read: Pakistan vows to honour Mecca defence pact after drone incident near holy city Who is Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood is from Baloch Regiment and was promoted to Lt-Gen in April 2019. He previously served as the 35th president of the National Defence University in Islamabad, from November 2021 to April 2023. He also served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of an infantry division in North Waziristan District. Before he was promoted to Lt Gen, Mahmood was at the rank of Major General, and served as Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence’s (ISI’s) analysis wing. He was later appointed to the Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi as Inspector-General (IG) for the Communication and Information Technology branch. He was also appointed Commander of XI Corps in December 2019, a position he held until 23 November, 2021, when he was succeeded by Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed.

Pakistan has appointed retired Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary general of the Makkah Defence Alliance involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The former ISI official will lead the alliance's General Secretariat in Riyadh under the joint defence agreement signed in August.

Who is Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood, Pakistan's first secretary general of Makkah Defence Alliance?

India on Wednesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group, saying the group would be “better advised to counsel Pakistan” instead of offering it a platform.&nbsp;The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement saying the grouping has no locus standi to comment on matters that are strictly internal to India. It also described the OIC’s references to Jammu and Kashmir as “unwarranted and factually incorrect”.“The OIC has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are strictly internal to India,” the MEA said, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are “integral and inalienable” parts of India.&nbsp;The statement came after the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir met on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-on-nations-to-quit-rogue-and-out-of-control-international-criminal-court-rips-un-1790102584297">Trump calls on nations to quit ‘rogue’ and ‘out-of-control’ International Criminal Court, rips UN</a><h2>Endorsement of propaganda raises questions on OIC’s credibility: MEA&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The MEA said repeated endorsement of what it called “politically motivated propaganda” raised questions about the credibility of the OIC. “Repeated endorsement of such motivated narratives only raises serious questions on the credibility of OIC,” it said.&nbsp;India also rejected what it described as attempts to alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir through repeated references at international forums.&nbsp;The OIC Contact Group comprises Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Niger. The group met in New York on Tuesday and reaffirmed its support for what it described as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-a-deal-or-drive-iran-into-hell-trump-issues-fresh-warning-to-tehran-at-unga-1790090594288">‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA</a><h2>‘Better if OIC counsels Pakistan instead’</h2>&nbsp;New Delhi also directly hit out at Pakistan, accusing it of using the OIC platform to push “fabricated and motivated propaganda”.“Instead of offering a platform to Pakistan to peddle its fabricated and motivated propaganda, OIC will be better advised to counsel Pakistan,” the MEA said.&nbsp;India accused Pakistan of having a “well-documented record of supporting and sponsoring terrorism” and called on Islamabad to address the continuing threat of terrorism emanating from territories under its control.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-stand-by-its-security-commitments-to-saudi-arabia-says-marco-rubio-1790084064717">‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the OIC meeting and urged members to maintain a unified position on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN and other international forums. He called for the reversal of measures taken by India since August 5, 2019, and sought the release of political prisoners and access for international observers.&nbsp;The OIC secretary-general, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, chaired the meeting.&nbsp;India’s remarks also came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to the Kashmir issue during his address to the UN General Assembly.

The Ministry of External Affairs said repeated endorsement of “politically motivated propaganda” raised questions about the credibility of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. New Delhi also directly hit out at Pakistan, accusing it of using the OIC platform to push fabricated propaganda.

India on Wednesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group, saying the group would be “better advised to counsel Pakistan” instead of offering it a platform. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement saying the grouping has no locus standi to comment on matters that are strictly internal to India. It also described the OIC’s references to Jammu and Kashmir as “unwarranted and factually incorrect”. “The OIC has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are strictly internal to India,” the MEA said, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are “integral and inalienable” parts of India. The statement came after the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir met on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Also Read: Trump calls on nations to quit ‘rogue’ and ‘out-of-control’ International Criminal Court, rips UN Endorsement of propaganda raises questions on OIC’s credibility: MEA The MEA said repeated endorsement of what it called “politically motivated propaganda” raised questions about the credibility of the OIC. “Repeated endorsement of such motivated narratives only raises serious questions on the credibility of OIC,” it said. India also rejected what it described as attempts to alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir through repeated references at international forums. The OIC Contact Group comprises Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Niger. The group met in New York on Tuesday and reaffirmed its support for what it described as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Also Read: ‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA ‘Better if OIC counsels Pakistan instead’ New Delhi also directly hit out at Pakistan, accusing it of using the OIC platform to push “fabricated and motivated propaganda”. “Instead of offering a platform to Pakistan to peddle its fabricated and motivated propaganda, OIC will be better advised to counsel Pakistan,” the MEA said. India accused Pakistan of having a “well-documented record of supporting and sponsoring terrorism” and called on Islamabad to address the continuing threat of terrorism emanating from territories under its control. Also Read: ‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the OIC meeting and urged members to maintain a unified position on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN and other international forums. He called for the reversal of measures taken by India since August 5, 2019, and sought the release of political prisoners and access for international observers. The OIC secretary-general, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, chaired the meeting. India’s remarks also came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to the Kashmir issue during his address to the UN General Assembly.

The Ministry of External Affairs said repeated endorsement of “politically motivated propaganda” raised questions about the credibility of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. New Delhi also directly hit out at Pakistan, accusing it of using the OIC platform to push fabricated propaganda.

‘Unwarranted, factually incorrect, no locus standi’: India hits back at OIC over Kashmir remarks

A remark made by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations is doing the rounds on social media, raising alarm. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly 2025, the Pakistan PM had stated, “Had these terrorists not been encountered by us, they would have been roaming on the streets of New York and London.”The remark has now resurfaced ahead of his scheduled address to the 81st UN General Assembly, with users raising questions over what they see as an extraordinary description of Pakistan's confession on terrorism.Notably, the clip being widely shared is not from the 81st UNGA in 2026. Sharif is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 25 this year. The viral excerpt is from his speech to the 80th UN General Assembly on September 26, 2025. The official UN transcript confirms the wording.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-at-unga-india-pushes-for-reformed-multilateralism-reforms-to-global-institutions-1790046860281">India at UNGA81: Jaishankar warns global order under 'growing stress', pushes for ‘reformed multilateralism’</a><h2>What did Sharif say about Pakistan and terrorism?</h2>Speaking about Pakistan's counterterrorism record during last year's address, Sharif said: “Had these terrorists not been encountered by us, they would have been roaming on the streets of New York and London and God knows, Far East.”He presented Pakistan as a “bulwark” against terrorism and described its counterterrorism efforts as a contribution to people beyond Pakistan. The remarks were made while he was arguing that Pakistan had suffered heavily from terrorism and had been on the frontline of the global fight against it.<h2>‘What kind of confession is this?’: Social media reacts</h2>The resurfaced clip has triggered a stream of reactions with users questioning the wording used by the Pakistani prime minister.One widely shared post described the remark as an “admission” that terrorists were present in Pakistan and would otherwise have reached cities such as New York and London.Another user wrote: “Wait… what kind of confession is this?” The post focused on Sharif's use of the phrase “encountered by us”, asking whether this meant terrorists were being “controlled” inside Pakistan and what that implied about their presence there.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PM of Pakistan confirms: &gt; Pakistan has terrorists. &gt; Pakistan controls terrorists. &gt; Pak prevents terrorists from roaming NYC, London, Far East. Why Pak as terrorists? Because Pak creates these terrorists to use them in and against India. <a href="https://t.co/LIEKEcYUko">pic.twitter.com/LIEKEcYUko</a>&mdash; Aravind (@aravind) <a href="https://x.com/aravind/status/2102445176392462497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Other posts went further, asking whether “control” could be interpreted as tolerance, containment, safe haven, funding, training or use as an instrument of state policy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-indian-army-on-high-alert-after-suspected-pakistani-drone-sighting-over-loc-in-rajouri-1787968541113">Jammu and Kashmir: Indian army on high alert after suspected Pakistani drone sighting over LoC in Rajouri</a><h2>What Sharif said before the viral line</h2>Sharif first said Pakistan condemned terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations” and claimed that the country had been at the frontline of global counterterrorism efforts for more than two decades. He said Pakistan had suffered more than 90,000 deaths and $150 billion in economic losses.He then argued that terrorism crossed national boundaries, saying a person killed in New York was comparable to one killed in Lahore and that terrorism had to be defeated globally. It was immediately after this argument that he said terrorists, had they not been “encountered” by Pakistan, could have been roaming the streets of New York and London.Sharif subsequently shifted to what he described as Pakistan's current problem of “externally sponsored terrorism”, naming groups including the TTP, BLA and Majeed Brigade and accusing them of operating from Afghan territory.<h2>India has long raised the issue of cross-border terrorism</h2>The resurfaced remark is particularly sensitive in India because New Delhi has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting or sheltering cross-border terrorist networks.In a UN right-of-reply statement in October 2025, India's Permanent Mission to the UN said the international community had witnessed Pakistan's alleged sponsorship of cross-border terrorism and accused Islamabad of using terrorism as a tool of state policy directed against India.India has also made a broader case at the UN for holding not only perpetrators but also financiers and sponsors of terrorism accountable. Its stated position for the 81st UNGA includes opposition to double standards in counterterrorism.<h2>Viral clip comes before Sharif’s 2026 UNGA address</h2>Sharif arrived in New York this week for the 81st UN General Assembly. Pakistan's government says his September 25 speech will address regional and global security, terrorism, climate change, development and other international issues. That makes the resurfacing of the 2025 clip particularly notable. Social media users are now scrutinising the old remarks ahead of Sharif's appearance. &nbsp;

A remark by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif about terrorists “roaming” the streets of New York and London has resurfaced on social media ahead of his UNGA81 address. But what exactly did he say, and when was it actually spoken? All you need to know.

A remark made by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations is doing the rounds on social media, raising alarm. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly 2025, the Pakistan PM had stated, “Had these terrorists not been encountered by us, they would have been roaming on the streets of New York and London.” The remark has now resurfaced ahead of his scheduled address to the 81st UN General Assembly, with users raising questions over what they see as an extraordinary description of Pakistan's confession on terrorism. Notably, the clip being widely shared is not from the 81st UNGA in 2026. Sharif is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 25 this year. The viral excerpt is from his speech to the 80th UN General Assembly on September 26, 2025. The official UN transcript confirms the wording. Also read | India at UNGA81: Jaishankar warns global order under 'growing stress', pushes for ‘reformed multilateralism’ What did Sharif say about Pakistan and terrorism? Speaking about Pakistan's counterterrorism record during last year's address, Sharif said: “Had these terrorists not been encountered by us, they would have been roaming on the streets of New York and London and God knows, Far East.” He presented Pakistan as a “bulwark” against terrorism and described its counterterrorism efforts as a contribution to people beyond Pakistan. The remarks were made while he was arguing that Pakistan had suffered heavily from terrorism and had been on the frontline of the global fight against it. ‘What kind of confession is this?’: Social media reacts The resurfaced clip has triggered a stream of reactions with users questioning the wording used by the Pakistani prime minister. One widely shared post described the remark as an “admission” that terrorists were present in Pakistan and would otherwise have reached cities such as New York and London. Another user wrote: “Wait… what kind of confession is this?” The post focused on Sharif's use of the phrase “encountered by us”, asking whether this meant terrorists were being “controlled” inside Pakistan and what that implied about their presence there.

A remark by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif about terrorists “roaming” the streets of New York and London has resurfaced on social media ahead of his UNGA81 address. But what exactly did he say, and when was it actually spoken? All you need to know.

'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch

As Pakistan faces Saudi Arabia's pressure for trying to shirk its Mecca Pact commitment and growing internal turmoil, Asim Munir's diversionary tactics are back.&nbsp;His forces reignited another front by conducting fresh air strikes on Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday.&nbsp;According to Taliban, the Pakistani army bombarded civilian areas in the provinces of Kunar and Paktika.&nbsp;While a woman and two men were killed and four others were injured in Kunar's Nurgal district, no casualties were reported in the Paktika strike that damaged a house and a shop in the Barmal district.&nbsp;Condemning these strikes, Taliban accused the Pak military establishment of committing such a crime to divert attention from its security failures within its own country.&nbsp;It also vowed to respond appropriately to what it called... this aggression.&nbsp;Visuals showed the spate of destruction in Kunar province where the strikes took place.&nbsp;People were seen trying to search for their belongings in the rubble of their destroyed home.&nbsp;Remnants of a bomb were also recovered from the spot.&nbsp;After performing funeral prayers for the victims, residents lashed out at Pakistan for targeting innocent civilians.&nbsp;On its part though, Pakistan's information ministry claimed that the calibrated strikes were carried out on hideouts and safe havens of what it said were terrorist groups responsible for the recent terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;It added that 28 terrorists were killed after a suicide bombers' training centre was reportedly destroyed.&nbsp;This comes barely a few hours after six Pakistani soldiers were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district near the Afghan border.&nbsp;Earlier on September 18, the city of Kohat was rocked by a deadly attack.&nbsp;A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle at the police headquarters and terrorists stormed the compound thereafter, leading to 31 deaths and more than a hundred injuries.&nbsp;It is worth noting that Pakistan had issued a veiled warning to Afghanistan after this attack, asserting that it has the 'will and capability' to eliminate such threats wherever they are.&nbsp;Now, although both nations agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, the truce ended in February this year after Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan.&nbsp;The worst escalation took place in March, when Munir's forces bombed a Kabul hospital.&nbsp;While Taliban stated that about 400 people were killed, the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan independently verified the killing of at least 269 civilians whereas 122 others were wounded.&nbsp;In June-end, Pakistan killed at least 36 civilians with air strikes on the three eastern provinces of Paktika, Kunar and Paktia.&nbsp;Subsequently, Afghanistan claimed to have targeted ISIS centres in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, a claim which Pakistan denied.&nbsp;Now, Pakistan's targeting of civilians has been confirmed by UN itself.&nbsp;From April to June this year, UN documented killing of 57 Afghan civilians and injuries to 342 others due to Pakistan's attacks.&nbsp;It also flagged an increase in casualties caused by unexploded ordnance left behind in areas close to the border.&nbsp;Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration.&nbsp;Ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march to demand Khan's release from jail, the authorities have commenced a brutal crackdown.&nbsp;The PTI founder's sisters, Aleema Khan, Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, have been detained for 30 days under the pretext of maintaining public order.&nbsp;According to Khan's son Kasim, their children have been arrested as well.&nbsp;Stressing that no nation should tolerate this establishment, he called for global action.&nbsp;Munir's use of brute force on civilians as well as dissenters has yet again exposed Pakistan's real face on the global stage...

Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration. A brutal crackdown has been launcnhed ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march.

As Pakistan faces Saudi Arabia's pressure for trying to shirk its Mecca Pact commitment and growing internal turmoil, Asim Munir's diversionary tactics are back. His forces reignited another front by conducting fresh air strikes on Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday. According to Taliban, the Pakistani army bombarded civilian areas in the provinces of Kunar and Paktika. While a woman and two men were killed and four others were injured in Kunar's Nurgal district, no casualties were reported in the Paktika strike that damaged a house and a shop in the Barmal district. Condemning these strikes, Taliban accused the Pak military establishment of committing such a crime to divert attention from its security failures within its own country. It also vowed to respond appropriately to what it called... this aggression. Visuals showed the spate of destruction in Kunar province where the strikes took place. People were seen trying to search for their belongings in the rubble of their destroyed home. Remnants of a bomb were also recovered from the spot. After performing funeral prayers for the victims, residents lashed out at Pakistan for targeting innocent civilians. On its part though, Pakistan's information ministry claimed that the calibrated strikes were carried out on hideouts and safe havens of what it said were terrorist groups responsible for the recent terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It added that 28 terrorists were killed after a suicide bombers' training centre was reportedly destroyed. This comes barely a few hours after six Pakistani soldiers were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district near the Afghan border. Earlier on September 18, the city of Kohat was rocked by a deadly attack. A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle at the police headquarters and terrorists stormed the compound thereafter, leading to 31 deaths and more than a hundred injuries. It is worth noting that Pakistan had issued a veiled warning to Afghanistan after this attack, asserting that it has the 'will and capability' to eliminate such threats wherever they are. Now, although both nations agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, the truce ended in February this year after Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan. The worst escalation took place in March, when Munir's forces bombed a Kabul hospital. While Taliban stated that about 400 people were killed, the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan independently verified the killing of at least 269 civilians whereas 122 others were wounded. In June-end, Pakistan killed at least 36 civilians with air strikes on the three eastern provinces of Paktika, Kunar and Paktia. Subsequently, Afghanistan claimed to have targeted ISIS centres in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, a claim which Pakistan denied. Now, Pakistan's targeting of civilians has been confirmed by UN itself. From April to June this year, UN documented killing of 57 Afghan civilians and injuries to 342 others due to Pakistan's attacks. It also flagged an increase in casualties caused by unexploded ordnance left behind in areas close to the border. Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration. Ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march to demand Khan's release from jail, the authorities have commenced a brutal crackdown. The PTI founder's sisters, Aleema Khan, Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, have been detained for 30 days under the pretext of maintaining public order. According to Khan's son Kasim, their children have been arrested as well. Stressing that no nation should tolerate this establishment, he called for global action. Munir's use of brute force on civilians as well as dissenters has yet again exposed Pakistan's real face on the global stage...

Pakistan's aggression comes at a time when it is scrambling to deal with growing internal dissatisfaction over former PM Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration. A brutal crackdown has been launcnhed ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf's September 27 nationwide protest and long march.

Pakistan kills 3 civilians in air strikes on Afghanistan, Taliban vows retaliation | Gravitas

US drone firm Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army that includes an initial drone-related order, revealed the company’s co-founder and president Brett Velicovich. Powerus signed a memorandum of understanding with Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s de facto leader, on Wednesday, the company’s co-founders said.&nbsp;“Today we signed a very important MOU. As part of that MOU, we received an initial order for power systems,” Velicovich said in Islamabad. Velicovich declined to provide further details, citing security sensitivities, but said the deal fell within the category of unmanned aerial systems, reported Reuters. He also refused to disclose the value of the order, citing confidentiality.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-rallies-global-financial-institutions-for-op-economic-outcast-to-isolate-iran-1789588781387">US Treasury rallies global financial institutions for Op Economic Outcast to isolate Iran</a><h2>Powerus to merge with firm backed by Donald Jr and Eric</h2>&nbsp;Powerus, which offers aerial and maritime drones for military and industrial use, is due to merge with a publicly traded company backed by two of US President Donald Trump’s sons, called Aureus Greenway Holdings. Both companies have said they expect the merger to complete in early October.&nbsp;According to US regulatory filings, Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, own a stake in Aureus through an investment fund called American Ventures, which is expected to hold a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake in the combined company after the merger.&nbsp;Pakistan’s military said a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and they discussed defence procurement, production and long-term capacity building. The military’s statement did not mention the MoU signing.&nbsp;<h2>Munir wooing Trump and his inner circle with various deals</h2>&nbsp;The agreement comes after years of strained relations between Washington and Islamabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump has publicly praised Pakistan army chief Munir, while Islamabad has pursued a series of economic, financial and defence initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with the United States.&nbsp;Munir, Pakistan’s most powerful military leader in decades, has wooed Trump and his inner circle with various deals in areas such as cryptocurrencies and critical minerals.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fed-raises-rates-for-first-time-in-3-years-kevin-warsh-defies-trump-as-inflation-mounts-1789583250156">Fed raises rates for first time in 3 years, Kevin Warsh defies Trump as inflation mounts</a>&nbsp;In January, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding with an affiliate of Trump-backed cryptocurrency venture World Liberty Financial, which was co-founded by Zach Witkoff, the son of US special envoy and Trump’s close adviser Steve Witkoff.&nbsp;<h2>‘Pak’s private defence sector emerging but still not mature’</h2>&nbsp;Powerus founder and chief executive Andrew Fox said that Pakistan’s private defence sector remains “emerging but still not mature,” leaving room for US firms to move faster.“The goal would be a joint technology relationship, pairing best-in-breed technology from the US with best-in-breed technology from Pakistan,” Velicovich said, adding that Powerus was exploring ways to potentially build technology in Pakistan.&nbsp;Fox dismissed suggestions that the company's growth was linked to the involvement of Trump’s sons, saying contracts were awarded on merit and that they had “no involvement on the business side” of the company.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-s-no-pak-china-boundary-india-rejects-so-called-boundary-joint-commission-tells-islamabad-to-stop-theatrics-1789573593070">‘There’s no Pak-China boundary’: India rejects ‘so-called’ boundary joint commission, tells Islamabad to stop ‘theatrics’</a>&nbsp;White House Special Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said, “There are no conflicts of interest.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Seeing a sort of awakening of US policy’</h2>&nbsp;Velicovich, a former US Army Special Forces intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan, said, “I think, for many decades, the US government has been opposed to providing [drone] systems to countries like Pakistan while China has blanketly provided whatever the people here want.”&nbsp;“But now we are seeing a sort of awakening of US policy, even outside of Pakistan, to share more of our drone systems.”&nbsp;China accounts for roughly 80 per cent of Pakistan’s defence imports by volume, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. As per SIPRI data, Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest buyer of major arms.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan is eager to beef up its air defences after a brief but fierce conflict with India last year, in which New Delhi launched armed drones deep into cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Powerus founder and chief executive Andrew Fox said that Pakistan’s private defence sector remains “emerging but still not mature,” leaving room for US firms to move faster. Fox dismissed suggestions that the company's growth was linked to the involvement of Trump’s sons.

US drone firm Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army that includes an initial drone-related order, revealed the company’s co-founder and president Brett Velicovich. Powerus signed a memorandum of understanding with Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s de facto leader, on Wednesday, the company’s co-founders said. “Today we signed a very important MOU. As part of that MOU, we received an initial order for power systems,” Velicovich said in Islamabad. Velicovich declined to provide further details, citing security sensitivities, but said the deal fell within the category of unmanned aerial systems, reported Reuters. He also refused to disclose the value of the order, citing confidentiality. Also Read: US Treasury rallies global financial institutions for Op Economic Outcast to isolate Iran Powerus to merge with firm backed by Donald Jr and Eric Powerus, which offers aerial and maritime drones for military and industrial use, is due to merge with a publicly traded company backed by two of US President Donald Trump’s sons, called Aureus Greenway Holdings. Both companies have said they expect the merger to complete in early October. According to US regulatory filings, Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, own a stake in Aureus through an investment fund called American Ventures, which is expected to hold a 9.9% beneficial ownership stake in the combined company after the merger. Pakistan’s military said a Powerus delegation led by Velicovich met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and they discussed defence procurement, production and long-term capacity building. The military’s statement did not mention the MoU signing. Munir wooing Trump and his inner circle with various deals The agreement comes after years of strained relations between Washington and Islamabad. Trump has publicly praised Pakistan army chief Munir, while Islamabad has pursued a series of economic, financial and defence initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with the United States. Munir, Pakistan’s most powerful military leader in decades, has wooed Trump and his inner circle with various deals in areas such as cryptocurrencies and critical minerals. Also Read: Fed raises rates for first time in 3 years, Kevin Warsh defies Trump as inflation mounts In January, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding with an affiliate of Trump-backed cryptocurrency venture World Liberty Financial, which was co-founded by Zach Witkoff, the son of US special envoy and Trump’s close adviser Steve Witkoff. ‘Pak’s private defence sector emerging but still not mature’ Powerus founder and chief executive Andrew Fox said that Pakistan’s private defence sector remains “emerging but still not mature,” leaving room for US firms to move faster. “The goal would be a joint technology relationship, pairing best-in-breed technology from the US with best-in-breed technology from Pakistan,” Velicovich said, adding that Powerus was exploring ways to potentially build technology in Pakistan. Fox dismissed suggestions that the company's growth was linked to the involvement of Trump’s sons, saying contracts were awarded on merit and that they had “no involvement on the business side” of the company. Also Read: ‘There’s no Pak-China boundary’: India rejects ‘so-called’ boundary joint commission, tells Islamabad to stop ‘theatrics’ White House Special Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said, “There are no conflicts of interest.” ‘Seeing a sort of awakening of US policy’ Velicovich, a former US Army Special Forces intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan, said, “I think, for many decades, the US government has been opposed to providing [drone] systems to countries like Pakistan while China has blanketly provided whatever the people here want.” “But now we are seeing a sort of awakening of US policy, even outside of Pakistan, to share more of our drone systems.” China accounts for roughly 80 per cent of Pakistan’s defence imports by volume, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. As per SIPRI data, Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest buyer of major arms. Pakistan is eager to beef up its air defences after a brief but fierce conflict with India last year, in which New Delhi launched armed drones deep into cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Powerus founder and chief executive Andrew Fox said that Pakistan’s private defence sector remains “emerging but still not mature,” leaving room for US firms to move faster. Fox dismissed suggestions that the company's growth was linked to the involvement of Trump’s sons.

US drone firm linked to Trump’s sons signs MoU with Pakistan army, gets initial order

India on Wednesday rejected the so-called Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission in strong words, saying it has no legal basis, and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. India said there is no boundary between Pakistan and China, and hence such a joint commission has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India’s position on the matter remains “clear and consistent” and described the commission as having no legal basis.&nbsp;Responding to media queries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports in this regard. Our position on this matter is clear and consistent. There is no boundary between Pakistan and China. We reject the so-called Joint Commission, which is without any legal basis.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-man-drags-girlfriend-on-car-s-bonnet-in-lucknow-after-fight-runs-her-over-arrested-1789567470691">Man drags girlfriend on car’s bonnet in Lucknow after fight, runs her over; arrested</a>&nbsp;The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India,” the MEA said.&nbsp;“Pakistan has no locus standi to enter into arrangements concerning Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation,” it said, reiterating that India has never recognised the so-called “China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement” of 1963 and has consistently maintained that it is “illegal and invalid”.&nbsp;“We resolutely oppose and reject any attempts to alter the status of these occupied territories or legitimise illegal occupation, impinging on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the MEA said.&nbsp;It added that any “so-called boundary cooperation” between China and Pakistan concerning Indian territories would be “completely unacceptable” and would have no bearing on India’s sovereignty over those territories.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-be-completely-different-and-very-short-if-europe-attacks-russia-warns-lavrov-1789561780082">War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov</a>&nbsp;“Instead of engaging in such theatrics, we call on Pakistan to immediately vacate from areas under its illegal and forcible occupation,” the MEA added.&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent years, China has continued military pressure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, with border violations and unauthorised entries across the 3,488-km-long boundary between the two countries.&nbsp;The coordination between China and Pakistan along the border in the Karakoram region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which stretches over 590 km, impacts India’s historical and legal claims over the area.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-commanders-from-us-israel-and-7-arab-nations-held-secret-meeting-on-iran-war-1789503060237">Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War</a>&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry posted on X about an inaugural meeting between Pakistan and China over the operationalisation of the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission.“In a significant milestone for Pakistan-China relations, the two sides today operationalised the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation in border management, joint border surveys, trade flows and people-to-people connectivity,” the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in the post.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said any “so-called boundary cooperation” between China and Pakistan concerning Indian territories would be completely unacceptable and have no bearing on India’s sovereignty over those territories.

India on Wednesday rejected the so-called Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission in strong words, saying it has no legal basis, and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. India said there is no boundary between Pakistan and China, and hence such a joint commission has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India’s position on the matter remains “clear and consistent” and described the commission as having no legal basis. Responding to media queries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports in this regard. Our position on this matter is clear and consistent. There is no boundary between Pakistan and China. We reject the so-called Joint Commission, which is without any legal basis.” Also Read: Man drags girlfriend on car’s bonnet in Lucknow after fight, runs her over; arrested The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India,” the MEA said. “Pakistan has no locus standi to enter into arrangements concerning Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation,” it said, reiterating that India has never recognised the so-called “China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement” of 1963 and has consistently maintained that it is “illegal and invalid”. “We resolutely oppose and reject any attempts to alter the status of these occupied territories or legitimise illegal occupation, impinging on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the MEA said. It added that any “so-called boundary cooperation” between China and Pakistan concerning Indian territories would be “completely unacceptable” and would have no bearing on India’s sovereignty over those territories. Also Read: War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov “Instead of engaging in such theatrics, we call on Pakistan to immediately vacate from areas under its illegal and forcible occupation,” the MEA added. In recent years, China has continued military pressure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, with border violations and unauthorised entries across the 3,488-km-long boundary between the two countries. The coordination between China and Pakistan along the border in the Karakoram region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which stretches over 590 km, impacts India’s historical and legal claims over the area. Also Read: Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry posted on X about an inaugural meeting between Pakistan and China over the operationalisation of the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission. “In a significant milestone for Pakistan-China relations, the two sides today operationalised the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation in border management, joint border surveys, trade flows and people-to-people connectivity,” the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in the post.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said any “so-called boundary cooperation” between China and Pakistan concerning Indian territories would be completely unacceptable and have no bearing on India’s sovereignty over those territories.

‘There’s no Pak-China boundary’: India rejects ‘so-called’ boundary joint commission, tells Islamabad to stop ‘theatrics’

The sons of Pakistan former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan have accused the country’s powerful army chief Asim Munir of a “personal vendetta” against the imprisoned former prime minister and expressed fears their father is being “slowly killed” in jail. Khan’s sons said that the “cruel” treatment was being driven by “personal grudge” of Asim Munir.&nbsp;Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, have been persistent in advocating for the release of their father, who has been held in Adiala prison in Rawalpindi since his arrest in 2023, and is serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges.The sons told the Guardian that they have not been allowed to speak to Khan for more than six months and have been prevented from travelling to Pakistan to lobby for his release.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-praises-centre-over-pahalgam-attack-condemnation-at-brics-in-presence-of-pakistan-s-allies-1789478311956">J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies</a><h2>‘Visas not granted more than nine months after applying’</h2>&nbsp;Khan’s sons said that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying.&nbsp;When Khan was prime minister, he had unceremoniously demoted Munir and the bad blood between them was well known. The persecution of Khan increased notably once Munir became army chief in 2023.“It’s very clear this is being driven by personal grudge and that’s one of the reasons he’s being treated so harshly, on the orders of Asim Munir,” said Sulaiman.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘A form of mental and physical torture’</h2>&nbsp;Khan’s sons from his first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith said they were “deeply, deeply concerned” about their father’s health and that the conditions he was being kept in amounted to “a form of mental and physical torture”.“The reality is that he is locked in a tiny 6x8ft cell without human contact,” said Sulaiman. “He hasn’t been allowed new books for months, and he’s not been allowed to see or speak to his family or a neutral doctor. He has an eye condition which was neglected for months and has meant he’s probably almost lost sight in one eye.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a>&nbsp;Late last month, Sky Sports aired an interview with Khasim and Sulaiman during its coverage of a test match between England and Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board, whose chief is the country’s interior minister, made a formal complaint to Sky Sports after the broadcast and the Pakistani team threatened to refuse to return to the field after the lunch break.“It shows how out of touch they are with the rest of the world, that they thought they could silence media like they do at home. It just exposed them for the authoritarian regime that they are,” Sulaiman said.&nbsp;<h2>Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law: UN</h2>&nbsp;The UN has said Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law, and the UN’s special rapporteur on torture said his solitary confinement and detention conditions could amount to psychological torture.&nbsp;Sulaiman said the family had been told their father, 73, had also been diagnosed with high blood pressure. “More than anything, we just want to speak to him and make sure he’s OK,” he said.Last month, the supreme court ruled that Khan should be taken to a private hospital for treatment for a blood clot in his retinal vein, believed to have destroyed 85% of the sight in his right eye due to prolonged lack of medical attention. Khan was instead taken briefly to a government hospital, where he was given injections and taken back to prison,.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ensuring-global-energy-supplies-trump-demands-reimbursement-for-securing-strait-of-hormuz-1789418289895">‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>‘They’re trying to slowly kill him in there’</h2>&nbsp;“We believe they’re trying to slowly kill him in there. Just as soon as there’s less pressure, we are sure they will put even harsher restrictions on him and try to finish him off. The one with the real vendetta here is the army chief Asim Munir,” said Kasim.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the supreme court will rule on a case alleging the Pakistan government has been in contempt of court by denying Khan private hospital treatment for a worsening eye condition and preventing family from visiting him or speaking with him in jail for more than six months, in violation of a court order.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement, the Pakistan government called the allegations “fake propaganda” and said Khan was being kept in adequate conditions, with access to home-cooked food, nuts, bottled water, exercise equipment, family visits and regular medical examinations.

Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, said they have not been allowed to speak to their father Imran Khan for more than six months. They added that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying.

The sons of Pakistan former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan have accused the country’s powerful army chief Asim Munir of a “personal vendetta” against the imprisoned former prime minister and expressed fears their father is being “slowly killed” in jail. Khan’s sons said that the “cruel” treatment was being driven by “personal grudge” of Asim Munir. Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, have been persistent in advocating for the release of their father, who has been held in Adiala prison in Rawalpindi since his arrest in 2023, and is serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges. The sons told the Guardian that they have not been allowed to speak to Khan for more than six months and have been prevented from travelling to Pakistan to lobby for his release. Also Read: J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies ‘Visas not granted more than nine months after applying’ Khan’s sons said that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying. When Khan was prime minister, he had unceremoniously demoted Munir and the bad blood between them was well known. The persecution of Khan increased notably once Munir became army chief in 2023. “It’s very clear this is being driven by personal grudge and that’s one of the reasons he’s being treated so harshly, on the orders of Asim Munir,” said Sulaiman. ‘A form of mental and physical torture’ Khan’s sons from his first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith said they were “deeply, deeply concerned” about their father’s health and that the conditions he was being kept in amounted to “a form of mental and physical torture”. “The reality is that he is locked in a tiny 6x8ft cell without human contact,” said Sulaiman. “He hasn’t been allowed new books for months, and he’s not been allowed to see or speak to his family or a neutral doctor. He has an eye condition which was neglected for months and has meant he’s probably almost lost sight in one eye.” Also Read: ‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat Late last month, Sky Sports aired an interview with Khasim and Sulaiman during its coverage of a test match between England and Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board, whose chief is the country’s interior minister, made a formal complaint to Sky Sports after the broadcast and the Pakistani team threatened to refuse to return to the field after the lunch break. “It shows how out of touch they are with the rest of the world, that they thought they could silence media like they do at home. It just exposed them for the authoritarian regime that they are,” Sulaiman said. Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law: UN The UN has said Khan’s prolonged detention violates international law, and the UN’s special rapporteur on torture said his solitary confinement and detention conditions could amount to psychological torture. Sulaiman said the family had been told their father, 73, had also been diagnosed with high blood pressure. “More than anything, we just want to speak to him and make sure he’s OK,” he said. Last month, the supreme court ruled that Khan should be taken to a private hospital for treatment for a blood clot in his retinal vein, believed to have destroyed 85% of the sight in his right eye due to prolonged lack of medical attention. Khan was instead taken briefly to a government hospital, where he was given injections and taken back to prison,. Also Read: ‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz ‘They’re trying to slowly kill him in there’ “We believe they’re trying to slowly kill him in there. Just as soon as there’s less pressure, we are sure they will put even harsher restrictions on him and try to finish him off. The one with the real vendetta here is the army chief Asim Munir,” said Kasim. On Wednesday, the supreme court will rule on a case alleging the Pakistan government has been in contempt of court by denying Khan private hospital treatment for a worsening eye condition and preventing family from visiting him or speaking with him in jail for more than six months, in violation of a court order. In a statement, the Pakistan government called the allegations “fake propaganda” and said Khan was being kept in adequate conditions, with access to home-cooked food, nuts, bottled water, exercise equipment, family visits and regular medical examinations.

Kasim Khan, 27, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, said they have not been allowed to speak to their father Imran Khan for more than six months. They added that they were keen to travel to Pakistan, but their visas have still not been granted more than nine months after applying.

Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday praised the foreign policy of PM Narendra Modi-led Centre for the condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in the declaration of the BRICS Summit in Delhi. Omar Abdullah said the BRICS declaration condemning the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack was a major diplomatic win for India.&nbsp;The National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. Therefore, for even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy,” Omar Abdullah said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞… <a href="https://t.co/I814d2Ablb">pic.twitter.com/I814d2Ablb</a>&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://x.com/BJP4India/status/2099793740496056537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a>&nbsp;J&amp;K CM remarks came after Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and several world leaders attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.&nbsp;J&amp;K CM Omar also welcomed steps aimed at easing tensions along India’s fronts with Pakistan and China. Reacting to the ministry of defence’s report on the operational situation along the Northern Front, he said any move to reduce troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or Line of Control (LoC) would be a positive development, particularly for people living in border areas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ensuring-global-energy-supplies-trump-demands-reimbursement-for-securing-strait-of-hormuz-1789418289895">‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;“Anything that reduces tension along the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control is a good step, particularly for those people who live close to it. We know that living near the LoC or LAC is extremely difficult for people. If there is any step that reduces deployments along the Line of Actual Control, that is a good step,” he said.&nbsp;“Similarly, we hope that, over time, things will also get better along the Line of Control,” Omar added.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the New Delhi Declaration had been unanimously adopted and called the gathering a huge summit.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday praised the foreign policy of PM Narendra Modi-led Centre for the condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in the declaration of the BRICS Summit in Delhi. Omar Abdullah said the BRICS declaration condemning the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack was a major diplomatic win for India. The National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan. “The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. Therefore, for even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy,” Omar Abdullah said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference leader drew attention to the inclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, pointing out that it came in the presence of countries that are close allies of Pakistan.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has published an updated Red Book of most-wanted terrorists that again names 19 men linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, yet two of those entries have been stripped of photographs, Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliations and operational detail that appeared in earlier editions.The November 2008 terror attack, carried out by 10 terrorists who reached Mumbai by sea, killed 166 people and injured more than 300. Nine attackers died in the operation; the sole survivor, Ajmal Kasab, was later executed in India.&nbsp;Muhammad Khan of Turbat, previously identified as the man who supplied the fishing vessel Al-Hussaini used to move the attackers toward Indian waters, remains on the list by name only. His photograph, LeT link and account of that role have been removed. Abdul Rehman of Bahawalnagar has likewise lost his picture and organisational affiliation. Both men were fully documented in the 2021 edition of the same book.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/westminster-s-time-is-coming-to-an-end-say-welsh-scottish-northern-irish-leaders-at-cardiff-summit-1789394988871">‘Westminster’s time is coming to an end,’ say Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish leaders at Cardiff summit</a>&nbsp;The updated pages that retain photographs describe 11 men as former Lashkar crew of Al-Hussaini and Al-Fauz. Shahid Ghafoor, of Bahawalpur’s Islami Colony, is listed as captain or “tandol” of both boats. Other entries identify crew members from across Punjab and Sindh: Muhammad Usman of Sahiwal, Ateeq ur Rehman of Lahore, Riaz Ahmad of Hafizabad, Muhammad Mushtaq of Gujranwala, Muhammad Naeem of Dera Ghazi Khan, Abdul Shakoor of Karachi, Muhammad Sabir Saifi of Multan, another Muhammad Usman of Lodhran, and Shakil Ahmad of Rahim Yar Khan.&nbsp;Six other men are listed as financiers. Muhammad Iftikhar Ali of Faisalabad is accused of spending 70,000 rupees on voice-over-internet connections used by the gunmen and their handlers. Smaller sums are attributed to Mohammad Zia of Rawalpindi and larger ones to Mohammad Abbas Nasir of Khanewal, Javed Iqbal of Kasur, Mukhtar Ahmad of Mandi Bahauddin and Ahmed Saeed of Battagram, the last of whom is said to have provided 2.1 million rupees.&nbsp;The FIA states that the 17 men with full profiles have been absconding for 18 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the men remain in Pakistan and that listing them without arrests is an “eyewash” intended to blunt international scrutiny.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-stocks-fall-after-ai-bosses-call-for-a-slowdown-in-reckless-progress-1789387989365">Tech stocks fall after AI bosses call for a slowdown in ‘reckless’ progress</a>&nbsp;The terrorists left the Karachi area in late November 2008, transferred at sea, hijacked the Indian fishing trawler Kuber, killed most of its crew, and later came ashore in inflatable craft. Al-Hussaini is widely identified as the vessel that carried the gunmen toward Indian waters; Al-Fouz was later found in Karachi and treated as case property in Pakistan’s stalled trial.&nbsp;The 26/11 terror attacks lasted three days. Targets included the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the Oberoi-Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a Jewish centre and cafés. Nine attackers were killed; Ajmal Kasab, the only one captured alive, was later executed in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-reset-ties-with-india-have-engagement-based-on-mutual-interests-says-bangladesh-minister-1789326034045">‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister</a>&nbsp;For families of the dead, and the Indian government that lost citizens in the attack, justice is incomplete till the perpetrators, planners and masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks are fully held accountable and brought to justice. India formally launched in absentia trial proceedings against key Pakistani nationals accused of masterminding and executing the attacks. This list includes Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handlers and masterminds like Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir.&nbsp;The FIA sheets add little that is new in substance. They do show, in bureaucratic form, that Pakistan’s own investigators still treat the boat crew as wanted, and still have not closed the file.

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency states that the 17 men with full profiles have been absconding for 18 years. Indian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the men remain in Pakistan and listing them without arrests is an eyewash intended to blunt international scrutiny.

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has published an updated Red Book of most-wanted terrorists that again names 19 men linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, yet two of those entries have been stripped of photographs, Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliations and operational detail that appeared in earlier editions. The November 2008 terror attack, carried out by 10 terrorists who reached Mumbai by sea, killed 166 people and injured more than 300. Nine attackers died in the operation; the sole survivor, Ajmal Kasab, was later executed in India. Muhammad Khan of Turbat, previously identified as the man who supplied the fishing vessel Al-Hussaini used to move the attackers toward Indian waters, remains on the list by name only. His photograph, LeT link and account of that role have been removed. Abdul Rehman of Bahawalnagar has likewise lost his picture and organisational affiliation. Both men were fully documented in the 2021 edition of the same book. Also Read: ‘Westminster’s time is coming to an end,’ say Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish leaders at Cardiff summit The updated pages that retain photographs describe 11 men as former Lashkar crew of Al-Hussaini and Al-Fauz. Shahid Ghafoor, of Bahawalpur’s Islami Colony, is listed as captain or “tandol” of both boats. Other entries identify crew members from across Punjab and Sindh: Muhammad Usman of Sahiwal, Ateeq ur Rehman of Lahore, Riaz Ahmad of Hafizabad, Muhammad Mushtaq of Gujranwala, Muhammad Naeem of Dera Ghazi Khan, Abdul Shakoor of Karachi, Muhammad Sabir Saifi of Multan, another Muhammad Usman of Lodhran, and Shakil Ahmad of Rahim Yar Khan. Six other men are listed as financiers. Muhammad Iftikhar Ali of Faisalabad is accused of spending 70,000 rupees on voice-over-internet connections used by the gunmen and their handlers. Smaller sums are attributed to Mohammad Zia of Rawalpindi and larger ones to Mohammad Abbas Nasir of Khanewal, Javed Iqbal of Kasur, Mukhtar Ahmad of Mandi Bahauddin and Ahmed Saeed of Battagram, the last of whom is said to have provided 2.1 million rupees. The FIA states that the 17 men with full profiles have been absconding for 18 years. Indian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the men remain in Pakistan and that listing them without arrests is an “eyewash” intended to blunt international scrutiny. Also Read: Tech stocks fall after AI bosses call for a slowdown in ‘reckless’ progress The terrorists left the Karachi area in late November 2008, transferred at sea, hijacked the Indian fishing trawler Kuber, killed most of its crew, and later came ashore in inflatable craft. Al-Hussaini is widely identified as the vessel that carried the gunmen toward Indian waters; Al-Fouz was later found in Karachi and treated as case property in Pakistan’s stalled trial. The 26/11 terror attacks lasted three days. Targets included the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the Oberoi-Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a Jewish centre and cafés. Nine attackers were killed; Ajmal Kasab, the only one captured alive, was later executed in India. Also Read: ‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister For families of the dead, and the Indian government that lost citizens in the attack, justice is incomplete till the perpetrators, planners and masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks are fully held accountable and brought to justice. India formally launched in absentia trial proceedings against key Pakistani nationals accused of masterminding and executing the attacks. This list includes Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handlers and masterminds like Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir. The FIA sheets add little that is new in substance. They do show, in bureaucratic form, that Pakistan’s own investigators still treat the boat crew as wanted, and still have not closed the file.

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency states that the 17 men with full profiles have been absconding for 18 years. Indian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the men remain in Pakistan and listing them without arrests is an eyewash intended to blunt international scrutiny.

Photographs, LeT labels vanish from two 2008 Mumbai attack entries in Pakistan’s most wanted list

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has listed Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Maulana Masood Azhar in its 2026 “Red Book” of most-wanted suspects and advertised a reward of Pak Rs 7 million (70 lakh) for information leading to his arrest or conviction.The entry, circulating from a Counter Terrorism Wing document dated 2026, identifies him as Maulana Masood Azhar, also known as Maulana, son of Khuda Baksh, of the Alvi caste. It gives an address in Kousar Colony B, Model Town, Bahawalpur, and records his affiliation as Jaish-e-Muhammad. He is described as tall, of “healthy/heavy” build, with a wheatish complexion and blackish hair, and is marked “considered armed and extremely dangerous.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jaish-chief-masood-azhar-s-brother-mohammad-tahir-anwar-dies-in-pakistan-under-mysterious-circumstances-reports-1774935403465">Jaish chief Masood Azhar’s brother dies in Pakistan under mysterious circumstances: Reports</a>&nbsp;The sheet cites three FIRs registered by Counter Terrorism Departments in Gujranwala, Multan and Lahore between 2020 and 2021, and a Punjab Home Department reference from 31 December 2021 naming him head of the group. A help line and UAN number are printed for the public.&nbsp;The announcement comes weeks before an October Financial Action Task Force plenary at which Pakistan’s record on terror financing is expected to be scrutinised. Islamabad previously advertised a Rs 5 million bounty in 2021 and has long said Azhar left for Afghanistan. Kabul has rejected that claim.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaish-e-mohammed-forms-women-s-brigade-jamaat-ul-mominaat-under-masood-azhar-s-sister-recruitment-drive-starts-in-bahawalpur-1759997385096">Jaish-e-Mohammed forms women’s brigade ‘Jamaat-ul-Mominaat’ under Masood Azhar’s sister; recruitment drive starts in Bahawalpur</a>&nbsp;The timing of it has drawn scepticism in New Delhi. In May 2025, under India's counter terror Operation Sindoor, JeM’s terror camp at Markaz Subhanallah complex in Bahawalpur and other camps were struck by Indian airforce after the Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;Satellite imagery and footage published in August 2026 showed the Bahawalpur site repaired: domes rebuilt, craters filled, interiors refinished.Azhar, designated by the UN Security Council in 2019, is wanted in India over the 2001 Parliament, 2008 and Pulwama 2019 terror attacks. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s FIA has listed Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in its 2026 Red Book of most-wanted suspects and announced a Rs 70 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction. The move comes ahead of FATF scrutiny 

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has listed Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Maulana Masood Azhar in its 2026 “Red Book” of most-wanted suspects and advertised a reward of Pak Rs 7 million (70 lakh) for information leading to his arrest or conviction.The entry, circulating from a Counter Terrorism Wing document dated 2026, identifies him as Maulana Masood Azhar, also known as Maulana, son of Khuda Baksh, of the Alvi caste. It gives an address in Kousar Colony B, Model Town, Bahawalpur, and records his affiliation as Jaish-e-Muhammad. He is described as tall, of “healthy/heavy” build, with a wheatish complexion and blackish hair, and is marked “considered armed and extremely dangerous.” Also Read: Jaish chief Masood Azhar’s brother dies in Pakistan under mysterious circumstances: Reports The sheet cites three FIRs registered by Counter Terrorism Departments in Gujranwala, Multan and Lahore between 2020 and 2021, and a Punjab Home Department reference from 31 December 2021 naming him head of the group. A help line and UAN number are printed for the public. The announcement comes weeks before an October Financial Action Task Force plenary at which Pakistan’s record on terror financing is expected to be scrutinised. Islamabad previously advertised a Rs 5 million bounty in 2021 and has long said Azhar left for Afghanistan. Kabul has rejected that claim. Also Read: Jaish-e-Mohammed forms women’s brigade ‘Jamaat-ul-Mominaat’ under Masood Azhar’s sister; recruitment drive starts in Bahawalpur The timing of it has drawn scepticism in New Delhi. In May 2025, under India's counter terror Operation Sindoor, JeM’s terror camp at Markaz Subhanallah complex in Bahawalpur and other camps were struck by Indian airforce after the Pahalgam attack. Satellite imagery and footage published in August 2026 showed the Bahawalpur site repaired: domes rebuilt, craters filled, interiors refinished. Azhar, designated by the UN Security Council in 2019, is wanted in India over the 2001 Parliament, 2008 and Pulwama 2019 terror attacks.

Pakistan’s FIA has listed Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in its 2026 Red Book of most-wanted suspects and announced a Rs 70 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction. The move comes ahead of FATF scrutiny&nbsp;

Pakistan puts Pak Rs 70 lakh bounty on UN terrorist Masood Azhar; move draws skepticism in Delhi

As fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis escalated, the credibility of the Mecca Pact is again at stake.&nbsp;After one month has elapsed since the signing of this trilateral agreement, Pakistan has now said that it may join Saudi in its battle against the Houthis.&nbsp;Fierce fighting continued along Yemen's west coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visuals showed Saudi-backed Yemeni forces firing artillery, mortar and heavy machine guns towards Houthi positions on the Maqbanah front which lies west to Taiz.&nbsp;Houthis also accused Saudi Arabia of launching 32 air strikes on various areas across the regions of Marib, Al-Jawf, Taiz and Hodeida.&nbsp;As of now, Saudi Arabia is yet to confirm this claim.&nbsp;Over 500 people have been killed since last week when the Iran-backed group launched a major offensive to seize territory around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.&nbsp;This comes as Saudi Arabia had vowed to respond to the drone and missile attacks launched by Houthis at four cities on its soil.&nbsp;73 people, including women and children, were wounded.&nbsp;Visuals showed the scale of destruction, whether it is damaged homes or injured people receiving treatment in hospital.&nbsp;Houthis announced that they also attacked sites belonging to oil giant Aramco.&nbsp;On its part, Riyadh revealed that several energy facilities and installations were targeted, leading to a temporary halt in some operations due to fires.&nbsp;Satellite images showed smoke emanating from an Aramco distribution centre and refinery in Abha and Jazan.&nbsp;This was the first attack on any Aramco facility since July 25, when Houthis claimed to have fired drones and missiles at the oil giant's sites in Jazan and Yanbu.&nbsp;Now, the latest Houthi attack came barely a day after Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of retaliation against energy infrastructure across West Asia if the US attacks its assets.&nbsp;On his part, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack by Houthis and expressed unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-threatens-to-join-war-against-iran-ally-as-houthis-attack-saudi-1788974433951/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-threatens-to-join-war-against-iran-ally-as-houthis-attack-saudi-1788974433951/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;However, will Asim Munir's forces formally join Saudi in attacking the Iran-backed group?&nbsp;This assumes significance, as the Mecca Pact made it clear that an armed attack against any one of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye shall be regarded as an attack against them all.&nbsp;Speaking to a Pakistani news channel, its defence minister Khawaja Asif hinted at Pakistan entering this conflict.&nbsp;He said, "Unprovoked aggression or spillover of whatever is happening in Yemen into Saudi Arabia will definitely make the pact operational. There should be no doubt about it.”&nbsp;However, he added an important caveat.&nbsp;According to Asif, Pakistan will honour the pact only if a need arises.&nbsp;Now, Pakistan's dilemma possibly stems from the fact that taking on Houthis will imply challenging Iran.&nbsp;Even after intense strikes by US and Israel, Iran maintains a strong military and arsenal of weapons that can cause significant damage to Pakistan in a conflict scenario.&nbsp;It is also worth noting that Munir's forces did not join hostilities against Iran despite a Mecca Pact-like clause being present in the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact signed in September last year.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged an Iranian hand behind the latest offensive by Houthis.&nbsp;After its failed attempt to emerge as a mediator, Pakistan is now facing a catch-22 situation as it runs the risk of offending both Saudi as well as Iran as the war drags on...

Pakistan's dilemma possibly stems from the fact that taking on Houthis will imply challenging Iran. Even after intense strikes by US and Israel, Iran maintains a strong military and arsenal of weapons that can cause significant damage to Pakistan in a conflict scenario.

As fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis escalated, the credibility of the Mecca Pact is again at stake. After one month has elapsed since the signing of this trilateral agreement, Pakistan has now said that it may join Saudi in its battle against the Houthis. Fierce fighting continued along Yemen's west coast. Visuals showed Saudi-backed Yemeni forces firing artillery, mortar and heavy machine guns towards Houthi positions on the Maqbanah front which lies west to Taiz. Houthis also accused Saudi Arabia of launching 32 air strikes on various areas across the regions of Marib, Al-Jawf, Taiz and Hodeida. As of now, Saudi Arabia is yet to confirm this claim. Over 500 people have been killed since last week when the Iran-backed group launched a major offensive to seize territory around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This comes as Saudi Arabia had vowed to respond to the drone and missile attacks launched by Houthis at four cities on its soil. 73 people, including women and children, were wounded. Visuals showed the scale of destruction, whether it is damaged homes or injured people receiving treatment in hospital. Houthis announced that they also attacked sites belonging to oil giant Aramco. On its part, Riyadh revealed that several energy facilities and installations were targeted, leading to a temporary halt in some operations due to fires. Satellite images showed smoke emanating from an Aramco distribution centre and refinery in Abha and Jazan. This was the first attack on any Aramco facility since July 25, when Houthis claimed to have fired drones and missiles at the oil giant's sites in Jazan and Yanbu. Now, the latest Houthi attack came barely a day after Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of retaliation against energy infrastructure across West Asia if the US attacks its assets. On his part, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack by Houthis and expressed unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-threatens-to-join-war-against-iran-ally-as-houthis-attack-saudi-1788974433951/embed However, will Asim Munir's forces formally join Saudi in attacking the Iran-backed group? This assumes significance, as the Mecca Pact made it clear that an armed attack against any one of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye shall be regarded as an attack against them all. Speaking to a Pakistani news channel, its defence minister Khawaja Asif hinted at Pakistan entering this conflict. He said, "Unprovoked aggression or spillover of whatever is happening in Yemen into Saudi Arabia will definitely make the pact operational. There should be no doubt about it.” However, he added an important caveat. According to Asif, Pakistan will honour the pact only if a need arises. Now, Pakistan's dilemma possibly stems from the fact that taking on Houthis will imply challenging Iran. Even after intense strikes by US and Israel, Iran maintains a strong military and arsenal of weapons that can cause significant damage to Pakistan in a conflict scenario. It is also worth noting that Munir's forces did not join hostilities against Iran despite a Mecca Pact-like clause being present in the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact signed in September last year. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged an Iranian hand behind the latest offensive by Houthis. After its failed attempt to emerge as a mediator, Pakistan is now facing a catch-22 situation as it runs the risk of offending both Saudi as well as Iran as the war drags on...

Pakistan's dilemma possibly stems from the fact that taking on Houthis will imply challenging Iran. Even after intense strikes by US and Israel, Iran maintains a strong military and arsenal of weapons that can cause significant damage to Pakistan in a conflict scenario.

Pakistan threatens to join war against Iran ally as Houthis attack Saudi | Gravitas

After decades of frustration over its inability to win even a single military conflict with India, Pakistan finally appears to have discovered a revolutionary new way to win a war—via an animation video.&nbsp;On the occasion of Air Force Day on September 7, the Pakistan Air Force released an AI-generated video titled “Fizaon ke Pasban,” an animated extravaganza presenting its “dream version” of the 2025 Operation Sindoor conflict outcomes.&nbsp;In the highly imaginative video, Pakistani missiles and drones perform near-magical feats—penetrating deep into India, hitting 32 Indian Air Force bases, destroying two S-400 systems, crippling fuel supplies and disrupting the national power grid.&nbsp;The cartoon does not stop there, as Indian Parliament, Kandla Port and even INS Vikrant appear as fantasy strike achievements of Pakistan’s digital battlefield triumph.&nbsp;<h2>Video invites ridicule, analysts call it mockery of Pakistan’s Air Force</h2>&nbsp;The video has invited ridicule, with critics questioning whether it was correct to turn to computer graphics on an occasion marking the history and achievements of Pakistan’s Air Force.&nbsp;The animated video released by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) depicts dramatic, heavily fabricated strikes on major strategic targets in Indian territory.&nbsp;Analysts and experts see the video as Pakistan’s response to a highly publicised Discovery documentary on Operation Sindoor that showcased massive verifiable damage to Pakistan’s air assets—including the destruction of multiple Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 jets on the ground and in the air, alongside structural damage to 11 Pakistani airbases.&nbsp;Unlike the satellite imagery documenting damage at Pakistani air bases, the video offers no independent evidence for its sweeping claims.&nbsp;The graphics from the video invoke laughter. One graphic declares “32 IAF BASES HIT”, another one claims four Rafales, one Su-30MKI, one MiG-29, one Mirage-2000 and one Heron UAV were destroyed. Other sequences depict S-400 systems being hit, and missiles flying towards Indian cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>No satellite imagery, before-and-after photographs, or verifiable images&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Quite expectedly, the PAF video does not have any satellite imagery, before-and-after photographs, or verifiable photographs of destruction across the border.&nbsp;&nbsp;The contrast is striking. When India struck Pakistani military infrastructure, satellite imagery provided a very different kind of record. A Washington Post analysis of more than two dozen satellite images and aftermath videos found damage across at least six Pakistani airfields, including three heavily damaged hangars, two runways and two mobile buildings used by the Pakistan Air Force.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Washington Post described the strikes as the most extensive Indian air attacks on Pakistani military infrastructure since the 1971 war.&nbsp;&nbsp;The imagery showed damage at sites including Nur Khan, Bholari, Shahbaz, Sukkur and Mushaf.&nbsp;&nbsp;At Bholari, analysts identified a large hole in an aircraft hangar. At Shahbaz, another large hangar was damaged along with a control tower, while runway craters were visible at Mushaf and Sheikh Zayed International Airport. That is what military damage looks like, but then it is not like Pakistan’s PowerPoint presentation.&nbsp;The video repeats the old claim of destroying two Indian S-400 air defence systems and the claim is not new.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>PIB had debunked claims, PM Modi visited Adampur station</h2>&nbsp;India’s Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit had debunked reports of destruction or damage to an S-400 as baseless. And just days later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released photographs featuring himself standing in front of an intact S-400 air defence system during a surprise visit to the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab.&nbsp;The images were a visual and actual rebuttal to false claims by the Pakistani military that it had destroyed the base and the Russian-supplied S-400 battery during Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;The video claims eight Indian aircraft were destroyed, with the graphic specifically listing four Rafales, a Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Heron UAV.&nbsp;India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan had rejected the larger claim, describing the Pakistani figure as “absolutely incorrect” and saying India changed its tactics after the initial losses before carrying out further strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The propaganda war eventually produced an interesting reversal. In August 2025, Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said India had shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one other military aircraft during the conflict, with most of the Pakistani aircraft, according to him, being downed by India’s S-400 system. He cited electronic tracking data as confirmation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The modern war involves cyber operations, electronic warfare and disruption, but it does not resort to the use of animation to project a victory that was never achieved.

The video has invited ridicule, with critics questioning whether it was correct to turn to computer graphics on an occasion marking the history and achievements of Pakistan’s Air Force. Analysts see the video as Pakistan’s response to the Discovery documentary on Operation Sindoor.

After decades of frustration over its inability to win even a single military conflict with India, Pakistan finally appears to have discovered a revolutionary new way to win a war—via an animation video. On the occasion of Air Force Day on September 7, the Pakistan Air Force released an AI-generated video titled “Fizaon ke Pasban,” an animated extravaganza presenting its “dream version” of the 2025 Operation Sindoor conflict outcomes. In the highly imaginative video, Pakistani missiles and drones perform near-magical feats—penetrating deep into India, hitting 32 Indian Air Force bases, destroying two S-400 systems, crippling fuel supplies and disrupting the national power grid. The cartoon does not stop there, as Indian Parliament, Kandla Port and even INS Vikrant appear as fantasy strike achievements of Pakistan’s digital battlefield triumph. Video invites ridicule, analysts call it mockery of Pakistan’s Air Force The video has invited ridicule, with critics questioning whether it was correct to turn to computer graphics on an occasion marking the history and achievements of Pakistan’s Air Force. The animated video released by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) depicts dramatic, heavily fabricated strikes on major strategic targets in Indian territory. Analysts and experts see the video as Pakistan’s response to a highly publicised Discovery documentary on Operation Sindoor that showcased massive verifiable damage to Pakistan’s air assets—including the destruction of multiple Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 jets on the ground and in the air, alongside structural damage to 11 Pakistani airbases. Unlike the satellite imagery documenting damage at Pakistani air bases, the video offers no independent evidence for its sweeping claims. The graphics from the video invoke laughter. One graphic declares “32 IAF BASES HIT”, another one claims four Rafales, one Su-30MKI, one MiG-29, one Mirage-2000 and one Heron UAV were destroyed. Other sequences depict S-400 systems being hit, and missiles flying towards Indian cities. No satellite imagery, before-and-after photographs, or verifiable images Quite expectedly, the PAF video does not have any satellite imagery, before-and-after photographs, or verifiable photographs of destruction across the border. The contrast is striking. When India struck Pakistani military infrastructure, satellite imagery provided a very different kind of record. A Washington Post analysis of more than two dozen satellite images and aftermath videos found damage across at least six Pakistani airfields, including three heavily damaged hangars, two runways and two mobile buildings used by the Pakistan Air Force. The Washington Post described the strikes as the most extensive Indian air attacks on Pakistani military infrastructure since the 1971 war. The imagery showed damage at sites including Nur Khan, Bholari, Shahbaz, Sukkur and Mushaf. At Bholari, analysts identified a large hole in an aircraft hangar. At Shahbaz, another large hangar was damaged along with a control tower, while runway craters were visible at Mushaf and Sheikh Zayed International Airport. That is what military damage looks like, but then it is not like Pakistan’s PowerPoint presentation. The video repeats the old claim of destroying two Indian S-400 air defence systems and the claim is not new. PIB had debunked claims, PM Modi visited Adampur station India’s Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit had debunked reports of destruction or damage to an S-400 as baseless. And just days later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released photographs featuring himself standing in front of an intact S-400 air defence system during a surprise visit to the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab. The images were a visual and actual rebuttal to false claims by the Pakistani military that it had destroyed the base and the Russian-supplied S-400 battery during Operation Sindoor. The video claims eight Indian aircraft were destroyed, with the graphic specifically listing four Rafales, a Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Heron UAV. India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan had rejected the larger claim, describing the Pakistani figure as “absolutely incorrect” and saying India changed its tactics after the initial losses before carrying out further strikes. The propaganda war eventually produced an interesting reversal. In August 2025, Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said India had shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one other military aircraft during the conflict, with most of the Pakistani aircraft, according to him, being downed by India’s S-400 system. He cited electronic tracking data as confirmation. The modern war involves cyber operations, electronic warfare and disruption, but it does not resort to the use of animation to project a victory that was never achieved.

The video has invited ridicule, with critics questioning whether it was correct to turn to computer graphics on an occasion marking the history and achievements of Pakistan’s Air Force. Analysts see the video as Pakistan’s response to the Discovery documentary on Operation Sindoor.

Pa(c)k of lies: Pakistan’s AI ‘victory’ video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s and Indian Parliament

A debate has erupted in Pakistan over its move to dismantle the current four-province structure to create 12 to 15 smaller administrative units. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of maintaining a "double standard" and a "two-faced policy" regarding the creation of new administrative provinces. In a statement, Asif criticised the PPP for supporting the creation of a Saraiki province in Punjab while simultaneously invoking the controversial concept of "Sindhudesh" whenever broader national restructuring or multiple administrative units are proposed. Asif pointed out that the PPP shows a "soft corner" for dividing Punjab to form a Saraiki province. However, when proposals arise to expand Pakistan beyond its existing four provinces into multiple administrative units, the debate in Sindh shifts toward separatist "Sindhudesh" rhetoric to protect their political interests. Asif claimed there is "something else" hidden behind this dual policy which he intends to reveal at a later time. &nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, speaking at the National Policy Dialogue in Lahore, Pakistan Minister Mohsin Naqvi remarked that the current governance system has failed to deliver results over the past decades. He noted that if the public wants new administrative units or provinces, political parties should not block the move. He clarified that a system "reset" means fixing structural flaws rather than breaking the country or altering regional identities. He also suggested that Islamabad should be considered as a separate province to give its citizens benefits under the NFC Award.&nbsp;<h2>‘Silent struggle’ between Pakistan's military establishment and President Asif Ali Zardari</h2>On the other side, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain claimed that a "silent struggle" is underway between Pakistan's military establishment and President Asif Ali Zardari. In a video message, Hussain said that Pakistan was heading towards what he described as its "most dangerous phase" and alleged that the public was unaware of the risks. Hussain also referred to reports of a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Zardari in London. According to the reports cited by Hussain, Naqvi met the president for around an hour and held a one-on-one discussion with him. Hussain claimed that Zardari had reiterated the position that there could be no lasting solution to the question of new provinces without national consensus.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-blames-torrential-rains-for-destruction-of-century-old-hindu-temple-calls-india-s-concerns-politically-motivated-1788531687159">Pakistan blames ‘torrential rains’ for destruction of century-old Hindu temple, calls India’s concerns ‘politically motivated’</a><h2>The London meeting</h2>Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari held an extensive 90-minute meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in London. Naqvi reportedly delivered a critical message from army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The talks centered around national security, the country's political landscape, and heavily rumored plans regarding the devolution of power or creation of new provinces. IN London itself, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also arrived on September 4 to join his father. A high-level PPP delegation has also arrived to hold political discussions with the PML-N leadership. A meeting is scheduled between Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz and other PML-N leaders. The meeting is regarding the survival and strategy of the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-may-make-another-miscalculation-due-to-overconfidence-ex-cds-anil-chauhan-on-saudi-turkiye-deal-1788659774789">Pakistan may make another 'miscalculation' due to 'overconfidence': Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan on Saudi-Turkiye deal</a><h2>The creation of new pronvinces and Munir's reported plan</h2>The push by the military establishment under Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir to create new provinces of 33–36 administrative units is mainly to establish his hegemony across Pakistan. Currently, the PPP holds an iron grip on Sindh, while the PML-N dominates Punjab. Splitting the four massive provinces into smaller administrative units would fundamentally disrupt the electoral arithmetic and help military to consolidate power by handling fractured groups.

Pakistan's debate over new provinces has intensified after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the PPP of double standards. Amid reports of talks involving Zardari, Mohsin Naqvi and Asim Munir, MQM founder Altaf Hussain warned the issue could trigger a major political and security crisis.

A debate has erupted in Pakistan over its move to dismantle the current four-province structure to create 12 to 15 smaller administrative units. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of maintaining a "double standard" and a "two-faced policy" regarding the creation of new administrative provinces. In a statement, Asif criticised the PPP for supporting the creation of a Saraiki province in Punjab while simultaneously invoking the controversial concept of "Sindhudesh" whenever broader national restructuring or multiple administrative units are proposed. Asif pointed out that the PPP shows a "soft corner" for dividing Punjab to form a Saraiki province. However, when proposals arise to expand Pakistan beyond its existing four provinces into multiple administrative units, the debate in Sindh shifts toward separatist "Sindhudesh" rhetoric to protect their political interests. Asif claimed there is "something else" hidden behind this dual policy which he intends to reveal at a later time. Additionally, speaking at the National Policy Dialogue in Lahore, Pakistan Minister Mohsin Naqvi remarked that the current governance system has failed to deliver results over the past decades. He noted that if the public wants new administrative units or provinces, political parties should not block the move. He clarified that a system "reset" means fixing structural flaws rather than breaking the country or altering regional identities. He also suggested that Islamabad should be considered as a separate province to give its citizens benefits under the NFC Award. ‘Silent struggle’ between Pakistan's military establishment and President Asif Ali Zardari On the other side, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain claimed that a "silent struggle" is underway between Pakistan's military establishment and President Asif Ali Zardari. In a video message, Hussain said that Pakistan was heading towards what he described as its "most dangerous phase" and alleged that the public was unaware of the risks. Hussain also referred to reports of a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Zardari in London. According to the reports cited by Hussain, Naqvi met the president for around an hour and held a one-on-one discussion with him. Hussain claimed that Zardari had reiterated the position that there could be no lasting solution to the question of new provinces without national consensus. Also Read: Pakistan blames ‘torrential rains’ for destruction of century-old Hindu temple, calls India’s concerns ‘politically motivated’ The London meeting Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari held an extensive 90-minute meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in London. Naqvi reportedly delivered a critical message from army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The talks centered around national security, the country's political landscape, and heavily rumored plans regarding the devolution of power or creation of new provinces. IN London itself, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also arrived on September 4 to join his father. A high-level PPP delegation has also arrived to hold political discussions with the PML-N leadership. A meeting is scheduled between Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz and other PML-N leaders. The meeting is regarding the survival and strategy of the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government. Also Read: Pakistan may make another 'miscalculation' due to 'overconfidence': Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan on Saudi-Turkiye deal The creation of new pronvinces and Munir's reported plan The push by the military establishment under Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir to create new provinces of 33–36 administrative units is mainly to establish his hegemony across Pakistan. Currently, the PPP holds an iron grip on Sindh, while the PML-N dominates Punjab. Splitting the four massive provinces into smaller administrative units would fundamentally disrupt the electoral arithmetic and help military to consolidate power by handling fractured groups.

Pakistan's debate over new provinces has intensified after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the PPP of double standards. Amid reports of talks involving Zardari, Mohsin Naqvi and Asim Munir, MQM founder Altaf Hussain warned the issue could trigger a major political and security crisis.

Pakistan's province row: PPP's London meet, Naqvi's referendum push and the Munir angle — what's happening?

In major relief to the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a Pakistan court has barred any further solitary confinement for him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, while serving their prison sentences. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also directed the Adiala Jail authorities to facilitate family meetings with Khan as permitted under jail rules and make arrangements for telephone conversations between him and his sons.&nbsp;The 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician and his wife are serving lengthy prison sentences in corruption and related cases at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, had approached the court against the solitary confinement of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party founder, while Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashara Khawar Maneka filed a petition for relief to her.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-pm-keir-starmer-to-step-down-as-mp-focus-on-international-affairs-1788264516443">Former UK PM Keir Starmer to step down as MP, focus on international affairs</a><h2>‘Provide newspapers and books, ensure medical facilities’</h2>&nbsp;Pronouncing the verdict, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro also directed the Adiala jail authorities to provide Khan with newspapers and books daily and ensure that he receives medical facilities in accordance with jail rules.&nbsp;The Adiala jail superintendent was asked to ensure implementation of the court’s directions and submit a compliance report within 15 days.&nbsp;The court had earlier reserved its verdict on August 6 on separate petitions filed by Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum and Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashra Khawar Maneka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 following convictions that he and his PTI party describe as politically motivated. His supporters and relatives have repeatedly alleged that authorities have restricted his access to family members and adequate medical care. The government has rejected such allegations.Imran’s wife Bushra Bibi was first jailed on January 31, 2024, after her conviction in a corruption-related case, and was released on bail on October 24 that year after nearly nine months in prison.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mulling-limited-strikes-to-prevent-iran-from-rebuilding-military-capabilities-in-strait-of-hormuz-1788202380409">Trump mulling limited strikes to prevent Iran from rebuilding military capabilities in Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;She was again arrested on January 17, 2025, following her conviction in another corruption-related case and remains at Adiala Jail, having since received additional sentences in corruption-related cases.&nbsp;<h2>Khan's family filed contempt petition in Supreme Court&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Last month, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the government to shift Khan to the private-run Shifa International Hospital following months of concerns raised by his family and supporters over his health, particularly an eye condition diagnosed earlier this year.&nbsp;However, on the night of August 20-21, Khan was admitted to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical procedure and diagnostic examinations instead of Shifa Hospital. He was subsequently taken back to Adiala Jail.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-pressure-on-tehran-can-work-without-chinese-cooperation-scott-bessent-1788192239582">Sanctions pressure on Tehran can work without Chinese cooperation: Scott Bessent</a>&nbsp;His family approached the court again and argued that the decision violated the Supreme Court's order, which directed that Khan remain admitted at the Islamabad hospital until the next hearing on September 16.The government defended its decision to take him to PIMS, citing security concerns.&nbsp;The contempt petition has been fixed for hearing on September 16 before a three-member bench comprising Justices Shahid Waheed, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The same bench is also scheduled to hear pending cases concerning Khan’s health and family meetings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro directed the Adiala jail authorities to provide Khan with newspapers and books and ensure medical facilities in accordance with jail rules. It told jail superintendent to ensure implementation of the directions and submit a compliance report within 15 days.

In major relief to the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a Pakistan court has barred any further solitary confinement for him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, while serving their prison sentences. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also directed the Adiala Jail authorities to facilitate family meetings with Khan as permitted under jail rules and make arrangements for telephone conversations between him and his sons. The 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician and his wife are serving lengthy prison sentences in corruption and related cases at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, had approached the court against the solitary confinement of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party founder, while Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashara Khawar Maneka filed a petition for relief to her. Also Read: Former UK PM Keir Starmer to step down as MP, focus on international affairs ‘Provide newspapers and books, ensure medical facilities’ Pronouncing the verdict, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro also directed the Adiala jail authorities to provide Khan with newspapers and books daily and ensure that he receives medical facilities in accordance with jail rules. The Adiala jail superintendent was asked to ensure implementation of the court’s directions and submit a compliance report within 15 days. The court had earlier reserved its verdict on August 6 on separate petitions filed by Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum and Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashra Khawar Maneka. Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 following convictions that he and his PTI party describe as politically motivated. His supporters and relatives have repeatedly alleged that authorities have restricted his access to family members and adequate medical care. The government has rejected such allegations. Imran’s wife Bushra Bibi was first jailed on January 31, 2024, after her conviction in a corruption-related case, and was released on bail on October 24 that year after nearly nine months in prison. Also Read: Trump mulling limited strikes to prevent Iran from rebuilding military capabilities in Strait of Hormuz She was again arrested on January 17, 2025, following her conviction in another corruption-related case and remains at Adiala Jail, having since received additional sentences in corruption-related cases. Khan's family filed contempt petition in Supreme Court Last month, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the government to shift Khan to the private-run Shifa International Hospital following months of concerns raised by his family and supporters over his health, particularly an eye condition diagnosed earlier this year. However, on the night of August 20-21, Khan was admitted to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical procedure and diagnostic examinations instead of Shifa Hospital. He was subsequently taken back to Adiala Jail. Also Read: Sanctions pressure on Tehran can work without Chinese cooperation: Scott Bessent His family approached the court again and argued that the decision violated the Supreme Court's order, which directed that Khan remain admitted at the Islamabad hospital until the next hearing on September 16. The government defended its decision to take him to PIMS, citing security concerns. The contempt petition has been fixed for hearing on September 16 before a three-member bench comprising Justices Shahid Waheed, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The same bench is also scheduled to hear pending cases concerning Khan’s health and family meetings.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro directed the Adiala jail authorities to provide Khan with newspapers and books and ensure medical facilities in accordance with jail rules. It told jail superintendent to ensure implementation of the directions and submit a compliance report within 15 days.

Pak HC bars solitary confinement for Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi, allows family visits, phone calls

Over-a-century-old Hindu temple in eastern Punjab province of Pakistan was reportedly razed last month so that its land could be used for the expansion of an adjacent madrassa and now rights advocates have united to call for a probe. A group of local people, minority bodies, and The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP) have asked the Shehbaz Sharif government in Islamabad to reconstruct the structure and remove alleged encroachments from its land, according to a report by news agency PTI. The temple was located in Siraj village of Narowal, some 130 kilometres from Lahore.&nbsp;According to the report, members of a banned far-right Islamic party called Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) demolished the temple on August 21 to include its land in an adjacent seminary. The government, however, claimed that the 100-125-year-old temple collapsed due to torrential rains in the region. The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP), a minority-focused political outfit, has urged the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif-led Punjab government to take action against those involved in the alleged demolition of the religious structure and ensure its reconstruction.&nbsp; PTI, PMMP chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra said that he met the Additional Home Secretary of Punjab on August 28 and submitted an application seeking action. Sahotra pointed out that the land adjoining the temple had previously been leased by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for a madrassa, but the lease was later cancelled after the rent allegedly remained unpaid for several years and the premises were not used for the stated purpose. Referring to a revenue department report, Sahotra claimed that several individuals have illegally occupied the quarters and other parts of the property. He pointed out that in an order dated January 29, the ETPB's deputy administrator in Sialkot cancelled the seminary's lease rights and directed the eviction of illegal occupants and sealing of the property. "This order was not implemented," Sahotra alleged. Sahotra called for the temple to be rebuilt in its original form and urged the government to ensure protection of Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Christian churches along with their adjoining properties across Punjab.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistanis-are-eating-less-what-they-are-eating-instead-is-even-more-alarming-1788232385801">Pakistanis are eating less. What they are eating instead is even more alarming</a>&nbsp;Hindu community leader Rattan Lal also condemned the demolition. "The district administration and the ETPB failed to take adequate measures to protect the site or remove the alleged occupants, ultimately allowing the temple to be demolished," Lal said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/focus-on-real-issues-bilawal-bhutto-slams-pakistan-govt-for-spreading-false-stories-about-his-personal-life-1788231225052">'Focus on real issues': Bilawal Bhutto slams Pakistan govt for spreading false stories about his personal life</a><h3>What the Government Said</h3>However Pakistani government's version varies as Rana Iftikhar, a senior ETPB official, told the news agency PTI that the temple was approximately 100 to 125 years old and collapsed because of torrential rains. "The temple carries no name in our record books. However, it is a very old one... more than 100 to 125 years old," he said. Iftikhar acknowledged that the land adjacent to the temple was leased for setting up a seminary. "However, the temple's land is not given to anyone for lease," he said. He added that senior officials of his department will take a call on the matter of the temple's restoration.&nbsp;

Rights groups in Pakistan have demanded a probe into the alleged demolition of a 125-year-old Hindu temple in Punjab’s Narowal. Activists allege TLP members razed it for madrassa expansion, while officials say torrential rains caused the temple to collapse.

Over-a-century-old Hindu temple in eastern Punjab province of Pakistan was reportedly razed last month so that its land could be used for the expansion of an adjacent madrassa and now rights advocates have united to call for a probe. A group of local people, minority bodies, and The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP) have asked the Shehbaz Sharif government in Islamabad to reconstruct the structure and remove alleged encroachments from its land, according to a report by news agency PTI. The temple was located in Siraj village of Narowal, some 130 kilometres from Lahore. According to the report, members of a banned far-right Islamic party called Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) demolished the temple on August 21 to include its land in an adjacent seminary. The government, however, claimed that the 100-125-year-old temple collapsed due to torrential rains in the region. The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP), a minority-focused political outfit, has urged the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif-led Punjab government to take action against those involved in the alleged demolition of the religious structure and ensure its reconstruction. PTI, PMMP chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra said that he met the Additional Home Secretary of Punjab on August 28 and submitted an application seeking action. Sahotra pointed out that the land adjoining the temple had previously been leased by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for a madrassa, but the lease was later cancelled after the rent allegedly remained unpaid for several years and the premises were not used for the stated purpose. Referring to a revenue department report, Sahotra claimed that several individuals have illegally occupied the quarters and other parts of the property. He pointed out that in an order dated January 29, the ETPB's deputy administrator in Sialkot cancelled the seminary's lease rights and directed the eviction of illegal occupants and sealing of the property. "This order was not implemented," Sahotra alleged. Sahotra called for the temple to be rebuilt in its original form and urged the government to ensure protection of Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Christian churches along with their adjoining properties across Punjab. Also Read: Pakistanis are eating less. What they are eating instead is even more alarming Hindu community leader Rattan Lal also condemned the demolition. "The district administration and the ETPB failed to take adequate measures to protect the site or remove the alleged occupants, ultimately allowing the temple to be demolished," Lal said. Also Read: 'Focus on real issues': Bilawal Bhutto slams Pakistan govt for spreading false stories about his personal life What the Government Said However Pakistani government's version varies as Rana Iftikhar, a senior ETPB official, told the news agency PTI that the temple was approximately 100 to 125 years old and collapsed because of torrential rains. "The temple carries no name in our record books. However, it is a very old one... more than 100 to 125 years old," he said. Iftikhar acknowledged that the land adjacent to the temple was leased for setting up a seminary. "However, the temple's land is not given to anyone for lease," he said. He added that senior officials of his department will take a call on the matter of the temple's restoration.

Rights groups in Pakistan have demanded a probe into the alleged demolition of a 125-year-old Hindu temple in Punjab’s Narowal. Activists allege TLP members razed it for madrassa expansion, while officials say torrential rains caused the temple to collapse.

125-year-old Hindu temple demolished in Pakistan for madrassa? Rights groups demand investigation

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Pa(c)k of lies: Pak’s AI video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s