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Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime over an alleged missile strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Afghanistan earlier this year, saying there is no evidence to support Islamabad's claim that it targeted a military facility. In a report released on Wednesday (Jul 22), the rights group said the Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre was struck on March 16 during escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.According to Amnesty, the attack killed 269 people and injured hundreds more, with most of the victims being patients undergoing treatment for substance abuse.<h2>Pakistan rejects allegations</h2>Pakistan has denied targeting the rehabilitation centre, insisting its forces struck a militant facility. Following the incident, Pakistan's Information Ministry said the military had targeted a "military terrorist ammunition and equipment storage site" known as Camp Phoenix. However, Amnesty said its investigation found no evidence to support that claim.The organisation alleged that Pakistan failed to verify whether the target was a legitimate military objective and accused it of violating international humanitarian law, which provides special protection to medical facilities during armed conflict.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-first-visit-by-canadian-fm-in-20-years-pakistan-urges-anita-anand-s-support-on-indus-waters-treaty-1784608437594">Pakistan urges Canadian FM Anita Anand’s support on Indus Waters Treaty</a><h2>Amnesty cites satellite images, witness accounts</h2>The Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, described as a newly renovated 2,000-bed facility, formed part of the Taliban government's campaign to tackle drug addiction in Afghanistan. It was located next to the former NATO base Camp Phoenix, where US forces once trained members of the Afghan National Army.Amnesty said its investigation relied on satellite imagery, photographs, videos and witness testimonies gathered after the strike. According to the organisation's research, it verified more than 60 photographs and videos and interviewed current and former staff members of the rehabilitation centre as well as the neighbouring Ibn-e-Sina Hospital.The rights group said satellite images taken three days before the strike showed dozens of patients inside the facility, including in the main treatment area and administrative building.Witnesses living nearby also told Amnesty that the complex was functioning as a medical facility at the time of the attack.<h2>'Bodies everywhere'</h2>According to Amnesty's findings shared with The Independent, many of those killed were in the dining hall and kitchen when the strike occurred at around 9 pm, suggesting patients had gathered for dinner.One witness told investigators that one of the damaged buildings had been used to store wood and coal rather than military equipment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-3-in-10-pakistanis-now-live-below-poverty-line-amid-deepening-economic-crisis-1784579017211">Nearly 3 in 10 Pakistanis now live below poverty line</a>"When I visited, I saw remnants of wood and coal. There were many clothes. There were many shoes. These were not military shoes," the witness said.A staff member told Amnesty that more than 1,000 patients were inside the rehabilitation centre when it was struck. A healthcare worker describing the aftermath of the attack said, "I rushed to help anywhere I heard noise and calls for help. After a while I was no longer hearing any voices. Anywhere I stepped, there was a dead body."<h2>Amnesty calls for independent investigation</h2>Amnesty said signboards identifying the facility as a drug rehabilitation and treatment centre had been displayed outside the complex for years, arguing that Pakistan should have known it was a protected civilian site."This was a lethal failure by Pakistan to comply with its obligation to do everything feasible to verify whether the target was a military objective," said Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International's acting regional director for South Asia.She said the attack constituted "a serious violation of international humanitarian law, possibly amounting to a war crime."Amnesty has urged Pakistan to conduct what it described as a transparent, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the strike, publish its findings and prosecute anyone found criminally responsible, including under the doctrine of command responsibility. &nbsp;

Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime, saying there is no evidence that the missile strike on Afghanistan's Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre targeted a legitimate military facility, contrary to Islamabad's claims.

Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime over an alleged missile strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Afghanistan earlier this year, saying there is no evidence to support Islamabad's claim that it targeted a military facility. In a report released on Wednesday (Jul 22), the rights group said the Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre was struck on March 16 during escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Amnesty, the attack killed 269 people and injured hundreds more, with most of the victims being patients undergoing treatment for substance abuse. Pakistan rejects allegations Pakistan has denied targeting the rehabilitation centre, insisting its forces struck a militant facility. Following the incident, Pakistan's Information Ministry said the military had targeted a "military terrorist ammunition and equipment storage site" known as Camp Phoenix. However, Amnesty said its investigation found no evidence to support that claim. The organisation alleged that Pakistan failed to verify whether the target was a legitimate military objective and accused it of violating international humanitarian law, which provides special protection to medical facilities during armed conflict. Also read | Pakistan urges Canadian FM Anita Anand’s support on Indus Waters Treaty Amnesty cites satellite images, witness accounts The Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, described as a newly renovated 2,000-bed facility, formed part of the Taliban government's campaign to tackle drug addiction in Afghanistan. It was located next to the former NATO base Camp Phoenix, where US forces once trained members of the Afghan National Army. Amnesty said its investigation relied on satellite imagery, photographs, videos and witness testimonies gathered after the strike. According to the organisation's research, it verified more than 60 photographs and videos and interviewed current and former staff members of the rehabilitation centre as well as the neighbouring Ibn-e-Sina Hospital. The rights group said satellite images taken three days before the strike showed dozens of patients inside the facility, including in the main treatment area and administrative building. Witnesses living nearby also told Amnesty that the complex was functioning as a medical facility at the time of the attack. 'Bodies everywhere' According to Amnesty's findings shared with The Independent, many of those killed were in the dining hall and kitchen when the strike occurred at around 9 pm, suggesting patients had gathered for dinner. One witness told investigators that one of the damaged buildings had been used to store wood and coal rather than military equipment. Also read | Nearly 3 in 10 Pakistanis now live below poverty line "When I visited, I saw remnants of wood and coal. There were many clothes. There were many shoes. These were not military shoes," the witness said. A staff member told Amnesty that more than 1,000 patients were inside the rehabilitation centre when it was struck. A healthcare worker describing the aftermath of the attack said, "I rushed to help anywhere I heard noise and calls for help. After a while I was no longer hearing any voices. Anywhere I stepped, there was a dead body." Amnesty calls for independent investigation Amnesty said signboards identifying the facility as a drug rehabilitation and treatment centre had been displayed outside the complex for years, arguing that Pakistan should have known it was a protected civilian site. "This was a lethal failure by Pakistan to comply with its obligation to do everything feasible to verify whether the target was a military objective," said Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International's acting regional director for South Asia. She said the attack constituted "a serious violation of international humanitarian law, possibly amounting to a war crime." Amnesty has urged Pakistan to conduct what it described as a transparent, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the strike, publish its findings and prosecute anyone found criminally responsible, including under the doctrine of command responsibility.

Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to be investigated for a possible war crime, saying there is no evidence that the missile strike on Afghanistan's Omid Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre targeted a legitimate military facility, contrary to Islamabad's claims.

269 killed, no military target? Amnesty International accuses Pakistan of war crimes for THIS reason

Making a bizarre claim, Imran Khan's sister Noreen Niazi claimed that India did not escalate the four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May 2025 because Islamabad agreed to recognise Israel. In an interview on a social media platform on Saturday (Jul 19), she also alleged that the conflict was an attempt to improve the image of Pakistan's military leadership. She went a step ahead and alleged that the operation "was the result of collusion between Pakistan's military leadership and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi." She also added that India “refrained from escalating the conflict at Israel's behest because Pakistan was going to recognise Israel.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-s-kin-alleges-he-has-lost-85-of-his-vision-1770915782982">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's son alleges he has lost 85% of his vision</a>&nbsp;<h2>Reaction from Pakistani government?</h2>Pakistan's ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari slammed Niazi and said that she made the statement against national interest. Bokhari said, "Noreen Niazi's statement reflects the mindset of her brother Imran Khan. Khan's family has consistently appeared uncomfortable with Pakistan's achievements and that remarks made against the national interest are deeply regrettable." She added that the "entire world acknowledged" Pakistan's success in Maarka-e-Haq, and said Niazi's remarks in support of PM Modi were not only "shameful" but also "highly condemnable."<h2>What more Niazi said?</h2>Niazi did not offer any evidence for the claims but claimed that the conflict was "orchestrated to bolster the image of the armed forces of Pakistan under Gen Asim Munir". "What do you think? ... India, which is a big country, was not in position to respond to Pakistan when it attacked on May 10? It could have but India deliberately refrained from giving a strong response because of some understanding." S&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-s-son-says-pakistan-has-branded-citizens-as-terrorists-condemns-father-s-inhumane-treatment-in-jail-1774621644162">Imran Khan’s son says Pakistan has 'branded citizens as terrorists'; condemns father's 'inhumane' treatment in jail</a><h2>What Trump said?</h2>US President Donald Trump in May sparked major controversy when he said that Gulf nations including Pakistan will have to normalise ties with Israel before any peace deal between America and Iran. Though, the Pakistani government did not release any statement on the same, its role as a mediator has brought its agreement under scanner. Only Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif firmly rejected Trump’s push, saying that Pakistan can never join the Abraham Accords as the ideologies of the two countries are completely different.

Imran Khan's sister Noreen Niazi claimed, without providing evidence, that India avoided escalating the May 2025 conflict because Pakistan was moving towards recognising Israel. Her remarks on the conflict, Asim Munir and the Abraham Accords sparked a sharp response

Making a bizarre claim, Imran Khan's sister Noreen Niazi claimed that India did not escalate the four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May 2025 because Islamabad agreed to recognise Israel. In an interview on a social media platform on Saturday (Jul 19), she also alleged that the conflict was an attempt to improve the image of Pakistan's military leadership. She went a step ahead and alleged that the operation "was the result of collusion between Pakistan's military leadership and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi." She also added that India “refrained from escalating the conflict at Israel's behest because Pakistan was going to recognise Israel.” Also Read: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's son alleges he has lost 85% of his vision Reaction from Pakistani government? Pakistan's ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari slammed Niazi and said that she made the statement against national interest. Bokhari said, "Noreen Niazi's statement reflects the mindset of her brother Imran Khan. Khan's family has consistently appeared uncomfortable with Pakistan's achievements and that remarks made against the national interest are deeply regrettable." She added that the "entire world acknowledged" Pakistan's success in Maarka-e-Haq, and said Niazi's remarks in support of PM Modi were not only "shameful" but also "highly condemnable." What more Niazi said? Niazi did not offer any evidence for the claims but claimed that the conflict was "orchestrated to bolster the image of the armed forces of Pakistan under Gen Asim Munir". "What do you think? ... India, which is a big country, was not in position to respond to Pakistan when it attacked on May 10? It could have but India deliberately refrained from giving a strong response because of some understanding." S Also Read: Imran Khan’s son says Pakistan has 'branded citizens as terrorists'; condemns father's 'inhumane' treatment in jail What Trump said? US President Donald Trump in May sparked major controversy when he said that Gulf nations including Pakistan will have to normalise ties with Israel before any peace deal between America and Iran. Though, the Pakistani government did not release any statement on the same, its role as a mediator has brought its agreement under scanner. Only Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif firmly rejected Trump’s push, saying that Pakistan can never join the Abraham Accords as the ideologies of the two countries are completely different.

Imran Khan's sister Noreen Niazi claimed, without providing evidence, that India avoided escalating the May 2025 conflict because Pakistan was moving towards recognising Israel. Her remarks on the conflict, Asim Munir and the Abraham Accords sparked a sharp response

Imran Khan's sister links India-Pakistan 2025 conflict to Israel recognition plans

A massive march has been organised in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as the group's deadline to the Pakistani government is set to expire. Visuals on Wednesday (July 15) showed people gathering in large numbers as they prepared to march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad. The final deadline given by the group to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government was July 15. The Charter of Demands include 38 points that demand action on severe economic exploitation, governance issues, and civil liberties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-soldiers-killed-abducted-after-pok-balochistan-erupts-1783620734840">Pakistan Soldiers Killed, Abducted: After PoK, Balochistan Erupts</a>&nbsp;As the march began, nine people were killed and a dozen wounded as clashes between supporters and the protest group restarted, an official said on Wednesday. "Seven civilians, one paramilitary personnel and one police officer were killed during violence that erupted on Tuesday," Sardar Waheed, the top civilian official in Poonch district, where protests have been heavily concentrated, told AFP. The authorities will stop the march if the protesters attempt to proceed towards the capital," Waheed added. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">First visuals from Rawalakot Thousands of protesters begin their march towards Muzaffarabad as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) witnesses one of its fiercest anti-Islamabad uprisings <a href="https://t.co/b4iDad1Inl">pic.twitter.com/b4iDad1Inl</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2077300046530515391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 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/videos/pok-protests-days-numbered-for-shehbaz-government-1782886328862">Pok Protests: Days numbered for Shehbaz government?</a>&nbsp;In a public appeal issued ahead of the march, JAAC Core Committee member Abid Shaheen urged citizens to gather at the Rawalakot sit-in venue at 11 am on July 15 so that the procession could begin at noon. “All friends, relatives, men, and women are appealed to join the Rawalakot sit-in at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 15, so that at 12 PM, a march may proceed from the sit-in site through Rawalakot city towards Muzaffarabad, and together we raise our voices against this oppression and brutality," Shaheen said.&nbsp;The JAAC had warned the Shehbaz Sharif-led government that if authorities failed to act on the group’s demands within the stipulated timeframe, they will organise a march. The protests gathered momentum in several parts of PoK in recent weeks. Elections are also scheduled in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Legislative Assembly on July 27.&nbsp;<h2>What we know about the PoK protest?</h2>As protests intensified with thousands joining it, leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, have pushed for dialogue with protesters while urging an end to the ongoing agitation. They have also proposed the formation of a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission", presenting it as a mechanism to address grievances before the polls. However, Pakistani security forces and Rangers have used brute force against the protesters. Visuals showed them with live ammunition, tear gas. Clashes were also reported in Sudhnoti, Tararkhal, and Arja and at least 6 civilians have been shot and killed by security forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuing a statement earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the action, and said that the protests are a direct result of Pakistan's "decades-long systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights". India has urged the international community to hold Islamabad accountable for police brutality against unarmed civilians.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is set to lead a major march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad after its deadline for the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir government expired. Thousands are expected to join the protest as security is tightened ahead of the July 27 Assembly elections.

A massive march has been organised in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as the group's deadline to the Pakistani government is set to expire. Visuals on Wednesday (July 15) showed people gathering in large numbers as they prepared to march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad. The final deadline given by the group to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government was July 15. The Charter of Demands include 38 points that demand action on severe economic exploitation, governance issues, and civil liberties. Also Read: Pakistan Soldiers Killed, Abducted: After PoK, Balochistan Erupts As the march began, nine people were killed and a dozen wounded as clashes between supporters and the protest group restarted, an official said on Wednesday. "Seven civilians, one paramilitary personnel and one police officer were killed during violence that erupted on Tuesday," Sardar Waheed, the top civilian official in Poonch district, where protests have been heavily concentrated, told AFP. The authorities will stop the march if the protesters attempt to proceed towards the capital," Waheed added.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is set to lead a major march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad after its deadline for the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir government expired. Thousands are expected to join the protest as security is tightened ahead of the July 27 Assembly elections.

At least 9 killed as JAAC begins Muzaffarabad march: PoK on edge

The European Parliament on Thursday (Jul 9) adopted a resolution condemning the widespread abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage of young girls in Pakistan. Calling on the South Asian nation to strengthen protections of girls belonging to religious minorities, the resolution called on Islamabad to overhaul its legal system. This comes after a 13-year-old Christian girl was forced into marriage with her abductor.<h2>A crisis Pakistan is ignoring</h2>In a resolution passed on Thursday, EU lawmakers warned that the abduction and forced conversion of young minority girls in the country has turned into an ongoing crisis that officials are largely ignoring.At the centre of the international backlash is the case of Maria Shahbaz. She was just 13 when she was taken from her home in July 2025, forced to convert to Islam, and married off to a 30-year-old man. Her family fought the marriage in court, but Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court officially upheld the union this past March, despite school and birth records proving she was a minor. Right now, Maria remains in her abductor's custody while her parents try to pull together a final legal appeal.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weapon-of-war-india-at-un-condemns-conflict-related-sexual-violence-highlights-role-of-women-peacekeepers-1783645114228">'Weapon of war': India at UN condemns conflict-related sexual violence, highlights role of women peacekeepers</a>European officials say Maria's story is just the tip of the iceberg. "MEPs are calling for her to have access to legal representation, her family, and psychological support. They condemn similar abuses committed against underage girls belonging to religious minorities, underlining that her case is emblematic of broader human rights violations faced by minorities in Pakistan".<h2>Hindu, Christian girls targeted in Pakistan</h2>The resolution highlighted United Nations data from 2025 showing that roughly 75 per cent of the women and girls forced into these conversions are Hindu, while the remaining 25 per cent are Christian.Lawmakers demanded that Pakistan must come up with a "national mechanism," a nationwide tracking system, so families can actually report abductions without being turned away by local police. Crucially, they are calling for the men behind these marriages to be prosecuted instead of being let off the hook by local magistrates.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspected-terror-plot-targeting-ayodhya-ram-temple-uncovered-man-with-alleged-pakistan-links-arrested-in-karnataka-1782359020050">Terror plot targeting Ayodhya Ram Temple foiled; UP man with alleged Pakistan links arrested in Karnataka</a>"The perpetrators must be prosecuted and Pakistan's judicial framework strengthened, they add, and abducted girls must be able to return safely," the resolution said.Advocacy groups like Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) have been pushing the case for months. Highlighting Maria's case, the group noted that this was not an isolated incident but a well-documented pattern. They say local courts frequently accept falsified statements from abductors claiming the girls converted entirely on their own free will.&nbsp;

The European Parliament has condemned Pakistan over the widespread abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Hindu and Christian girls, calling Maria Shahbaz's case emblematic of a broader human rights crisis. The resolution urges Islamabad to overhaul its legal system.

The European Parliament on Thursday (Jul 9) adopted a resolution condemning the widespread abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage of young girls in Pakistan. Calling on the South Asian nation to strengthen protections of girls belonging to religious minorities, the resolution called on Islamabad to overhaul its legal system. This comes after a 13-year-old Christian girl was forced into marriage with her abductor. A crisis Pakistan is ignoring In a resolution passed on Thursday, EU lawmakers warned that the abduction and forced conversion of young minority girls in the country has turned into an ongoing crisis that officials are largely ignoring. At the centre of the international backlash is the case of Maria Shahbaz. She was just 13 when she was taken from her home in July 2025, forced to convert to Islam, and married off to a 30-year-old man. Her family fought the marriage in court, but Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court officially upheld the union this past March, despite school and birth records proving she was a minor. Right now, Maria remains in her abductor's custody while her parents try to pull together a final legal appeal. Also read | 'Weapon of war': India at UN condemns conflict-related sexual violence, highlights role of women peacekeepers European officials say Maria's story is just the tip of the iceberg. "MEPs are calling for her to have access to legal representation, her family, and psychological support. They condemn similar abuses committed against underage girls belonging to religious minorities, underlining that her case is emblematic of broader human rights violations faced by minorities in Pakistan". Hindu, Christian girls targeted in Pakistan The resolution highlighted United Nations data from 2025 showing that roughly 75 per cent of the women and girls forced into these conversions are Hindu, while the remaining 25 per cent are Christian. Lawmakers demanded that Pakistan must come up with a "national mechanism," a nationwide tracking system, so families can actually report abductions without being turned away by local police. Crucially, they are calling for the men behind these marriages to be prosecuted instead of being let off the hook by local magistrates. Also read | Terror plot targeting Ayodhya Ram Temple foiled; UP man with alleged Pakistan links arrested in Karnataka "The perpetrators must be prosecuted and Pakistan's judicial framework strengthened, they add, and abducted girls must be able to return safely," the resolution said. Advocacy groups like Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) have been pushing the case for months. Highlighting Maria's case, the group noted that this was not an isolated incident but a well-documented pattern. They say local courts frequently accept falsified statements from abductors claiming the girls converted entirely on their own free will.

The European Parliament has condemned Pakistan over the widespread abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Hindu and Christian girls, calling Maria Shahbaz's case emblematic of a broader human rights crisis. The resolution urges Islamabad to overhaul its legal system.

EU Parliament slams Pakistan over forced marriages after 13-year-old girl's custody given to her rapist

A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been sent back by India month after he illegally crossed border to meet Snapchat lover from a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. The man identified as Zeeshan Mir, a resident of Muzaffarabad district in PoK fell in love with Iram Majeed, a resident of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, after the two connected on Snapchat. After completing the investigation and security procedures, Mir was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Kaman Aman Setu crossing on July 4 (Saturday). Approximately a month ago, on Jun 1, Indian Army spotted him approaching from the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Silikote area of Uri and detained him. According to army officials, the online romance eventually prompted Mir to cross the LoC illegally in a bid to meet her.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-attack-im-indias-daughter-seema-haider-pleads-to-pm-modi-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-claims-she-is-hindu-amid-pakistan-visa-ban-indian-government-9004995">'Let me stay, I'm India's daughter': Seema Haider pleads to PM Modi, claims she is 'Hindu' amid Pakistan visa ban</a><h2>What actually happened?</h2>The two reportedly started talking since May 2025 and with Iram confessing: "I can’t really say when it happened, but before we knew it, we had fallen in love." Sometime around May 30-31, Mir crossed the border into Indian side and texted Iram: “Main pahunch chuka hoon (I have arrived).” Iram rushed to meet him but by then, he landed into Army checkpoint where questioning began. After initial probe, on May 31, the Army issued an announcement: An “intruder from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” had been apprehended while he was crossing the LoC in Kashmir’s Uri sector. The soldiers had maintained “restraint while challenging the intruder” and, later in the evening, handed the youth over to the police for “legal proceedings.” On July 4 after sending him back, India &nbsp;Army officials said that Mir was treated with dignity, compassion and due care during his stay in India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-man-illegally-crosses-pakistan-border-to-meet-online-lover-arrested-8581776">Indian man crosses into Pakistan border to meet online lover</a>&nbsp;Silikote is the last village on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) and Iram is from Tilawari village, which is some 100 metres from the border. Iram’s mother Afroza Begum said that initially the family was angry but then Indian Army intervened, and pointed out that this boy had taken all this trouble just to be with her. " It forced me to think about my wish…I have always wished for a son. God has sent us one. We only hope he is released and allowed to stay here.” Now, with him going back, Iram says she knows he would come back.&nbsp;<h2>Another Seema Haider kind of story?</h2>The story reminds of Seema Haider, who illegally entered India with her four children in 2023 to live with her online game PUBG lover, Sachin Meena. Haider was arrested after entering India but was later granted bail. Despite legal troubles, she continues to reside in the Rabupura area of Greater Noida with Sachin Meena and her children. In February 2026, she reportedly gave birth to a baby boy, marking her second child with Sachin and sixth child overall. She is currently out on bail and must comply with court conditions, which include not leaving her in-laws' residence.

A Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) man allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) after falling in love with a woman from Jammu and Kashmir on Snapchat. The case revives memories of high-profile cross-border romances involving Seema Haider that drew national attention.

A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been sent back by India month after he illegally crossed border to meet Snapchat lover from a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. The man identified as Zeeshan Mir, a resident of Muzaffarabad district in PoK fell in love with Iram Majeed, a resident of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, after the two connected on Snapchat. After completing the investigation and security procedures, Mir was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Kaman Aman Setu crossing on July 4 (Saturday). Approximately a month ago, on Jun 1, Indian Army spotted him approaching from the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Silikote area of Uri and detained him. According to army officials, the online romance eventually prompted Mir to cross the LoC illegally in a bid to meet her. Also Read: 'Let me stay, I'm India's daughter': Seema Haider pleads to PM Modi, claims she is 'Hindu' amid Pakistan visa ban What actually happened? The two reportedly started talking since May 2025 and with Iram confessing: "I can’t really say when it happened, but before we knew it, we had fallen in love." Sometime around May 30-31, Mir crossed the border into Indian side and texted Iram: “Main pahunch chuka hoon (I have arrived).” Iram rushed to meet him but by then, he landed into Army checkpoint where questioning began. After initial probe, on May 31, the Army issued an announcement: An “intruder from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” had been apprehended while he was crossing the LoC in Kashmir’s Uri sector. The soldiers had maintained “restraint while challenging the intruder” and, later in the evening, handed the youth over to the police for “legal proceedings.” On July 4 after sending him back, India Army officials said that Mir was treated with dignity, compassion and due care during his stay in India. Also Read: Indian man crosses into Pakistan border to meet online lover Silikote is the last village on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) and Iram is from Tilawari village, which is some 100 metres from the border. Iram’s mother Afroza Begum said that initially the family was angry but then Indian Army intervened, and pointed out that this boy had taken all this trouble just to be with her. " It forced me to think about my wish…I have always wished for a son. God has sent us one. We only hope he is released and allowed to stay here.” Now, with him going back, Iram says she knows he would come back. Another Seema Haider kind of story? The story reminds of Seema Haider, who illegally entered India with her four children in 2023 to live with her online game PUBG lover, Sachin Meena. Haider was arrested after entering India but was later granted bail. Despite legal troubles, she continues to reside in the Rabupura area of Greater Noida with Sachin Meena and her children. In February 2026, she reportedly gave birth to a baby boy, marking her second child with Sachin and sixth child overall. She is currently out on bail and must comply with court conditions, which include not leaving her in-laws' residence.

A Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) man allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) after falling in love with a woman from Jammu and Kashmir on Snapchat. The case revives memories of high-profile cross-border romances involving Seema Haider that drew national attention.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir man sent back month after he crossed border to meet Snapchat lover in J&K's Uri

The grandson of Pakistan’s deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar has been arrested along with four other suspects for the alleged abduction and gangrape of two women foreigners in Lahore, police said on Friday. One accused in absconding.&nbsp;&nbsp;The suspects, identified as Muhammad Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan and Sajid Ali, were sent to five-day police remand by a Lahore court.&nbsp;Raza Dar, identified as the prime suspect, is the grandson of Pakistan’s deputy PM and foreign minister Ishaq Dar.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-politicians-and-military-not-india-big-part-of-its-problems-says-singapore-s-ex-envoy-1783084062494">‘Pakistan’s politicians and military, not India, big part of its problems,’ says Singapore’s ex-envoy</a>&nbsp;“Since it is a very sensitive matter as a close relative of Deputy PM Ishaq Dar is involved in this high-profile case, police are investigating it from all aspects,” a police officer said.&nbsp;The foreign nationals, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, were allegedly abducted and gangraped by five men in Lahore on June 29. The accused aggressively assaulted the women, subjected them to severe physical abuse, and demanded a ransom of $1.5 million.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-all-extremely-pained-and-angered-rss-says-ram-temple-trust-must-rectify-all-shortcomings-1783074551640">‘We are all extremely pained and angered’: RSS says Ram Temple trust must rectify all shortcomings</a>&nbsp;The accused allegedly threatened to kill them and sell their body parts if the demand was not met. The ordeal ended when one of the victims managed to contact her father in the Netherlands, who immediately alerted the Lahore Police, leading to a rescue operation.&nbsp;The police rescued the women after receiving a call from Spain from the father of one of the victims.&nbsp;One of the women told police that upon arrival in Lahore, Raza Dar and the other suspects abducted them and took them to a house where they allegedly gangraped them and demanded ransom for their release.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-venezuelan-police-officers-arrested-for-alleged-looting-from-rubble-face-sacking-1782929474466">Four Venezuelan police officers arrested for alleged looting from rubble, face sacking</a>&nbsp;Lahore police on Thursday registered a case against five suspects and arrested four of them under sections 365A (kidnapping) and 375A (gang rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code.&nbsp;The fifth accused is absconding, and raids are underway to arrest him, police said.&nbsp;The women told police that they met Raza Dar in Singapore in October 2025, and he invited them to visit Pakistan.&nbsp;The women and Raza Dar were partners in a cryptocurrency venture.&nbsp;According to a court official, Raza Dar was identified by the women as the “prime suspect” when all the four accused were produced before a magistrate.&nbsp;The complainants also alleged that they were secretly filmed and later blackmailed using those recordings.

The foreign nationals, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, were allegedly abducted and gangraped by five men in Lahore on June 29. The accused subjected the women to severe physical abuse and demanded a ransom of $1.5 million.

The grandson of Pakistan’s deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar has been arrested along with four other suspects for the alleged abduction and gangrape of two women foreigners in Lahore, police said on Friday. One accused in absconding. The suspects, identified as Muhammad Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan and Sajid Ali, were sent to five-day police remand by a Lahore court. Raza Dar, identified as the prime suspect, is the grandson of Pakistan’s deputy PM and foreign minister Ishaq Dar. Also Read: ‘Pakistan’s politicians and military, not India, big part of its problems,’ says Singapore’s ex-envoy “Since it is a very sensitive matter as a close relative of Deputy PM Ishaq Dar is involved in this high-profile case, police are investigating it from all aspects,” a police officer said. The foreign nationals, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, were allegedly abducted and gangraped by five men in Lahore on June 29. The accused aggressively assaulted the women, subjected them to severe physical abuse, and demanded a ransom of $1.5 million. Also Read: ‘We are all extremely pained and angered’: RSS says Ram Temple trust must rectify all shortcomings The accused allegedly threatened to kill them and sell their body parts if the demand was not met. The ordeal ended when one of the victims managed to contact her father in the Netherlands, who immediately alerted the Lahore Police, leading to a rescue operation. The police rescued the women after receiving a call from Spain from the father of one of the victims. One of the women told police that upon arrival in Lahore, Raza Dar and the other suspects abducted them and took them to a house where they allegedly gangraped them and demanded ransom for their release. Also Read: Four Venezuelan police officers arrested for alleged looting from rubble, face sacking Lahore police on Thursday registered a case against five suspects and arrested four of them under sections 365A (kidnapping) and 375A (gang rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The fifth accused is absconding, and raids are underway to arrest him, police said. The women told police that they met Raza Dar in Singapore in October 2025, and he invited them to visit Pakistan. The women and Raza Dar were partners in a cryptocurrency venture. According to a court official, Raza Dar was identified by the women as the “prime suspect” when all the four accused were produced before a magistrate. The complainants also alleged that they were secretly filmed and later blackmailed using those recordings.

The foreign nationals, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, were allegedly abducted and gangraped by five men in Lahore on June 29. The accused subjected the women to severe physical abuse and demanded a ransom of $1.5 million.

Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s grandson arrested for abduction, gangrape of two women foreigners in Lahore

Singapore's former envoy and veteran diplomat Bilahari Kausikan has said that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic gains and bonhomie with Washington will not address the economic crisis of the country, which he called “a state teetering on the brink of failure”. Replying to a question from a Pakistani reporter at a global forum, he said that Pakistan’s problem is not India, but rather its own politicians and the military.&nbsp;Kausikan, a former ambassador-at-large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, said Pakistan may have repaired its global image by mediating the US-Iran interim peace agreement but has done little to repair the crisis within.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-all-extremely-pained-and-angered-rss-says-ram-temple-trust-must-rectify-all-shortcomings-1783074551640">‘We are all extremely pained and angered’: RSS says Ram Temple trust must rectify all shortcomings</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;If Pakistan does not fix its problems, it will always be on the brink of state failure. Everyone is worried about it because you have nuclear weapons. If Pakistan did not have nuclear weapons, no one would care,&quot; says former Singapore Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan…&mdash; GeoPanda (@Geotactix) <a href="https://x.com/Geotactix/status/2072937749645238663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Referring to Islamabad’s efforts in the US-Iran war mediation, the veteran diplomat said, “I’ll be very blunt. Pakistan was very agile and very successful in taking advantage of a diplomatic opportunity, and that has gone some way to rehabilitate Pakistan diplomatically in the eyes of the US, anyway.”&nbsp;“But you know, that doesn’t feed the Pakistani people,” he said wryly while indicating its deep economic crisis.He further said that the current global attention towards Pakistan is purely driven by international anxiety.The Pakistani government has repeatedly prided itself on its geopolitical achievements linked to its efforts in bringing the US-Iran military conflict to a halt.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-avenge-the-blood-of-ali-khamenei-iran-army-ahead-of-state-funeral-of-former-supreme-leader-1783084776018">'We will avenge the blood of Ali Khamenei': Iran army ahead of state funeral of former supreme leader</a><h2>‘Pakistan’s problem is not India or Afghanistan’</h2>&nbsp;When a Pakistani journalist at the conference suggested that much of Islamabad’s troubles stem from its borders with India and Afghanistan, the veteran diplomat junked Pakistan’s old game of playing the victim card.“You cannot blame location on everything. That’s an excuse,” Kausikan said, adding that Pakistan’s crisis is of its own making by its politicians, whom he called a “waste of time”, and the military.“Pakistan has been mismanaged terribly since the beginning. I don’t see any solution. Its politicians are a waste of time, all of them, regardless of parties, and the military is a big part of the problem,” he said.Pakistan has been directly governed by its military for nearly half of its history.&nbsp;<h2>‘State teetering on the brink of failure’</h2>&nbsp;When asked by a journalist where Pakistan could be in the next five years, Kausikan described it as “a state teetering on the brink of failure” and said that the recent diplomatic gains would not change the country’s structural problems or significantly improve its ties with the United States.&nbsp;“The diplomatic success doesn’t change that fundamental reality,” he said.&nbsp;Pakistan continues to face a severe economic crisis and remains dependent on financial assistance and bailouts from international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF to manage its debt.

When asked where Pakistan could be in the next five years, former envoy Bilahari Kausikan described it as “a state teetering on the brink of failure” and said that the recent diplomatic gains would not change the country’s structural problems or significantly improve its ties with the US.

Singapore's former envoy and veteran diplomat Bilahari Kausikan has said that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic gains and bonhomie with Washington will not address the economic crisis of the country, which he called “a state teetering on the brink of failure”. Replying to a question from a Pakistani reporter at a global forum, he said that Pakistan’s problem is not India, but rather its own politicians and the military. Kausikan, a former ambassador-at-large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, said Pakistan may have repaired its global image by mediating the US-Iran interim peace agreement but has done little to repair the crisis within. Also Read: ‘We are all extremely pained and angered’: RSS says Ram Temple trust must rectify all shortcomings

When asked where Pakistan could be in the next five years, former envoy Bilahari Kausikan described it as “a state teetering on the brink of failure” and said that the recent diplomatic gains would not change the country’s structural problems or significantly improve its ties with the US.

‘Pakistan’s politicians and military, not India, big part of its problems,’ says Singapore’s ex-envoy

Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto on Tuesday (July 2) said that Pakistan wanted “peace with dignity" and “dialogue under law" while targeting India of undermining the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the Indus River was not for negotiations and asserted that Islamabad would not compromise on water rights. He added that his country would not surrender, adding that Pakistan wants “peace with dignity.”&nbsp;"If anyone believes that Pakistan will surrender Sindh, they do not know Pakistan. They do not know Sindh. They do not know Punjab. They do not know Balochistan. They do not know Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They do not know Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan. They do not know the people who have lived by these rivers for thousands and thousands of years," Bilawal said. “We want peace, but peace with dignity. We want dialogue, but dialogue under law. We want coexistence, but not submission," he added.&nbsp;He added that "any attempt to undermine Pakistan's water rights would receive a national response". He further stated that "Pakistan would not compromise on the fundamental rights of its people". Failing to address India's core security concern regarding state-sponsored militancy, Bhutto Zardari argued that "the use of water as a weapon was contrary to international law".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-army-chief-asim-munir-to-get-extended-rule-bilawal-bhutto-hints-at-revising-article-243-the-command-structure-of-its-armed-forces-1762170923801">Pak army chief Asim Munir to get extended rule? Bilawal Bhutto hints at revising Article 243, the command structure of its armed forces</a><h2>Bilawal Bhutto's 2025 war pitch</h2>This is the same Bilawal Bhutto who in 2025 had issued several war threat against India, at a time when India launched Operation Sindoor and cut all diplomatic ties with Pakistan including the halt of the Indus Water Treaty. Bhutto Zardari said that if India continues with its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, then Pakistanis "won't bow and they will confront." He had claimed that Pakistan has gone to the world and spoken about peace, while India spoke about war. He said that Pakistanis must raise their voices against oppression.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-plays-viral-song-at-event-attended-by-bilawal-bhutto-1766050944542">WATCH: After banning 'Dhurandhar', Pakistan plays viral song at event attended by Bilawal Bhutto</a>&nbsp;"Pakistan did not start this war; we have always spoken of peace. Pakistan’s representatives have gone all over the world, we spoke of peace, but India spoke of war. But now that war has been started…would like to tell the Modi government from this land that we do not back down, we do not bow. And if you think of carrying out such an attack towards the Indus, then the people of every province of Pakistan are ready to confront you, and this is a war you will surely lose," he had said. &nbsp;

Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan seeks "peace with dignity" and "dialogue under law" amid the Indus Waters Treaty dispute with India. Accusing New Delhi of undermining the treaty, he said Pakistan would not compromise on its water rights and rejected any notion of submission.

Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto on Tuesday (July 2) said that Pakistan wanted “peace with dignity" and “dialogue under law" while targeting India of undermining the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the Indus River was not for negotiations and asserted that Islamabad would not compromise on water rights. He added that his country would not surrender, adding that Pakistan wants “peace with dignity.” "If anyone believes that Pakistan will surrender Sindh, they do not know Pakistan. They do not know Sindh. They do not know Punjab. They do not know Balochistan. They do not know Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They do not know Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan. They do not know the people who have lived by these rivers for thousands and thousands of years," Bilawal said. “We want peace, but peace with dignity. We want dialogue, but dialogue under law. We want coexistence, but not submission," he added. He added that "any attempt to undermine Pakistan's water rights would receive a national response". He further stated that "Pakistan would not compromise on the fundamental rights of its people". Failing to address India's core security concern regarding state-sponsored militancy, Bhutto Zardari argued that "the use of water as a weapon was contrary to international law". Also Read: Pak army chief Asim Munir to get extended rule? Bilawal Bhutto hints at revising Article 243, the command structure of its armed forces Bilawal Bhutto's 2025 war pitch This is the same Bilawal Bhutto who in 2025 had issued several war threat against India, at a time when India launched Operation Sindoor and cut all diplomatic ties with Pakistan including the halt of the Indus Water Treaty. Bhutto Zardari said that if India continues with its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, then Pakistanis "won't bow and they will confront." He had claimed that Pakistan has gone to the world and spoken about peace, while India spoke about war. He said that Pakistanis must raise their voices against oppression. Also Read: WATCH: After banning 'Dhurandhar', Pakistan plays viral song at event attended by Bilawal Bhutto "Pakistan did not start this war; we have always spoken of peace. Pakistan’s representatives have gone all over the world, we spoke of peace, but India spoke of war. But now that war has been started…would like to tell the Modi government from this land that we do not back down, we do not bow. And if you think of carrying out such an attack towards the Indus, then the people of every province of Pakistan are ready to confront you, and this is a war you will surely lose," he had said.

Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan seeks "peace with dignity" and "dialogue under law" amid the Indus Waters Treaty dispute with India. Accusing New Delhi of undermining the treaty, he said Pakistan would not compromise on its water rights and rejected any notion of submission.

After threatening war over Indus Waters Treaty, Bilawal Bhutto says Pakistan wants 'peace with dignity'

More than a hundred prominent people, including politicians and public figures, from India and Pakistan have written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif, appealing them to take concrete and sustained steps towards restoring peace, normalcy, dialogue and normal bilateral relations between the two countries. The open letter, issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress, has been signed by 117 people—61 from India and 56 from Pakistan—and urges the two governments to end the prolonged hostility that is denying opportunities, prosperity and a secure future to millions of young people.&nbsp;The Indian signatories included National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha, and former TMC minister and current AJUP leader Humayun Kabir.&nbsp;Among the Pakistani signatories were former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist and author Pervez Hoodbhoy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-japan-s-soft-power-and-cultural-influence-india-others-tend-to-overlook-1782901121503">Decoding Japan’s soft power and cultural influence India, others tend to overlook</a>&nbsp;The letter urges both PMs to restore full diplomatic relations by reinstating High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad, resuming normal visa services and reopening airspace for commercial flights.&nbsp;The signatories also demand reopening of the Attari-Wagah land border for trade and travel, revival of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service and other cross-border connectivity initiatives.&nbsp;“India and Pakistan together are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. A large proportion of our population is young. The people of both countries deserve a future defined by peace, development, connectivity and cooperation, rather than perpetual mistrust and confrontation,” says the letter.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-invites-india-s-ruling-bjp-and-opposition-congress-to-khamenei-state-funeral-1782905079005">Iran invites India’s ruling BJP and opposition Congress to Khamenei state funeral</a>&nbsp;“Decades of estrangement has hindered our collective potential and imposed significant social, economic and human costs. We believe that sustained engagement and dialogue remain the only viable path to resolving differences and building a stable and prosperous region,” the letter adds.&nbsp;The appeal via the open letter comes even as New Delhi has maintained that its approach towards Pakistan remains unchanged, asserting that “terror and talks cannot coexist and terror and trade cannot go hand in hand” while making clear that any improvement in bilateral ties hinges on an end to cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;The signatories also call for resuming a comprehensive bilateral dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, revisiting the framework negotiated between 2004 and 2007, pursuing demilitarisation and de-escalation, and addressing the legitimate security concerns of both countries.They also urged the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, access to Sharada Peeth in Pakistan's Neelum Valley and easier travel to religious and cultural heritage sites on both sides of the border as confidence-building measures.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-biz-honchos-accompanying-japan-s-pm-to-delhi-eager-to-ride-on-india-s-growth-story-1782768835501">50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story</a>&nbsp;“We respectfully request you to listen to the aspirations of common people and choose engagement over isolation, dialogue over hostility and cooperation over confrontation. The future of South Asia should be shaped not by division and conflict, but by peace, prosperity and shared progress,” the letter says.&nbsp;“This appeal is not an endorsement of any political position. It is a call to place the welfare, aspirations and future of nearly two billion people above conflict, confrontation, and division. We believe that peace, dialogue and cooperation offer the surest path towards a stable, prosperous and secure South Asia,” it added.

The appeal comes even as New Delhi has maintained that its approach towards Pakistan remains unchanged, asserting that terror and talks cannot coexist and terror and trade cannot go hand in hand while making clear that any improvement in ties hinges on an end to cross-border terrorism.

More than a hundred prominent people, including politicians and public figures, from India and Pakistan have written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif, appealing them to take concrete and sustained steps towards restoring peace, normalcy, dialogue and normal bilateral relations between the two countries. The open letter, issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress, has been signed by 117 people—61 from India and 56 from Pakistan—and urges the two governments to end the prolonged hostility that is denying opportunities, prosperity and a secure future to millions of young people. The Indian signatories included National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha, and former TMC minister and current AJUP leader Humayun Kabir. Among the Pakistani signatories were former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist and author Pervez Hoodbhoy. Also Read: Decoding Japan’s soft power and cultural influence India, others tend to overlook The letter urges both PMs to restore full diplomatic relations by reinstating High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad, resuming normal visa services and reopening airspace for commercial flights. The signatories also demand reopening of the Attari-Wagah land border for trade and travel, revival of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service and other cross-border connectivity initiatives. “India and Pakistan together are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. A large proportion of our population is young. The people of both countries deserve a future defined by peace, development, connectivity and cooperation, rather than perpetual mistrust and confrontation,” says the letter. Also Read: Iran invites India’s ruling BJP and opposition Congress to Khamenei state funeral “Decades of estrangement has hindered our collective potential and imposed significant social, economic and human costs. We believe that sustained engagement and dialogue remain the only viable path to resolving differences and building a stable and prosperous region,” the letter adds. The appeal via the open letter comes even as New Delhi has maintained that its approach towards Pakistan remains unchanged, asserting that “terror and talks cannot coexist and terror and trade cannot go hand in hand” while making clear that any improvement in bilateral ties hinges on an end to cross-border terrorism. The signatories also call for resuming a comprehensive bilateral dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, revisiting the framework negotiated between 2004 and 2007, pursuing demilitarisation and de-escalation, and addressing the legitimate security concerns of both countries. They also urged the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, access to Sharada Peeth in Pakistan's Neelum Valley and easier travel to religious and cultural heritage sites on both sides of the border as confidence-building measures. Also Read: 50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story “We respectfully request you to listen to the aspirations of common people and choose engagement over isolation, dialogue over hostility and cooperation over confrontation. The future of South Asia should be shaped not by division and conflict, but by peace, prosperity and shared progress,” the letter says. “This appeal is not an endorsement of any political position. It is a call to place the welfare, aspirations and future of nearly two billion people above conflict, confrontation, and division. We believe that peace, dialogue and cooperation offer the surest path towards a stable, prosperous and secure South Asia,” it added.

The appeal comes even as New Delhi has maintained that its approach towards Pakistan remains unchanged, asserting that terror and talks cannot coexist and terror and trade cannot go hand in hand while making clear that any improvement in ties hinges on an end to cross-border terrorism.

Over 100 eminent people from India, Pak write open letter to Modi, Shehbaz; appeal to end hostilities

As many as 14 children, aged between five and 16 years, were killed, and several others were injured on Tuesday when the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area, said officials. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer and Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed the casualties while speaking separately to media outlets.&nbsp;After the search and rescue operation, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said a female teacher and eight children were taken to Lahore General Hospital (LGH) with multiple injuries. Of them, five children were in critical condition, he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-trust-prepones-key-meeting-to-july-6-as-champat-rai-s-future-hangs-in-balance-after-donation-theft-row-1782835529217">Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting to July 6 as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance after donation theft row</a>&nbsp;Initially, some of the children were taken to the nearby Kahna Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital and were later shifted to Lahore General Hospital (LGH). According to an earlier list of the deceased provided by LGH, the victims were aged between five and 16 years.&nbsp;The health minister said two minors were discharged after receiving treatment at the THQ Hospital, while the “rest of the four” were out of danger. It is unclear whether the four injured and under treatment at the THQ Hospital were in addition to those taken to LGH.&nbsp;Nazeer said “around 20 people” had been trapped under the debris of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ethanol-blending-is-ongoing-experiment-impact-to-be-known-by-next-year-govt-tells-sc-1782819413430">Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC</a>&nbsp;<h2>Two individuals, including house owner, taken into custody&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In a statement issued at 7 pm, Lahore Police said rescue efforts had concluded and that two individuals, including the house owner, had been taken into custody as part of the initial investigation.Evidence was being collected, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence, it added.DIG Kamran said the contractor who had constructed the house recently was among the detained. A part of the house was under construction, and labourers were working when the roof collapsed.&nbsp;Lahore District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariq Mahmood said the building housed a private tuition centre run by a woman resident of the area.Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly due to poor safety standards and the use of substandard construction material.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-biz-honchos-accompanying-japan-s-pm-to-delhi-eager-to-ride-on-india-s-growth-story-1782768835501">50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story</a>&nbsp;On Monday, two minor sisters died, and their cousin was injured when the boundary wall of their house collapsed in Alipur tehsil of Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district. Earlier this month, a roof of an under-construction room collapsed in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala tehsil, claiming the lives of three members of a family.&nbsp;Last July, 27 people were killed and 10 injured when a five-storey building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari area.Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the police and district government authorities to determine the role of those individual(s) found responsible for the roof collapse and, consequently, the deaths, for criminal proceedings.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer said around 20 people had been trapped under the rubble of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital. Two individuals, including the house owner, were taken into custody, said officials.

As many as 14 children, aged between five and 16 years, were killed, and several others were injured on Tuesday when the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area, said officials. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer and Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed the casualties while speaking separately to media outlets. After the search and rescue operation, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said a female teacher and eight children were taken to Lahore General Hospital (LGH) with multiple injuries. Of them, five children were in critical condition, he said. Also Read: Ram Temple Trust prepones key meeting to July 6 as Champat Rai’s future hangs in balance after donation theft row Initially, some of the children were taken to the nearby Kahna Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital and were later shifted to Lahore General Hospital (LGH). According to an earlier list of the deceased provided by LGH, the victims were aged between five and 16 years. The health minister said two minors were discharged after receiving treatment at the THQ Hospital, while the “rest of the four” were out of danger. It is unclear whether the four injured and under treatment at the THQ Hospital were in addition to those taken to LGH. Nazeer said “around 20 people” had been trapped under the debris of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital. Also Read: Ethanol blending is ongoing experiment, impact to be known by next year: Govt tells SC Two individuals, including house owner, taken into custody In a statement issued at 7 pm, Lahore Police said rescue efforts had concluded and that two individuals, including the house owner, had been taken into custody as part of the initial investigation. Evidence was being collected, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence, it added. DIG Kamran said the contractor who had constructed the house recently was among the detained. A part of the house was under construction, and labourers were working when the roof collapsed. Lahore District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariq Mahmood said the building housed a private tuition centre run by a woman resident of the area. Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly due to poor safety standards and the use of substandard construction material. Also Read: 50 biz honchos accompanying Japan’s PM to Delhi, eager to ride on India’s growth story On Monday, two minor sisters died, and their cousin was injured when the boundary wall of their house collapsed in Alipur tehsil of Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district. Earlier this month, a roof of an under-construction room collapsed in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala tehsil, claiming the lives of three members of a family. Last July, 27 people were killed and 10 injured when a five-storey building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari area. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the police and district government authorities to determine the role of those individual(s) found responsible for the roof collapse and, consequently, the deaths, for criminal proceedings.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer said around 20 people had been trapped under the rubble of the collapsed roof, including the 14 deceased children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital. Two individuals, including the house owner, were taken into custody, said officials.

14 children killed as roof of tuition centre collapses in Lahore, Pakistan

Indian and Pakistani delegates have held a fresh round of Track Two diplomacy talks in Colombo and Bangkok earlier this week. The primary objective was to strengthen mechanisms for dialogue during crises, alongside measures to prevent and manage potential escalations. During the meetings both sides exchanged notes, and had frank exchanges on issues related to terrorism and water. The two sides also explored ways to feed insights from the current discussions into formal Track One channels. Track One dialogue involves direct engagement between serving government officials from both countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-s-op-sindoor-lies-busted-iaf-document-proves-india-s-rafale-fleet-fully-intact-1782226973572">Pakistan’s Op Sindoor lies busted, IAF document proves India’s Rafale fleet fully intact</a><h3>India, Pakistan government level talks continues to be on halt</h3>Track 2 continues even as structured government level talks remain frozen between India, Pakistan. Ties between the 2 countries remain in a cold bag, especially since the May 2025 conflict after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed over 20 people, mostly tourists in India's union territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;For four intense days, the nuclear-armed neighbours exchanged fire, including drone operations, before a ceasefire took hold on 10 May. Since then, both sides have avoided public escalation, but formal talks remain off the table. Instead, retired military personnel, diplomats, media, academic scholars have met in neutral venues to manage tensions at track 2 level.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-amritsar-air-india-flight-briefly-enters-pakistani-airspace-during-go-around-pilot-put-off-duty-1782315287217">Delhi-Amritsar Air India flight briefly enters Pakistani airspace during go-around; pilot put off duty</a>&nbsp;Several rounds of talks have happened since the May conflict, offering a rare back-channel for discussion amid otherwise jammed&nbsp;official relations. The talks have happened in West Asian capitals, and other locations. One track 2 was held in Doha, involving eminent personalities from both countries. The first report of track 2 India, Pakistan talks was broken by WION in April 2026.&nbsp;India has maintained its post-2019 stance that dialogue is impossible while terrorism continues. Trade is minimal, diplomatic missions operate at reduced strength, and people-to-people contacts are limited. Yet the quiet engagements signal pragmatism. Both Indian and Pakistani govts, on expected lines, remain mum on the existence of such talks.

Indian and Pakistani delegates held fresh Track 2 talks in Colombo and Bangkok, discussing crisis-management mechanisms, terrorism and water issues. The backchannel engagements come despite frozen official dialogue

Indian and Pakistani delegates have held a fresh round of Track Two diplomacy talks in Colombo and Bangkok earlier this week. The primary objective was to strengthen mechanisms for dialogue during crises, alongside measures to prevent and manage potential escalations. During the meetings both sides exchanged notes, and had frank exchanges on issues related to terrorism and water. The two sides also explored ways to feed insights from the current discussions into formal Track One channels. Track One dialogue involves direct engagement between serving government officials from both countries. Also Read: Pakistan’s Op Sindoor lies busted, IAF document proves India’s Rafale fleet fully intact India, Pakistan government level talks continues to be on halt Track 2 continues even as structured government level talks remain frozen between India, Pakistan. Ties between the 2 countries remain in a cold bag, especially since the May 2025 conflict after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed over 20 people, mostly tourists in India's union territory of Jammu & Kashmir. For four intense days, the nuclear-armed neighbours exchanged fire, including drone operations, before a ceasefire took hold on 10 May. Since then, both sides have avoided public escalation, but formal talks remain off the table. Instead, retired military personnel, diplomats, media, academic scholars have met in neutral venues to manage tensions at track 2 level. Also Read: Delhi-Amritsar Air India flight briefly enters Pakistani airspace during go-around; pilot put off duty Several rounds of talks have happened since the May conflict, offering a rare back-channel for discussion amid otherwise jammed official relations. The talks have happened in West Asian capitals, and other locations. One track 2 was held in Doha, involving eminent personalities from both countries. The first report of track 2 India, Pakistan talks was broken by WION in April 2026. India has maintained its post-2019 stance that dialogue is impossible while terrorism continues. Trade is minimal, diplomatic missions operate at reduced strength, and people-to-people contacts are limited. Yet the quiet engagements signal pragmatism. Both Indian and Pakistani govts, on expected lines, remain mum on the existence of such talks.

Indian and Pakistani delegates held fresh Track 2 talks in Colombo and Bangkok, discussing crisis-management mechanisms, terrorism and water issues. The backchannel engagements come despite frozen official dialogue

In Colombo, Bangkok this week, India and Pakistan met again for track 2 talks

Pakistan’s persistent disinformation and lies while claiming that it had shot down India’s multiple Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor have once again been busted by an official Indian Air Force (IAF) tender document, which seeks ‘bridge support’ for the entire fleet of 36 Rafale jets currently in service. A tender document issued by the Indian Air Force explicitly seeks maintenance, logistics, and technical support for all 36 Rafale aircraft.&nbsp;An Air Headquarters Request for Proposal (RFP), issued recently, invites bids for a five-month “bridge support” package covering all 36 Rafale fighter aircraft, the same number India procured from France under the government-to-government agreement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-led-tmc-faction-hits-back-expels-firhad-hakim-aroop-biswas-and-6-others-over-anti-party-activities-1782221480899">Mamata-led TMC faction hits back, expels Firhad Hakim, Aroop Roy and 6 others over anti-party activities</a>&nbsp;The document seeks maintenance, logistics and technical support to sustain the fleet beyond September 2026, with an estimated 2,250 flying hours planned during the five-month support period. The bridge support arrangement is intended to ensure uninterrupted operations until a long-term support contract is finalised.The RFP exposes Pakistan’s false narrative that several Indian Rafale jets were destroyed during Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;India’s military operation comprising precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. If India had lost any Rafale jet then, the fleet strength mentioned in the official tender document for maintenance would have been lower.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-india-bound-ships-carrying-crude-lpg-fertilisers-crossed-hormuz-since-us-iran-mou-signing-10-still-in-gulf-mea-1782217692758">11 India-bound ships carrying crude, LPG, fertilisers crossed Hormuz since US-Iran MoU signing; 10 still in Gulf: MEA</a>&nbsp;Pakistan repeatedly claimed through official statements and social media campaigns that its forces shot down multiple Indian Rafale fighters during Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;India had dismissed the claims as disinformation and accused Pakistan of running a propaganda campaign to cover up its heavy losses.&nbsp;<h2>Earlier evidence also cast doubts on Pakistan’s Rafale claims&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Earlier evidence had also cast doubts on Pakistan’s claims as several Rafale jets bearing tail numbers that Pakistani social media accounts had claimed were “destroyed” were photographed and recorded while participating in operational flying.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-students-killed-in-fire-at-animation-centre-in-lucknow-many-jump-from-1st-floor-1782130828955">15 killed in fire at animation centre in Lucknow; many jump off 1st floor</a>&nbsp;The Rafale fleet played a central role during Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes against targets deep inside Pakistan. Indian defence officials have maintained all through that the Rafale aircraft performed as intended during the operation and repeatedly rejected claims of any combat losses.The June 2026 tender document is the latest official record reinforcing India’s position that its Rafale fleet remains intact, delivering another setback to Pakistan.&nbsp;India is, meanwhile, moving ahead with its plans to procure an additional 114 Rafale fighter jets from French defence major Dassault Aviation under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. The proposed acquisition was discussed during the recent talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cred-founder-kunal-shah-becomes-global-ceo-of-whatsapp-meta-invests-900-million-in-fintech-startup-1782137297377">CRED founder Kunal Shah becomes global CEO of WhatsApp as Meta invests $900 million in startup</a>&nbsp;The Ministry of External Affairs later said that discussions on the Rafale programme have progressed, with Prime Minister Modi emphasising the ‘Make in India’ initiative and advocating a framework based on co-development, co-design and co-production for future defence projects between India and France.&nbsp;Under the MRFA programme, 18 Rafale jets are likely to be delivered in flyaway condition, while the remaining will be manufactured in India with around 50 per cent indigenous content.

The document seeks maintenance, logistics and technical support for the fleet, with an estimated 2,250 flying hours planned during the five-month support period. The bridge support arrangement is intended to ensure uninterrupted operations until a long-term support contract is finalised.

Pakistan’s persistent disinformation and lies while claiming that it had shot down India’s multiple Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor have once again been busted by an official Indian Air Force (IAF) tender document, which seeks ‘bridge support’ for the entire fleet of 36 Rafale jets currently in service. A tender document issued by the Indian Air Force explicitly seeks maintenance, logistics, and technical support for all 36 Rafale aircraft. An Air Headquarters Request for Proposal (RFP), issued recently, invites bids for a five-month “bridge support” package covering all 36 Rafale fighter aircraft, the same number India procured from France under the government-to-government agreement. Also Read: Mamata-led TMC faction hits back, expels Firhad Hakim, Aroop Roy and 6 others over anti-party activities The document seeks maintenance, logistics and technical support to sustain the fleet beyond September 2026, with an estimated 2,250 flying hours planned during the five-month support period. The bridge support arrangement is intended to ensure uninterrupted operations until a long-term support contract is finalised. The RFP exposes Pakistan’s false narrative that several Indian Rafale jets were destroyed during Operation Sindoor. India’s military operation comprising precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. If India had lost any Rafale jet then, the fleet strength mentioned in the official tender document for maintenance would have been lower. Also Read: 11 India-bound ships carrying crude, LPG, fertilisers crossed Hormuz since US-Iran MoU signing; 10 still in Gulf: MEA Pakistan repeatedly claimed through official statements and social media campaigns that its forces shot down multiple Indian Rafale fighters during Operation Sindoor. India had dismissed the claims as disinformation and accused Pakistan of running a propaganda campaign to cover up its heavy losses. Earlier evidence also cast doubts on Pakistan’s Rafale claims Earlier evidence had also cast doubts on Pakistan’s claims as several Rafale jets bearing tail numbers that Pakistani social media accounts had claimed were “destroyed” were photographed and recorded while participating in operational flying. Also Read: 15 killed in fire at animation centre in Lucknow; many jump off 1st floor The Rafale fleet played a central role during Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes against targets deep inside Pakistan. Indian defence officials have maintained all through that the Rafale aircraft performed as intended during the operation and repeatedly rejected claims of any combat losses. The June 2026 tender document is the latest official record reinforcing India’s position that its Rafale fleet remains intact, delivering another setback to Pakistan. India is, meanwhile, moving ahead with its plans to procure an additional 114 Rafale fighter jets from French defence major Dassault Aviation under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. The proposed acquisition was discussed during the recent talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Also Read: CRED founder Kunal Shah becomes global CEO of WhatsApp as Meta invests $900 million in startup The Ministry of External Affairs later said that discussions on the Rafale programme have progressed, with Prime Minister Modi emphasising the ‘Make in India’ initiative and advocating a framework based on co-development, co-design and co-production for future defence projects between India and France. Under the MRFA programme, 18 Rafale jets are likely to be delivered in flyaway condition, while the remaining will be manufactured in India with around 50 per cent indigenous content.

The document seeks maintenance, logistics and technical support for the fleet, with an estimated 2,250 flying hours planned during the five-month support period. The bridge support arrangement is intended to ensure uninterrupted operations until a long-term support contract is finalised.

Pakistan’s Op Sindoor lies busted, IAF document proves India’s Rafale fleet fully intact

A UK court has jailed a Pakistani asylum seeker for 10 years for raping an intoxicated 18-year-old girl at a park. The incident took place in a UK park in June 2025. The Pakistani asylum seeker has been identified as Sheraz Malik. The 28 year old man and and a group with him encountered the girl and her friend at Sutton Lawn Park while they had been out drinking. Her male friend had asked him and his group to "look after her" while he went to meet another friend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prioritise-wisdom-saudi-arabia-urges-return-to-diplomacy-under-pakistan-and-qatar-mediation-1781176727632">‘Prioritise wisdom’: Saudi Arabia urges return to diplomacy under Pakistan and Qatar mediation</a>&nbsp;According to reports, the teenage girl was raped by Malik as she was in a vulnerable state. Malik took him to a secluded part of the park and raped her. According to The Sun, the survivor repeatedly protested during the assault while Malik asked her: "Did you enjoy that?" During the trials, Malik denied the allegations and claimed the sex was consensual. He was convicted by a jury in January on two counts of rape. On Thursday, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to serve an additional four years on extended licence after his release. &nbsp;Giving evidence during the trial, the woman told jurors: "I was scared, I felt scared of saying no."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-killed-over-30-injured-as-pakistani-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-1781193970614">16 killed, over 30 injured as Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</a>&nbsp;The trial heard that Malik is an asylum seeker born in Pakistan who had previously lived in Italy, Germany and France before arriving in the UK.He had been in Britain for less than a year when the attack took place. A court order prevented the media from reporting his immigration status until the trial had concluded to avoid prejudicing the proceedings.

Pakistani asylum seeker Sheraz Malik has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the UK for raping an intoxicated 18-year-old woman in Sutton Lawn Park in June 2025. A jury convicted him on two counts of rape after rejecting his claim that the encounter was consensual.

A UK court has jailed a Pakistani asylum seeker for 10 years for raping an intoxicated 18-year-old girl at a park. The incident took place in a UK park in June 2025. The Pakistani asylum seeker has been identified as Sheraz Malik. The 28 year old man and and a group with him encountered the girl and her friend at Sutton Lawn Park while they had been out drinking. Her male friend had asked him and his group to "look after her" while he went to meet another friend. Also Read: ‘Prioritise wisdom’: Saudi Arabia urges return to diplomacy under Pakistan and Qatar mediation According to reports, the teenage girl was raped by Malik as she was in a vulnerable state. Malik took him to a secluded part of the park and raped her. According to The Sun, the survivor repeatedly protested during the assault while Malik asked her: "Did you enjoy that?" During the trials, Malik denied the allegations and claimed the sex was consensual. He was convicted by a jury in January on two counts of rape. On Thursday, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to serve an additional four years on extended licence after his release. Giving evidence during the trial, the woman told jurors: "I was scared, I felt scared of saying no." Also Read: 16 killed, over 30 injured as Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir The trial heard that Malik is an asylum seeker born in Pakistan who had previously lived in Italy, Germany and France before arriving in the UK. He had been in Britain for less than a year when the attack took place. A court order prevented the media from reporting his immigration status until the trial had concluded to avoid prejudicing the proceedings.

Pakistani asylum seeker Sheraz Malik has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the UK for raping an intoxicated 18-year-old woman in Sutton Lawn Park in June 2025. A jury convicted him on two counts of rape after rejecting his claim that the encounter was consensual.

Pakistan asylum seeker sentenced to 10 years in jail for raping UK woman, had asked 'did you enjoy that'

South Asia recorded the world's sharpest decline in peacefulness in the Global Peace Index 2026. Here's how India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan ranked.

South Asia recorded the world's sharpest decline in peacefulness in the Global Peace Index 2026. Here's how India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan ranked.

Global Peace Index 2026: How India and its neighbours ranked in South Asia

Pakistan has been ranked the world's smoggiest country in 2025, with concentrations of hazardous small particles known as PM2.5 up to 13 times higher than the recommended World Health ​Organization level, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report, cited in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26. The report stated that country appeared home to four of the world’s ten most polluted cities. The report said that Faisalabad recorded the highest pollution levels nationally at 98.8 µg/m³, while 13 cities reported PM2.5 concentrations above 50 µg/m³. The survey underscored the scale of the crisis and said that the worsening air quality is driven by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, brick kilns and construction dust.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prioritise-wisdom-saudi-arabia-urges-return-to-diplomacy-under-pakistan-and-qatar-mediation-1781176727632">‘Prioritise wisdom’: Saudi Arabia urges return to diplomacy under Pakistan and Qatar mediation</a>&nbsp;Seasonal factors further intensify pollution, with levels spiking during dust storms in April and May and rising sharply in Karachi during November, where concentrations increased nearly 57pc compared with 2024. The human toll is severe. “Air pollution has continued to be a significant health issue affecting the population, reportedly causing almost 22,000 deaths every year and also straining ecosystems,” the survey said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-killed-over-30-injured-as-pakistani-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-1781193970614">16 killed, over 30 injured as Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</a><h2>South Asia's pollution</h2>The world's top 25 ​most polluted cities were ⁠all in India, Pakistan and China. Among the countries that met the standard in 2025 were Australia, Iceland, Estonia and Panama. Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia all reported significant PM2.5 reductions compared to the previous year. Only 14 per cent of the world's cities met the WHO standard in 2025, down from 17 per cent a year earlier, ​with Canadian wildfires driving up PM2.5 across the United States and ​as far ⁠as Europe. In all, 75 countries reported lower PM2.5 levels in 2025 compared to a year ​earlier, with 54 recording higher average concentrations, IQAir said.

Pakistan ranked as the world's most polluted country in 2025, with PM2.5 levels reaching 13 times the WHO safety limit, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report. The pollution crisis is linked to nearly 22,000 deaths annually, with Faisalabad among the country's worst-affected cities.

Pakistan has been ranked the world's smoggiest country in 2025, with concentrations of hazardous small particles known as PM2.5 up to 13 times higher than the recommended World Health Organization level, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report, cited in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26. The report stated that country appeared home to four of the world’s ten most polluted cities. The report said that Faisalabad recorded the highest pollution levels nationally at 98.8 µg/m³, while 13 cities reported PM2.5 concentrations above 50 µg/m³. The survey underscored the scale of the crisis and said that the worsening air quality is driven by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, brick kilns and construction dust. Also Read: ‘Prioritise wisdom’: Saudi Arabia urges return to diplomacy under Pakistan and Qatar mediation Seasonal factors further intensify pollution, with levels spiking during dust storms in April and May and rising sharply in Karachi during November, where concentrations increased nearly 57pc compared with 2024. The human toll is severe. “Air pollution has continued to be a significant health issue affecting the population, reportedly causing almost 22,000 deaths every year and also straining ecosystems,” the survey said. Also Read: 16 killed, over 30 injured as Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir South Asia's pollution The world's top 25 most polluted cities were ⁠all in India, Pakistan and China. Among the countries that met the standard in 2025 were Australia, Iceland, Estonia and Panama. Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia all reported significant PM2.5 reductions compared to the previous year. Only 14 per cent of the world's cities met the WHO standard in 2025, down from 17 per cent a year earlier, with Canadian wildfires driving up PM2.5 across the United States and as far ⁠as Europe. In all, 75 countries reported lower PM2.5 levels in 2025 compared to a year earlier, with 54 recording higher average concentrations, IQAir said.

Pakistan ranked as the world's most polluted country in 2025, with PM2.5 levels reaching 13 times the WHO safety limit, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report. The pollution crisis is linked to nearly 22,000 deaths annually, with Faisalabad among the country's worst-affected cities.

13 times above WHO limit: Pakistan emerges as world's smoggiest country

At least 16 people were killed and 37 others injured in Rawalakot of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday as Pakistani army personnel and Rangers opened fire on 60,000-70,000 unarmed protesters gathered at the Eidgah Ground in a brutal crackdown on the protest. Unarmed citizens were staging a protest, demanding affordable flour, rice, electricity and basic rights but faced indiscriminate firing from AK-47 rifles. The security forces fired tear gas shells on protesters and then opened fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;The demonstration by ordinary citizens started peacefully, but the scene soon turned violent with the Pakistani security forces opening fire on the crowd.&nbsp;Around 70,000 people had assembled in Rawalakot and they were raising slogans against Pakistan’s continued occupation and policies in the region. The demonstrators also demanded justice for the 30 people who were killed and 200 were injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in PoK on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rawalakot in PoJK witnessed a horrific crackdown after Pakistani Army personnel &amp; Rangers opened fire on 60,000-70,000 unarmed protesters gathered at Eidgah Ground. Citizens demanding affordable flour, rice, electricity &amp; basic rights came under indiscriminate gunfire. <a href="https://t.co/CE2vUq8gRk">pic.twitter.com/CE2vUq8gRk</a>&mdash; Songs of Chinar (@SongsOfChinar) <a href="https://x.com/SongsOfChinar/status/2065032006271144447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-hit-iran-very-hard-tonight-warns-trump-says-us-will-take-over-kharg-island-oil-exports-like-venezuela-1781182164117">‘Will hit Iran very hard tonight,’ warns Trump, says US will take over Kharg Island, oil exports like Venezuela</a>&nbsp;The slogan, “Ye jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai (This terrorism is being carried out by those in uniform)” echoed at the protest site and became a rallying cry across the region. After the firing on protesters, the roads were left blood-stained and fields were soaked in blood as grieving families searched for their loved ones.&nbsp;Political activist Sardar Aman Khan from PoK vowed to continue the movement despite the loss of lives. He said that Pakistan labels everyone who fights for rights as a “terrorist”.&nbsp;The rally was addressed by local political leaders and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), who criticised the authorities’ handling of the protests and called for an independent investigation into the reported deaths and injuries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-other-world-leaders-congratulate-pm-modi-on-completing-12-years-in-office-1781116018819">Trump, other world leaders congratulate PM Modi on completing 12 years in office</a>&nbsp;The leaders urged the international community and human rights organisations to take note of the situation and press for justice for the affected families.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Amnesty International strongly condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on protests in PoK, accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections.&nbsp;The JAAC was abruptly outlawed by the state administration under anti-terrorism legislation.&nbsp;Witnesses confirmed that at least one demonstrator was killed instantly on the protest site due to gunshot wounds, while dozens of others were in critical condition with severe bullet and shrapnel injuries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-a-steel-wall-trump-says-us-blockade-most-successful-in-the-history-of-naval-warfare-1781095627604">‘It is a steel wall’: Trump says US blockade most successful in the history of naval warfare</a>&nbsp;Intelligence sources tracking the crisis confirmed that the military establishment, under the direct command of Army Chief General Asim Munir, deployed a highly disproportionate force to crush the agitation.&nbsp;The crisis has deepened further due to the political manipulation of the region’s legislative structure. Locals have been demonstrating against a controversial state mandate reserving 12 non-resident assembly seats for individuals living outside Kashmir in mainland Pakistan—a mechanism used to install captive administrations and dilute local representation.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections.

At least 16 people were killed and 37 others injured in Rawalakot of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday as Pakistani army personnel and Rangers opened fire on 60,000-70,000 unarmed protesters gathered at the Eidgah Ground in a brutal crackdown on the protest. Unarmed citizens were staging a protest, demanding affordable flour, rice, electricity and basic rights but faced indiscriminate firing from AK-47 rifles. The security forces fired tear gas shells on protesters and then opened fire. The demonstration by ordinary citizens started peacefully, but the scene soon turned violent with the Pakistani security forces opening fire on the crowd. Around 70,000 people had assembled in Rawalakot and they were raising slogans against Pakistan’s continued occupation and policies in the region. The demonstrators also demanded justice for the 30 people who were killed and 200 were injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in PoK on Tuesday.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections.

16 killed, over 30 injured as Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

India on Tuesday reacted to reports of Pakistan’s alleged brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where several protesters had been killed and many injured during recent demonstrations, and said it hopes that the international community will hold Islamabad accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.“There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a briefing on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> LIVE | <a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>&#39;s weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson On the protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, &quot;We continue to see in this context, a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt… <a href="https://t.co/LARlEHbIP9">pic.twitter.com/LARlEHbIP9</a>&mdash; DD India (@DDIndialive) <a href="https://x.com/DDIndialive/status/2064297482994196558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 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/federal-judge-rules-trump-s-100-000-fee-for-h-1b-visas-unlawful-strikes-it-down-1780944680172">Federal judge rules Trump’s $100,000 fee for H-1B visas unlawful, strikes it down</a>&nbsp;The MEA remarks come after Pakistani forces shot Joint Awami Action Committee protesters in Rawalakot, which reportedly left dozens dead.While Pakistani official figures of the death toll differed, videos circulating on social media claim that the number of casualties may be significantly higher.Several Pakistani journalists and activists claimed on X that the actual casualty toll is in dozens.&nbsp;However, these claims could not be independently verified.&nbsp;<h2>‘Pakistan spreading fake news to divert attention from human rights abuses in PoK’</h2>&nbsp;Jaiswal also accused Pakistan of spreading fake news and misinformation to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where tensions remain high days after a violent crackdown on protesters in Rawalakot.Responding to reports emerging from the region, the MEA spokesperson said India had observed a “pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan” and described it as a desperate attempt to cover up its own failings.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-irgc-navy-unit-2-iranians-over-crippling-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-1780933198425">EU sanctions IRGC Navy unit, 2 Iranians over crippling Strait of Hormuz blockade</a>&nbsp;“We continue to see, in this context, a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Pakistani forces claimed they launched the crackdown after the JAAC started a “guerrilla-style” attack from narrow lanes using firearms and petrol bombs.Protests have spread across Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dadial, Rawalakot, Sudhnoti and Tattapani in PoK despite Pakistani authorities suspending mobile internet services in a bid to curb the unrest.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-made-iran-stop-attacks-fight-against-tehran-hezbollah-not-over-netanyahu-1780939147844">Israeli strikes made Iran stop attacks, fight against Tehran, Hezbollah ‘not over’: Netanyahu</a><h2>Kashmiri diaspora In UK protests outside Pakistani mission</h2>&nbsp;The protests have also reached the UK, where the Kashmiri diaspora gathered and protested outside a Pakistani mission. At least 30 British MPs have written to the British government to “engage proactively and use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and a peaceful resolution” of the situation.Authorities have warned that they will block the proposed long march planned across POK, even as organisers have vowed to press ahead with the demonstration.&nbsp;<h2>Human rights lawyer slams Munir-led establishment’s handling of PoK unrest</h2>&nbsp;PoK has witnessed recurring protests over the past few years, with Kashmiris raising concerns over inflation, electricity tariffs, wheat prices, governance and political representation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-announces-end-of-military-operations-against-israel-warns-harsher-action-if-lebanon-attacked-again-1780925146328">Iran announces end of military operations against Israel, warns ‘harsher’ action if Lebanon attacked again</a>&nbsp;UK-based Pakistani-origin human rights lawyer Sabine Kayani criticised the Asim Munir-led Pakistani establishment’s handling of the unrest in PoK. Kayani accused the Pakistan Army led by Asim Munir of turning “grief into a massacre” and said Kashmiris were being treated not as citizens but as “internal enemies”. She called the “Rawalakot bloodshed a profound spiritual betrayal”.&nbsp;Another Pakistani-origin human rights activist, Aladeen, who is based in Germany, said that “the situation in PoK is worse” than what Islamabad alleges about Jammu and Kashmir.

While official figures of the death toll after Pakistani forces opened fire at Joint Awami Action Committee protesters in Rawalakot differed, eeveral Pakistani journalists and activists claimed on X that the actual casualty toll is in dozens.

India on Tuesday reacted to reports of Pakistan’s alleged brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where several protesters had been killed and many injured during recent demonstrations, and said it hopes that the international community will hold Islamabad accountable for its misdeeds and abuses. “There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a briefing on Tuesday.

While official figures of the death toll after Pakistani forces opened fire at Joint Awami Action Committee protesters in Rawalakot differed, several Pakistani journalists and activists claimed on X that the actual casualty toll is in dozens.

‘Hope Pak is held accountable for misdeeds’: India condemns massacre of Kashmiris in PoK

New Delhi: India has launched a strong attack on Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, slamming Islamabad for weaponising Afghanistan’s landlocked status and carrying out deadly airstrikes that have killed hundreds of civilians.&nbsp;Speaking at the UNSC, India’s Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said Pakistan’s denial of transit access for Afghan traders amounted to “unprecedented ‘trade and transit terrorism’”. He said India was issuing hundreds of gratis long-term business visas to help affected Afghan traders.&nbsp;“This cynical closure of access for this landlocked country is in total violation of UN declarations on Land Locked Developing Countries and a clear weaponisation of their trade and transit vulnerabilities,” the ambassador said.He called on the international community to condemn what he described as blatant violations of WTO norms, the UN Charter and international law.&nbsp;Ambassador Harish sharply criticised Pakistan’s military actions in Afghanistan, citing UNAMA reports of heavy civilian casualties. “Pakistan’s campaign of military airstrikes against Afghanistan is causing huge civilian casualties and sufferings to the Afghan people,” he said. According to UNAMA, 372 civilians were killed and 397 injured in Pakistani strikes on the country.&nbsp;He added, “Dressing up a massacre as a military operation DOES NOT absolve the perpetrator. Killing, maiming and orphaning civilians is not counter-terrorism. Espousing high principles of international law and Islamic solidarity while mercilessly carrying out air strikes during the holy month of Ramadan IS the perfect example of hypocrisy!”&nbsp;The ambassador also rejected Pakistan’s habit of “blaming neighbours for its own failures” and condemned what he called officially sponsored disinformation, including referring to certain groups as “Fitna al Hindustan”.&nbsp;India, he stressed, stands “steadfast in rejecting terrorism in all its forms”, naming groups including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and The Resistance Front. He called for coordinated international action against ISIL, Al Qaida and their affiliates.&nbsp;In contrast, Ambassador Harish highlighted India’s extensive humanitarian and development support for Afghanistan which includes over 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 420 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, and assistance after last year’s earthquakes.&nbsp;India is also treating Afghan children with congenital heart diseases, upgrading hospitals, and offering scholarships to nearly 3,000 Afghan students since 2023, including 1,000 women. Further scholarships and support for women-led self-help groups are planned. The ambassador noted the joy brought by Afghan cricketers in the Indian Premier League and India’s hosting of a bilateral cricket series. “Sports have a rare power to lift a nation’s spirit... We definitely believe that our Afghan brothers and sisters deserve this,” he said.

India’s Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said at the UNSC that Pakistan’s denial of transit access for Afghan traders amounts to unprecedented "trade and transit terrorism”. He said India was issuing hundreds of gratis long-term business visas to help affected Afghan traders.

New Delhi: India has launched a strong attack on Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, slamming Islamabad for weaponising Afghanistan’s landlocked status and carrying out deadly airstrikes that have killed hundreds of civilians. Speaking at the UNSC, India’s Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said Pakistan’s denial of transit access for Afghan traders amounted to “unprecedented ‘trade and transit terrorism’”. He said India was issuing hundreds of gratis long-term business visas to help affected Afghan traders. “This cynical closure of access for this landlocked country is in total violation of UN declarations on Land Locked Developing Countries and a clear weaponisation of their trade and transit vulnerabilities,” the ambassador said. He called on the international community to condemn what he described as blatant violations of WTO norms, the UN Charter and international law. Ambassador Harish sharply criticised Pakistan’s military actions in Afghanistan, citing UNAMA reports of heavy civilian casualties. “Pakistan’s campaign of military airstrikes against Afghanistan is causing huge civilian casualties and sufferings to the Afghan people,” he said. According to UNAMA, 372 civilians were killed and 397 injured in Pakistani strikes on the country. He added, “Dressing up a massacre as a military operation DOES NOT absolve the perpetrator. Killing, maiming and orphaning civilians is not counter-terrorism. Espousing high principles of international law and Islamic solidarity while mercilessly carrying out air strikes during the holy month of Ramadan IS the perfect example of hypocrisy!” The ambassador also rejected Pakistan’s habit of “blaming neighbours for its own failures” and condemned what he called officially sponsored disinformation, including referring to certain groups as “Fitna al Hindustan”. India, he stressed, stands “steadfast in rejecting terrorism in all its forms”, naming groups including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and The Resistance Front. He called for coordinated international action against ISIL, Al Qaida and their affiliates. In contrast, Ambassador Harish highlighted India’s extensive humanitarian and development support for Afghanistan which includes over 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 420 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, and assistance after last year’s earthquakes. India is also treating Afghan children with congenital heart diseases, upgrading hospitals, and offering scholarships to nearly 3,000 Afghan students since 2023, including 1,000 women. Further scholarships and support for women-led self-help groups are planned. The ambassador noted the joy brought by Afghan cricketers in the Indian Premier League and India’s hosting of a bilateral cricket series. “Sports have a rare power to lift a nation’s spirit... We definitely believe that our Afghan brothers and sisters deserve this,” he said.

India’s Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said at the UNSC that Pakistan’s denial of transit access for Afghan traders amounts to unprecedented "trade and transit terrorism”. He said India was issuing hundreds of gratis long-term business visas to help affected Afghan traders.

India criticizes Pakistan for ‘trade and transit terrorism’ and civilian killings in Afghanistan at UN Security Council

Pakistanis living in Japan have constructed a mosque in Kawagoe city, but without taking the necessary approvals from the concerned authorities that render it illegal. And to top it all off, the mosque was inaugurated in the presence of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed, in April.After the reality dawned that the structure had been built without the necessary approvals from local authorities and is hence illegal, the Pakistani mission issued a clarification. Locals are now demanding that the structure be razed.The mosque is now facing the possibility of demolition after local authorities determined that it had been constructed without the permissions required under Japanese law.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unwarranted-categorically-reject-india-on-reference-to-jammu-and-kashmir-in-pakistan-eu-statement-1780419234068">‘Unwarranted, categorically reject’: India on reference to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan-EU statement</a><h2>‘Specific permissions are needed under City Planning Act’</h2>&nbsp;Kawagoe City Hall, the municipal government administrative centre of the city, has made its position clear regarding the illegally built mosque. “The building (mosque) was constructed in an urban development control area where construction is generally prohibited unless specific permissions are secured under the City Planning Act,” an official statement by the City Hall said.&nbsp;“The building in question was constructed without the city’s permission,” the statement added.Authorities have also received requests from relevant parties to demolish the mosque, and the proposal has been accepted for review, according to the City Hall statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-loyalist-bill-pulte-as-acting-director-of-national-intelligence-to-replace-tulsi-gabbard-1780410910956">Trump picks loyalist Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard</a><h2>Pakistani embassy dissociates itself from illegal project&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;After it was found out that the mosque was built illegally, the Pakistani embassy in Tokyo found itself in a piquant situation and clarified that it had no connection with projects that violate Japanese laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;In two carefully worded statements, the Pakistan embassy urged members of the Pakistani community to fully comply with Japanese regulations, particularly when constructing places of worship.&nbsp;“The Embassy of Pakistan earnestly requests and emphasises to the Pakistani community residing in Japan that they fully comply with Japanese laws in all matters, particularly with regard to the construction of places of worship. No construction project may be initiated without obtaining the necessary permits from local governments,” the Pakistan Embassy said in a June 1 post on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-cracks-whip-shunts-cbse-chairman-secretary-over-evaluation-fiasco-orders-probe-1780405678066">Govt cracks whip, shunts CBSE chairman, secretary after evaluation fiasco; orders probe into vendor selection</a><h2>‘Ambassador was told all approvals under law taken’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The embassy claimed that Ambassador Abdul Hameed attended the mosque’s inauguration after being informed that all necessary approvals required under Japanese law had been obtained.&nbsp;In a separate statement on May 31, the Pakistani mission in Japan said that no construction project should begin without securing the required permits from local authorities.&nbsp;<h2>‘Embassy of Pakistan has no connection to any such projects’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Embassy of Pakistan has no connection to any such projects, especially those that do not comply with the laws of local governments. This includes the event held in Kawagoe on April 3, 2026, for which the Ambassador of Pakistan accepted the invitation on the basis of information that all required permits in accordance with Japanese law had been obtained,” the Pakistani Embassy said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-5mn-hits-in-2-minutes-1-lakh-file-access-attempts-cbse-re-evaluation-portal-faces-barrage-of-cyberattacks-1780402353408">‘1.5mn hits in 2 minutes, 1 lakh file access attempts’: CBSE re-evaluation portal faces massive cyberattack</a>&nbsp;Kawagoe authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies before deciding on further action. They also acknowledged that they cannot confirm whether adequate explanations were provided to nearby residents before construction began, which adds another layer to the controversy.&nbsp;In Japan, community consultation is often regarded as an important part of development projects, particularly when new structures could affect neighbourhoods.&nbsp;Now, whether the structure stays or is demolished will depend on the city council’s decision.

After it was found out that the mosque was built illegally, the Pakistani embassy found itself in a piquant situation and clarified that it had no connection with projects that violate Japanese laws. Authorities have also received requests from relevant parties to demolish the mosque.

Pakistanis living in Japan have constructed a mosque in Kawagoe city, but without taking the necessary approvals from the concerned authorities that render it illegal. And to top it all off, the mosque was inaugurated in the presence of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed, in April. After the reality dawned that the structure had been built without the necessary approvals from local authorities and is hence illegal, the Pakistani mission issued a clarification. Locals are now demanding that the structure be razed. The mosque is now facing the possibility of demolition after local authorities determined that it had been constructed without the permissions required under Japanese law. Also Read: ‘Unwarranted, categorically reject’: India on reference to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan-EU statement ‘Specific permissions are needed under City Planning Act’ Kawagoe City Hall, the municipal government administrative centre of the city, has made its position clear regarding the illegally built mosque. “The building (mosque) was constructed in an urban development control area where construction is generally prohibited unless specific permissions are secured under the City Planning Act,” an official statement by the City Hall said. “The building in question was constructed without the city’s permission,” the statement added. Authorities have also received requests from relevant parties to demolish the mosque, and the proposal has been accepted for review, according to the City Hall statement. Also Read: Trump picks loyalist Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard Pakistani embassy dissociates itself from illegal project After it was found out that the mosque was built illegally, the Pakistani embassy in Tokyo found itself in a piquant situation and clarified that it had no connection with projects that violate Japanese laws. In two carefully worded statements, the Pakistan embassy urged members of the Pakistani community to fully comply with Japanese regulations, particularly when constructing places of worship. “The Embassy of Pakistan earnestly requests and emphasises to the Pakistani community residing in Japan that they fully comply with Japanese laws in all matters, particularly with regard to the construction of places of worship. No construction project may be initiated without obtaining the necessary permits from local governments,” the Pakistan Embassy said in a June 1 post on X. Also Read: Govt cracks whip, shunts CBSE chairman, secretary after evaluation fiasco; orders probe into vendor selection ‘Ambassador was told all approvals under law taken’ The embassy claimed that Ambassador Abdul Hameed attended the mosque’s inauguration after being informed that all necessary approvals required under Japanese law had been obtained. In a separate statement on May 31, the Pakistani mission in Japan said that no construction project should begin without securing the required permits from local authorities. ‘Embassy of Pakistan has no connection to any such projects’ “The Embassy of Pakistan has no connection to any such projects, especially those that do not comply with the laws of local governments. This includes the event held in Kawagoe on April 3, 2026, for which the Ambassador of Pakistan accepted the invitation on the basis of information that all required permits in accordance with Japanese law had been obtained,” the Pakistani Embassy said. Also Read: ‘1.5mn hits in 2 minutes, 1 lakh file access attempts’: CBSE re-evaluation portal faces massive cyberattack Kawagoe authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies before deciding on further action. They also acknowledged that they cannot confirm whether adequate explanations were provided to nearby residents before construction began, which adds another layer to the controversy. In Japan, community consultation is often regarded as an important part of development projects, particularly when new structures could affect neighbourhoods. Now, whether the structure stays or is demolished will depend on the city council’s decision.

After it was found out that the mosque was built illegally, the Pakistani embassy found itself in a piquant situation and clarified that it had no connection with projects that violate Japanese laws. Authorities have also received requests from relevant parties to demolish the mosque.

Mosque built illegally by Pakistanis in Japan, inaugurated by envoy, faces demolition

Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Qasoori has reportedly warned the Pakistani administration amid US President Donald Trump's push for Abraham Accords. Rejecting any recognition of Israel, he said that anyone attempting to do so will be destroyed. Highlighting the importance of his religion, Qasoori said pointed at the Pakistan-Saudi defence ties and termed it as a larger Islamic front against the Jewish state. Reports indicate that Saifullah Qasoori was the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tightens-security-along-pakistan-border-orders-removal-of-encroachments-within-15-km-1779904350959">India tightens security along Pakistan border, orders removal of encroachments within 15 km</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Sources in Pakistan claimed the Punjabi establishment is using its religious radical puppet to come out and save us from Abraham Accords Saifullah Kasuri, a puppet of the Pakistan Army and Deputy Chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has threatened the Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and the… <a href="https://t.co/coJsUIMrj7">pic.twitter.com/coJsUIMrj7</a>&mdash; Bilal Baloch (@bbfr74) <a href="https://x.com/bbfr74/status/2059644520598294605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;In a video that has gone viral on internet, Qasoori says: “If they sign thinking we too should accept the Jews of Israel, even though that cannot happen, whoever does so, whether they are a ruler, a king, or anyone else, whoever accepts Israel will be destroyed, devastated, and ruined." He further declared that the Muslim world would “never, under any circumstances" recognise Israel. “This is our faith as the Muslim Ummah that it will never, under any circumstances, recognize Israel," he said, while also describing Israel as “a bully, a terrorist, and the world’s biggest thug." WION could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral video.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-pakistan-s-except-israel-passport-rule-in-spotlight-amid-trump-s-israel-recognition-call-1779867974082">What is Pakistan’s 'except Israel' passport rule in spotlight amid Trump’s Israel recognition call?</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-abraham-accords-2-0-but-saudi-pakistan-draw-red-lines-1779816680475/amp/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-abraham-accords-2-0-but-saudi-pakistan-draw-red-lines-1779816680475/amp/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Trump's push for Abraham Accords</h2>Trump has a phone call with leaders of Gulf nations and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir said that they would have to sign the Abraham Accords before the US signs a deal with Iran to end the war that started on Feb 28. Though, there has not been any official denial by any of the countries, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Israel cannot be trusted and so there would be no point of establishing any official relation. Earlier, in January 2026, when Pakistan joined Trump's Gaza Board of Peace, Pakistan “categorically ruled out” becoming a party to the accords. Abraham Accords are a set of agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the United States. The first of such agreement was signed in 2020 - during Donald Trump's first term as US president and Bahrain became the first country to normalise the ties with the US.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Qasoori, identified by Indian intelligence as the Pahalgam attack mastermind, warned Muslim nations against recognising Israel, threatening “destruction” for any country normalising ties.

Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Qasoori has reportedly warned the Pakistani administration amid US President Donald Trump's push for Abraham Accords. Rejecting any recognition of Israel, he said that anyone attempting to do so will be destroyed. Highlighting the importance of his religion, Qasoori said pointed at the Pakistan-Saudi defence ties and termed it as a larger Islamic front against the Jewish state. Reports indicate that Saifullah Qasoori was the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: India tightens security along Pakistan border, orders removal of encroachments within 15 km

Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Qasoori, identified by Indian intelligence as the Pahalgam attack mastermind, warned Muslim nations against recognising Israel, threatening “destruction” for any country normalising ties.

‘Will be destroyed’: Lashkar-e-Taiba warns Pakistan against recognising Israel under Trump's pressure

India on Tuesday (May 26) delivered a sharp rebuttal against Pakistan and China's joint statement that contained references to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the UN Security Council, India's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Islamabad of continuing to sponsor cross-border terrorism and religious extremism while hiding behind "hollow rhetoric" about peace and the UN Charter. He further noted that Pakistan will have to face consequences for its sponsorship of terrorism.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cockroach-janata-party-founder-reacts-to-pakistan-followers-claim-says-i-know-you-are-desperately-trying-to-1779436144996">Cockroach Janta Party founder reacts to 'Pakistan followers' claim, says ‘I know you are desperately trying to...’</a><h2>Pakistan will have to face consequences</h2>Speaking during the UNSC Open Debate on "Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter," India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, said Pakistan must understand that there would be consequences for backing terrorism against India.In one of India’s sharpest attacks at the UN in recent months, the envoy accused Pakistan of continuously promoting terrorism, violent radicalism and anti-India rhetoric since its creation. "Pakistan's harnessing of the malevolent forces of terrorism, religious extremism, violent radicalism, and anti-India rhetoric has continued unabated since its creation," he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | At UNSC Open Debate, Permanent Representative of India to the UN in New York, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish says, &quot;I am compelled to respond to baseless and unwarranted remarks made by Pakistan today. India would like to set the facts straight. Independent India began… <a href="https://t.co/jFu7o8SEm3">pic.twitter.com/jFu7o8SEm3</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2059461096411648025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Harish also directly referred to Pakistan’s long-criticised strategy of "bleeding India by a thousand cuts," saying the doctrine exposed Islamabad’s "hollow commitment" to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence under the UN Charter. "Through its continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, Pakistan has violated the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.<h2>India rejects China, Pakistan's joint statement</h2>The remarks came amid fresh diplomatic tensions after Pakistan and China issued a joint statement that included references to Jammu and Kashmir, triggering a strong reaction from New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the remarks outright, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "were, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-two-timed-trump-report-reveals-islamabad-quietly-sheltered-iranian-military-aircraft-while-brokering-peace-talks-1778551810479">Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war</a>Responding to the China-Pakistan statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said no other country had the "locus standi" to comment on the issue. "India categorically rejects unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan. India's position is consistent and well known to the concerned parties. The Union Territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same," he said.India also once again objected to projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Jaiswal said.

India has hit back hard after China and Pakistan mentioned Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of sponsoring terrorism while hiding behind “peace” rhetoric. India also warned Pakistan that there would be consequences for its cross-border terror activities

India on Tuesday (May 26) delivered a sharp rebuttal against Pakistan and China's joint statement that contained references to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the UN Security Council, India's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Islamabad of continuing to sponsor cross-border terrorism and religious extremism while hiding behind "hollow rhetoric" about peace and the UN Charter. He further noted that Pakistan will have to face consequences for its sponsorship of terrorism. Also read | Cockroach Janta Party founder reacts to 'Pakistan followers' claim, says ‘I know you are desperately trying to...’ Pakistan will have to face consequences Speaking during the UNSC Open Debate on "Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter," India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, said Pakistan must understand that there would be consequences for backing terrorism against India. In one of India’s sharpest attacks at the UN in recent months, the envoy accused Pakistan of continuously promoting terrorism, violent radicalism and anti-India rhetoric since its creation. "Pakistan's harnessing of the malevolent forces of terrorism, religious extremism, violent radicalism, and anti-India rhetoric has continued unabated since its creation," he said.

India has hit back hard after China and Pakistan mentioned Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of sponsoring terrorism while hiding behind “peace” rhetoric. India also warned Pakistan that there would be consequences for its cross-border terror activities

'Pakistan will face consequences': India delivers sharp warning at UN over cross-border terrorism

The Maryam Nawaz-led provincial government of Pakistan’s Punjab seems to have taken a U-turn and has deferred the decision to restore the pre-Partition Hindu and British-era names of roads and localities in Lahore. According to reports, the government of Pakistan’s ruling party capitulated to the severe criticism from extremists and social media vloggers.&nbsp;The Punjab government led by Maryam Nawaz had in March proposed restoring several Lahore landmarks to their older names. The chief minister’s office informed the media about the decision in a statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-5-fish-rice-meals-no-liquor-vends-near-schools-and-temples-among-cm-suvendu-s-new-initiatives-in-bengal-1779811152626">Rs 5 fish-rice meals, no liquor vends near schools and temples among CM Suvendu’s new initiatives in Bengal</a>&nbsp;The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LHAR), chaired by former Pakistan PM and PML(N) chief Nawaz Sharif and backed by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, had on March 16 approved the proposal to restore the historical names of several roads, bazaars, and neighbourhoods in Lahore. Nawaz Sharif, who is currently not active in politics after the Feb 2024 general elections, is the head of the LHAR.&nbsp;The proposal was aimed at conserving the city’s architectural and cultural legacy. The renaming project was cleared by the Maryam Nawaz-led Cabinet in May. However, severe opposition and criticism by extremists and social media vloggers forced the government to make a U-turn.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-sets-up-high-level-committee-to-examine-unnatural-demographic-changes-in-country-1779803278173">Govt sets up high-level committee to examine ‘unnatural’ demographic changes in country</a>&nbsp;Replying to media queries on Monday, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retired) Muhammad Ali Ijaz said, “No such decision has been taken as yet.”&nbsp;Heavy criticism from “extremist elements” and vloggers on social media accusing the government of reviving “Hindu and Sikh” took its toll, reported news agency PTI, citing an official source.The critics gave the government’s decision a religious colour, putting the Maryam Nawaz administration on the back foot, and deferred the decision to avert more backlash, the source added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-woman-shot-dead-by-masked-man-at-us-supermarket-cctv-captures-attack-1779798419291">Indian-origin woman shot dead by masked man at US supermarket; CCTV captures attack</a>&nbsp;Under the proposal to restore several pre-Partition names, Fatima Jinnah Road was to revert to Queen’s Road, while Allama Iqbal Road would again become Jail Road.Similarly, Islampura, which was renamed from Krishan Nagar, was to regain its original name, while Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chowk was proposed to be renamed back to Lakshmi Chowk.Other reversions included reverting Mustafaabad to Dharampura, Hameed Nizami Road to Temple Street, and Babri Masjid Chowk to Jain Mandir Road.

The renaming proposal was aimed at conserving the city’s architectural and cultural legacy. The renaming project was cleared by the Maryam Nawaz-led Cabinet in May. However, severe opposition and criticism by extremists and social media vloggers forced the government to make a U-turn.

The Maryam Nawaz-led provincial government of Pakistan’s Punjab seems to have taken a U-turn and has deferred the decision to restore the pre-Partition Hindu and British-era names of roads and localities in Lahore. According to reports, the government of Pakistan’s ruling party capitulated to the severe criticism from extremists and social media vloggers. The Punjab government led by Maryam Nawaz had in March proposed restoring several Lahore landmarks to their older names. The chief minister’s office informed the media about the decision in a statement. Also Read: Rs 5 fish-rice meals, no liquor vends near schools and temples among CM Suvendu’s new initiatives in Bengal The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LHAR), chaired by former Pakistan PM and PML(N) chief Nawaz Sharif and backed by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, had on March 16 approved the proposal to restore the historical names of several roads, bazaars, and neighbourhoods in Lahore. Nawaz Sharif, who is currently not active in politics after the Feb 2024 general elections, is the head of the LHAR. The proposal was aimed at conserving the city’s architectural and cultural legacy. The renaming project was cleared by the Maryam Nawaz-led Cabinet in May. However, severe opposition and criticism by extremists and social media vloggers forced the government to make a U-turn. Also Read: Govt sets up high-level committee to examine ‘unnatural’ demographic changes in country Replying to media queries on Monday, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retired) Muhammad Ali Ijaz said, “No such decision has been taken as yet.” Heavy criticism from “extremist elements” and vloggers on social media accusing the government of reviving “Hindu and Sikh” took its toll, reported news agency PTI, citing an official source. The critics gave the government’s decision a religious colour, putting the Maryam Nawaz administration on the back foot, and deferred the decision to avert more backlash, the source added. Also Read: Indian-origin woman shot dead by masked man at US supermarket; CCTV captures attack Under the proposal to restore several pre-Partition names, Fatima Jinnah Road was to revert to Queen’s Road, while Allama Iqbal Road would again become Jail Road. Similarly, Islampura, which was renamed from Krishan Nagar, was to regain its original name, while Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chowk was proposed to be renamed back to Lakshmi Chowk. Other reversions included reverting Mustafaabad to Dharampura, Hameed Nizami Road to Temple Street, and Babri Masjid Chowk to Jain Mandir Road.

The renaming proposal was aimed at conserving the city’s architectural and cultural legacy. The renaming project was cleared by the Maryam Nawaz-led Cabinet in May. However, severe opposition and criticism by extremists and social media vloggers forced the government to make a U-turn.

No Krishan Nagar or Ram Gali in Lahore: Pak succumbs to extremists’ pressure, makes U-turn on renaming plan

A day after US President Donald Trump asked Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Islamabad would not support any agreement that conflicts with the country's “fundamental ideologies”, reported Pakistani media. In an interview with Pakistani broadcaster Samaa TV, Asif was asked about the possibility of Pakistan signing onto the Abraham Accords following reported pressure from US President Donald Trump. While Asif clarified that he is speaking in personal capacity, the Pakistani government has not yet issued any official statement on the same.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Watch | Pakistan’s defense minister rejects normalization with Israel amid pressure over Abraham Accords Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected the idea of joining any normalization agreement with Israel, saying Pakistan would not accept accords that clash… <a href="https://t.co/h8vWq0uzps">pic.twitter.com/h8vWq0uzps</a>&mdash; Quds News Network (@QudsNen) <a href="https://twitter.com/QudsNen/status/2059035154769670381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-push-for-muslim-nations-joining-abraham-accords-puts-pakistan-in-a-fix-1779729876943">Trump’s push for Muslim nations to join Abraham Accords puts Pakistan in a fix</a><h2>What Khawaja Asif said?</h2>"Personally, I don't think we should join any such accord that clashes with our fundamental ideologies," Asif said during the interview. Questioning the credibility of engagement with Israel, the Pakistani Defence Minister added, "How will you sit down with those people whose word cannot be trusted even for a single day?" He further reiterated Islamabad's long-standing position on the issue, saying, "We have a very clear stance that this is not acceptable to us." Asif also pointed to Pakistan's passport policy regarding Israel, underscoring the country's refusal to recognise the Jewish state (Israel). "And secondly, on our passports, we are the only country whose passports don't even include Israel's name," he said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/abraham-accords-us-president-wants-arab-nations-pakistan-to-sign-peace-deal-with-israel-1779764474507/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/abraham-accords-us-president-wants-arab-nations-pakistan-to-sign-peace-deal-with-israel-1779764474507/embed</a><h2>What Trump said</h2>US President Donald Trump, while hinting that negotiations with Iran are “proceeding nicely", insisted that six Muslim-majority countries must join the Abraham Accords which means signing of agreements normalising ties with Israel ahead of any deal between the US and Iran to end the war. The same was earlier reported by Axios. Trump said that expansion of the accords “should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit.” He added that during discussions with leaders of Muslim and Arab states, he told them that “after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords.” “The Abraham Accords have proven to be, for the Countries involved (The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Kazakhstan), a Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM, even during this time of Conflict and War, with the current Members never even suggesting leaving, or taking so much as even a pause,” he wrote in a lengthy post on Truth Social.

Pakistan has refused to commit to joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying Islamabad would not support agreements that clash with its “fundamental ideologies.” His remarks came after Trump urged Pakistan to normalize ties with Israel

A day after US President Donald Trump asked Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Islamabad would not support any agreement that conflicts with the country's “fundamental ideologies”, reported Pakistani media. In an interview with Pakistani broadcaster Samaa TV, Asif was asked about the possibility of Pakistan signing onto the Abraham Accords following reported pressure from US President Donald Trump. While Asif clarified that he is speaking in personal capacity, the Pakistani government has not yet issued any official statement on the same.

Pakistan has refused to commit to joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying Islamabad would not support agreements that clash with its “fundamental ideologies.” His remarks came after Trump urged Pakistan to normalize ties with Israel

'Cannot be trusted...': Pakistan issues first response on Trump’s offer to normalise ties with Israel, Khawaja Asif says...

US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, linking the future of a potential peace agreement with Tehran to a big diplomatic reshaping across the Middle East.&nbsp;In a lengthy Truth Social post on Monday, Trump said that the ongoing negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely” but warned that failure to reach a deal could send the region back to the “battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before.”&nbsp;Trump’s push came during a phone call with leaders from Muslim countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-immediate-energy-or-fertiliser-crisis-normalcy-in-4-5-days-if-iran-war-ends-govt-1779720018471">‘No immediate energy or fertiliser crisis, normalcy in 4-5 days if Iran war ends’: Govt</a><h2>Nations involved in peace talks should be ‘mandatory signatories,’ says Trump</h2>&nbsp;Trump told the leaders that countries involved in the discussions “should be mandatory” signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. He added that the Abraham Accords had delivered a “Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM” for countries already involved, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and Kazakhstan.&nbsp;Trump said that the agreements could bring “true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”.“It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit,” Trump wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-demands-urgent-release-of-12-billion-frozen-in-qatar-before-advancing-peace-talks-with-us-1779714088498">Iran demands urgent release of $12 billion frozen in Qatar before advancing peace talks with US</a>&nbsp;He said Iran should also become part of the agreement if it finalises a peace deal with Washington.&nbsp;The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalised diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations, but Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan avoided formal recognition of Israel.Trump’s push is aimed at turning Iran peace deal into a Middle East realignment, one that could pull regional powers into a new US-backed order highly beneficial to Israel.&nbsp;<h2>Trump catches all leaders off guard</h2>&nbsp;Trump’s proposal was met with silence from several leaders, reported Axios. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan who do not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel were caught off guard.“One of the US officials said Trump joked and asked if they were still there,” Axios reported.Iran’s inclusion in any such framework, though highly unlikely, would mark an even more dramatic shift given Tehran’s long-running conflict with Israel.&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-deal-signing-in-a-few-days-terms-of-agreement-being-finalised-reports-1779655943195">US-Iran deal signing in a few days, terms of agreement being finalised: Reports</a><h2>Why Pakistan finds itself in a tight spot</h2>&nbsp;Trump’s push creates a huge challenge for Pakistan, since it is wilfully playing the mediator and is basking in the glory of its new role.Moreover, Pakistan also maintains deep economic, military and political ties with Gulf monarchies that are increasingly engaging with Israel under US pressure. Pakistan has also been wary of domestic backlash on joining the accords and hence this paradox puts Islamabad in an uncomfortable position.Furthermore, Pakistan’s dependence on Gulf financial assistance, remittances and security cooperation will only intensify the pressure on it if they join.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-iran-agree-in-principle-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-senior-official-1779651528322">US and Iran agree in principle to reopen Strait of Hormuz, says senior official</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;However, any recognition of Israel risks provoking strong opposition from religious groups at home.In 2025, Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar firmly rejected speculation that Islamabad could join the accords. “We are not ready to recognise Israel until the two-state solution to the Palestine conflict is accepted,” Dar said.“There is no change in our stated policy on the Palestine issue.”&nbsp;Trump’s push puts Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a difficult spot as they will have to balance growing US pressure with the deeply sensitive public stance on Palestine at home.&nbsp;Trump’s demand is not something Pakistan had hoped for as payback after playing peacemaker between Iran and the US.

President Donald Trump said that countries involved in the discussions should be mandatory signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. Trump said it should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit.

US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, linking the future of a potential peace agreement with Tehran to a big diplomatic reshaping across the Middle East. In a lengthy Truth Social post on Monday, Trump said that the ongoing negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely” but warned that failure to reach a deal could send the region back to the “battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before.” Trump’s push came during a phone call with leaders from Muslim countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Also Read: ‘No immediate energy or fertiliser crisis, normalcy in 4-5 days if Iran war ends’: Govt Nations involved in peace talks should be ‘mandatory signatories,’ says Trump Trump told the leaders that countries involved in the discussions “should be mandatory” signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. He added that the Abraham Accords had delivered a “Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM” for countries already involved, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and Kazakhstan. Trump said that the agreements could bring “true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”. “It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit,” Trump wrote.

President Donald Trump said that countries involved in the discussions should be mandatory signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. Trump said it should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit.

Trump’s push for Muslim nations to join Abraham Accords puts Pakistan in a fix

Srinagar: Operating from Pakistan and shielded by a complex network of criminal and extremist contacts, gangster Shahzad Bhatti has emerged as a key figure in several investigations linked to terror plots, organised crime, and online radicalisation of youth in India.&nbsp;Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, issued a direct warning to the ISIS-linked operative Shahzad Bhatti, accusing him of masterminding cross-border narco-terror operations aimed at reviving terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India.&nbsp;“We will hunt and hound you wherever you are,” the DGP said, specifically naming Shehzad Bhatti during the address.&nbsp;According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, Bhatti has emerged as one of the key kingpins behind active narco-terror activities in the Union Territory. Indian security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have accused Bhatti of running an international narcotics smuggling and arms trafficking network linked to Pakistan’s ISI, with operational links extending to Pakistan and Dubai.&nbsp;“We are focusing on combating Pakistan-sponsored narco-terrorism, J&amp;K police have paid equal attention to the menace of narco-terrorism. A warning to the Pakistani based Shahzad Bhatti, who is ISI’s associate and partner and is pumping narcotics in India: we will hunt and hound you and your associates and decimate your evil infrastructure,” said Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&amp;K Police.&nbsp;&nbsp;Security agencies claim Bhatti functions as more than just a gangster. Investigators allege he acts as a conduit between criminal syndicates and extremist operatives, using social media platforms and encrypted communication channels to expand his reach across multiple Indian states.&nbsp;According to Delhi Police Special Cell officials, operatives allegedly connected to Bhatti were recently planning attacks in the Delhi-NCR region. Investigators say the plans included possible grenade attacks, targeted killings, and illegal arms movement. The allegations are currently under investigation.&nbsp;Authorities have also linked Bhatti to a relatively new outfit called ‘Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH)’. Agencies claim he played a role in circulating propaganda material and coordinating activities linked to the group, although officials have not publicly disclosed the full extent of evidence gathered so far.&nbsp;What has particularly concerned investigators is the use of social media as a recruitment tool. Officials say Bhatti and his associates used platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp to identify, contact, and influence young individuals in different parts of India. Arrests made in Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are reportedly tied to the networks investigators believe were operating under his guidance.&nbsp;Security officials further allege that the network stretched into arms smuggling and narco-terror financing, with links extending to criminal syndicates operating out of Pakistan and Dubai. Agencies are now examining whether these operations formed part of a larger cross-border ecosystem combining organised crime with extremist activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India’s security agencies claim that Shahzad Bhatti functions as more than just a gangster. Investigators allege he acts as a conduit between criminal syndicates and extremist operatives, and uses social media and encrypted communication platforms to expand his reach across India.

Srinagar: Operating from Pakistan and shielded by a complex network of criminal and extremist contacts, gangster Shahzad Bhatti has emerged as a key figure in several investigations linked to terror plots, organised crime, and online radicalisation of youth in India. Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, issued a direct warning to the ISIS-linked operative Shahzad Bhatti, accusing him of masterminding cross-border narco-terror operations aimed at reviving terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. “We will hunt and hound you wherever you are,” the DGP said, specifically naming Shehzad Bhatti during the address. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, Bhatti has emerged as one of the key kingpins behind active narco-terror activities in the Union Territory. Indian security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have accused Bhatti of running an international narcotics smuggling and arms trafficking network linked to Pakistan’s ISI, with operational links extending to Pakistan and Dubai. “We are focusing on combating Pakistan-sponsored narco-terrorism, J&K police have paid equal attention to the menace of narco-terrorism. A warning to the Pakistani based Shahzad Bhatti, who is ISI’s associate and partner and is pumping narcotics in India: we will hunt and hound you and your associates and decimate your evil infrastructure,” said Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K Police. Security agencies claim Bhatti functions as more than just a gangster. Investigators allege he acts as a conduit between criminal syndicates and extremist operatives, using social media platforms and encrypted communication channels to expand his reach across multiple Indian states. According to Delhi Police Special Cell officials, operatives allegedly connected to Bhatti were recently planning attacks in the Delhi-NCR region. Investigators say the plans included possible grenade attacks, targeted killings, and illegal arms movement. The allegations are currently under investigation. Authorities have also linked Bhatti to a relatively new outfit called ‘Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH)’. Agencies claim he played a role in circulating propaganda material and coordinating activities linked to the group, although officials have not publicly disclosed the full extent of evidence gathered so far. What has particularly concerned investigators is the use of social media as a recruitment tool. Officials say Bhatti and his associates used platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp to identify, contact, and influence young individuals in different parts of India. Arrests made in Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are reportedly tied to the networks investigators believe were operating under his guidance. Security officials further allege that the network stretched into arms smuggling and narco-terror financing, with links extending to criminal syndicates operating out of Pakistan and Dubai. Agencies are now examining whether these operations formed part of a larger cross-border ecosystem combining organised crime with extremist activities.

India’s security agencies claim that Shahzad Bhatti functions as more than just a gangster. Investigators allege he acts as a conduit between criminal syndicates and extremist operatives, and uses social media and encrypted communication platforms to expand his reach across India.

Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti emerges as key figure in India’s anti-terror investigations

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday departed for Hangzhou, marking the first leg of a four-day official visit to China from May 23 to 26, aimed at expanding economic cooperation, strengthening strategic ties, and advancing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office. In a post on X, the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office said that the delegation accompanying Sharif includes" Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi".&nbsp;The statement said that Sharif will meet the Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province in Hangzhou, Wang Hao, participate in a business forum promoting cooperation under CPEC Phase 2, and attend ceremonies for the exchange of agreements and memorandums of understanding. &nbsp;He is also expected to meet CEOs of major Chinese firms and visit the headquarters of Alibaba for further investment discussions. &nbsp;He will later travel to Beijing for high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The visit will also include events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, alongside engagements with major Chinese companies and a visit to the China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). A Foreign Office (FO) "Curtain Raiser" statement said that the visit will "reaffirm the abiding strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and advance cooperation in CPEC, trade, investment, agriculture, IT, science, and people-to-people exchanges.&nbsp;The FO statement added that the visit is expected to "further deepen political trust, strengthen strategic coordination, expand practical cooperation, and consolidate the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China." According to Dawn, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, regional tensions, including the US-Iran conflict, are likely to be discussed during the visit. "Pakistan and China have maintained close coordination on the standoff in the Middle East and our peace efforts in this regard," Andrabi said, recalling Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's earlier visit to China. He further added, "We agreed on a five-point principle, which was issued as a joint statement. So, yes, this issue will be discussed during the prime minister's visit."&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif is heading to China for a four-day visit that includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, CPEC talks, investment discussions and likely conversations on the Iran crisis.

What’s really on the agenda in Beijing?

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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday departed for Hangzhou, marking the first leg of a four-day official visit to China from May 23 to 26, aimed at expanding economic cooperation, strengthening strategic ties, and advancing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office. In a post on X, the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office said that the delegation accompanying Sharif includes" Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi". The statement said that Sharif will meet the Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province in Hangzhou, Wang Hao, participate in a business forum promoting cooperation under CPEC Phase 2, and attend ceremonies for the exchange of agreements and memorandums of understanding. He is also expected to meet CEOs of major Chinese firms and visit the headquarters of Alibaba for further investment discussions. He will later travel to Beijing for high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The visit will also include events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, alongside engagements with major Chinese companies and a visit to the China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). A Foreign Office (FO) "Curtain Raiser" statement said that the visit will "reaffirm the abiding strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and advance cooperation in CPEC, trade, investment, agriculture, IT, science, and people-to-people exchanges. The FO statement added that the visit is expected to "further deepen political trust, strengthen strategic coordination, expand practical cooperation, and consolidate the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China." According to Dawn, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, regional tensions, including the US-Iran conflict, are likely to be discussed during the visit. "Pakistan and China have maintained close coordination on the standoff in the Middle East and our peace efforts in this regard," Andrabi said, recalling Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's earlier visit to China. He further added, "We agreed on a five-point principle, which was issued as a joint statement. So, yes, this issue will be discussed during the prime minister's visit." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif is heading to China for a four-day visit that includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, CPEC talks, investment discussions and likely conversations on the Iran crisis.What’s really on the agenda in Beijing?Scroll down to read more.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif heads to China for high-stakes Xi talks amid regional tensions

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