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Pakistan is planning to establish a new top military position—the Commander of Defence Forces (CDF)—as part of key defence reforms aimed at improving coordination and establishing a unified command among the Army, Navy, and Air Force after the military conflict with India in May, said a report in Pakistan-based The News on Friday. The report further states that the proposal for creating the post of CDF is being considered through an amendment to Article 243 of Pakistan’s constitution. The step is said to have been influenced by the lessons learned from the heavy damage inflicted by India during the four-day conflict in May, as well as the growing need for integrated responses in modern warfare.&nbsp;On May 7, in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor and successfully targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas. The operation led to four days of intense cross-border clashes, which concluded on May 10 after both sides agreed to halt hostilities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-afghan-peace-talks-collapsed-says-khawaja-asif-no-surety-on-truce-1762546640330">Pakistan-Afghan peace talks have collapsed, says Khawaja Asif; no surety on truce</a>&nbsp;Last month, Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that at least a dozen Pakistani aircraft, including U.S.-made F-16s, were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes. India maintains that Pakistan had pleaded for an end to the conflict after sustaining heavy damage to its military installations.&nbsp;After the conflict, the Pakistani government promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to be bestowed the title.&nbsp;Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that discussions are currently taking place regarding amendments to the laws governing the armed forces. “Consultations on amending Article 243 are ongoing (...) defence requirements have changed,” he told Geo News earlier in the week, and said that the entire process would be based on consensus.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-faces-acute-water-scarcity-and-energy-crisis-mulls-rationing-evacuation-1762539231339">Tehran faces acute water scarcity and energy crisis; mulls rationing, evacuation</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that the government plans to introduce the 27th constitutional amendment in Parliament. Although the official draft of the amendment has not yet been released, it reportedly seeks to revise Article 243, which currently stipulates that “the Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces” and that “the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces shall vest in the President.”&nbsp;The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by President Asif Ali Zardari, has expressed conditional support for the proposed changes. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Thursday that his party had authorised him to extend conditional backing for the amendment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hosts-orban-hints-at-exemption-for-hungary-from-russian-oil-and-gas-sanctions-1762543978700">Trump hosts Orban, hints at exemption for Hungary from Russian oil and gas sanctions</a>&nbsp;As per reports, the suggested reforms include renaming the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, establishing a new Strategic Forces Command, and granting the rank of Field Marshal to the current army chief, after Pakistan claimed a dubious military victory over India.

Last month, Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that at least a dozen Pakistani aircraft, including US-made F-16s, were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes. India maintains that Pakistan had pleaded for an end to the conflict after sustaining heavy damage to its military installations.

Pakistan is planning to establish a new top military position—the Commander of Defence Forces (CDF)—as part of key defence reforms aimed at improving coordination and establishing a unified command among the Army, Navy, and Air Force after the military conflict with India in May, said a report in Pakistan-based The News on Friday. The report further states that the proposal for creating the post of CDF is being considered through an amendment to Article 243 of Pakistan’s constitution. The step is said to have been influenced by the lessons learned from the heavy damage inflicted by India during the four-day conflict in May, as well as the growing need for integrated responses in modern warfare. On May 7, in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor and successfully targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas. The operation led to four days of intense cross-border clashes, which concluded on May 10 after both sides agreed to halt hostilities. Also Read: Pakistan-Afghan peace talks have collapsed, says Khawaja Asif; no surety on truce Last month, Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that at least a dozen Pakistani aircraft, including U.S.-made F-16s, were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes. India maintains that Pakistan had pleaded for an end to the conflict after sustaining heavy damage to its military installations. After the conflict, the Pakistani government promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to be bestowed the title. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that discussions are currently taking place regarding amendments to the laws governing the armed forces. “Consultations on amending Article 243 are ongoing (...) defence requirements have changed,” he told Geo News earlier in the week, and said that the entire process would be based on consensus. Also Read: Tehran faces acute water scarcity and energy crisis; mulls rationing, evacuation Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that the government plans to introduce the 27th constitutional amendment in Parliament. Although the official draft of the amendment has not yet been released, it reportedly seeks to revise Article 243, which currently stipulates that “the Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces” and that “the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces shall vest in the President.” The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by President Asif Ali Zardari, has expressed conditional support for the proposed changes. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Thursday that his party had authorised him to extend conditional backing for the amendment. Also Read: Trump hosts Orban, hints at exemption for Hungary from Russian oil and gas sanctions As per reports, the suggested reforms include renaming the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, establishing a new Strategic Forces Command, and granting the rank of Field Marshal to the current army chief, after Pakistan claimed a dubious military victory over India.

Last month, Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that at least a dozen Pakistani aircraft, including US-made F-16s, were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes. India maintains that Pakistan had pleaded for an end to the conflict after sustaining heavy damage to its military installations.

After ‘lessons’ in brief conflict with India, Pak plans a unified defence command, may vest more powers in Asim Munir

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that peace talks with Afghanistan, held in Istanbul to prevent renewed border clashes, have collapsed. Asif told GEO News on Friday that the ceasefire would remain in place only as long as no attacks are launched from Afghan territory. Asif had earlier issued a stark warning that the collapse of negotiations would force them to get into a ‘war’ with the Taliban. Officials and security sources earlier confirmed there was no breakthrough. The minister’s blunt remarks came during an interview with Geo TV on the eve of the third round of dialogue, after two earlier rounds in Doha and Istanbul ended without a breakthrough.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If the negotiations fail, the situation will deteriorate further. We have our options. Considering how we are being targeted, we may respond in the same manner,” Asif said.The talks were being closely watched after a fragile ceasefire was brokered between the two neighbours following brief cross-border clashes earlier this month.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hosts-orban-hints-at-exemption-for-hungary-from-russian-oil-and-gas-sanctions-1762543978700">Trump hosts Orban, hints at exemption for Hungary from Russian oil and gas sanctions</a>&nbsp;Turkey has been mediating in the process, which has stumbled over Pakistan's demands that Kabul act decisively against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).&nbsp;The first round of talks took place in Doha on October 18-19, followed by a second round in Istanbul from October 25, which stretched for several days before concluding last week. Both sides agreed to maintain the ceasefire, but officials acknowledge that deep mistrust persisted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-faces-acute-water-scarcity-and-energy-crisis-mulls-rationing-evacuation-1762539231339">Tehran faces acute water scarcity and energy crisis; mulls rationing, evacuation</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Asif dismissed Kabul’s claim that TTP fighters were merely “Pakistani refugees” returning home.“How can refugees come back carrying heavy weapons and sneaking through mountain routes like thieves? This very argument exposes Afghanistan’s insincerity and ill intent,” he said.&nbsp;Asif further added that relations with Afghanistan “cannot return to normal” until the Taliban government takes firm steps to stop cross-border attacks.“I won’t blame the entire Afghan government, but many within its ranks are clearly supporting these groups,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-800-flights-cancelled-in-us-after-aviation-agency-s-directive-to-cut-air-traffic-1762518468183">Over 800 flights cancelled in US after aviation agency’s directive to cut air traffic</a>&nbsp;Hostilities between the two countries started last month after Islamabad targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul, even as the Afghan foreign minister of the Taliban regime, Amir Khan Muttaqi, was on his maiden visit to India.Afghans blamed Pakistan for the border conflict and repeated violation of Afghanistan;s airspace.&nbsp;At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that peace talks with Afghanistan, held in Istanbul to prevent renewed border clashes, have collapsed. Asif told GEO News on Friday that the ceasefire would remain in place only as long as no attacks are launched from Afghan territory. Asif had earlier issued a stark warning that the collapse of negotiations would force them to get into a ‘war’ with the Taliban. Officials and security sources earlier confirmed there was no breakthrough. The minister’s blunt remarks came during an interview with Geo TV on the eve of the third round of dialogue, after two earlier rounds in Doha and Istanbul ended without a breakthrough. “If the negotiations fail, the situation will deteriorate further. We have our options. Considering how we are being targeted, we may respond in the same manner,” Asif said. The talks were being closely watched after a fragile ceasefire was brokered between the two neighbours following brief cross-border clashes earlier this month. Also Read: Trump hosts Orban, hints at exemption for Hungary from Russian oil and gas sanctions Turkey has been mediating in the process, which has stumbled over Pakistan's demands that Kabul act decisively against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The first round of talks took place in Doha on October 18-19, followed by a second round in Istanbul from October 25, which stretched for several days before concluding last week. Both sides agreed to maintain the ceasefire, but officials acknowledge that deep mistrust persisted. Also Read: Tehran faces acute water scarcity and energy crisis; mulls rationing, evacuation Meanwhile, Asif dismissed Kabul’s claim that TTP fighters were merely “Pakistani refugees” returning home. “How can refugees come back carrying heavy weapons and sneaking through mountain routes like thieves? This very argument exposes Afghanistan’s insincerity and ill intent,” he said. Asif further added that relations with Afghanistan “cannot return to normal” until the Taliban government takes firm steps to stop cross-border attacks. “I won’t blame the entire Afghan government, but many within its ranks are clearly supporting these groups,” he added. Also Read: Over 800 flights cancelled in US after aviation agency’s directive to cut air traffic Hostilities between the two countries started last month after Islamabad targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul, even as the Afghan foreign minister of the Taliban regime, Amir Khan Muttaqi, was on his maiden visit to India. Afghans blamed Pakistan for the border conflict and repeated violation of Afghanistan;s airspace. At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

At the heart of the dispute is the Durand Line, which colonial Britishers drew as a border between pre-Independent India and Afghanistan. The 2,611-kilometre line cuts through the homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the core base of the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan-Afghan peace talks have collapsed, says Khawaja Asif; no surety on truce

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday (Oct 31) sidestepped questions on the nation's alleged testing of a hypersonic ballistic missile. The Pakistani minister avoided confirming or denying whether the country had recently tested the missile, and instead told reporters such questions should not be discussed publicly. "Now don't ask all these questions. Ask such things in private," Asif said during an interview on Samaa TV's talk show Mere Sawal. The host had asked him to comment on widespread speculation that Pakistan might have carried out a secret missile test earlier in the week.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-s-khawaja-asif-revives-anti-india-rant-claims-new-delhi-using-afghanistan-as-proxy-where-s-the-proof-1762049476737">Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif revives anti-India rant, claims New Delhi ‘using Afghanistan as proxy’. Where's the proof?</a><h2>Did Pakistan conduct a secret missile test?</h2>The speculation began after residents of Quetta and nearby areas in Balochistan spotted a strange "rare lenticular cloud formation" in the early hours of Tuesday (Oct 28). Many shared photos and videos online, describing it as an unusual sight that appeared just before sunrise. The cloud’s sharp, saucer-like shape led to theories ranging from a military test to an unidentified flying object.When asked about the matter earlier in the week, Asif had brushed off the rumours as mere speculation. Still, his reluctance to respond directly during the television interview has kept the debate alive.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-operation-sindoor-pakistan-grants-visas-to-over-2-000-indian-sikh-pilgrims-for-guru-nanak-birth-anniversary-1761978497305">Post Operation Sindoor, Pakistan grants visas to over 2,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak birth anniversary</a><h2>"Lenticular clouds" or missile?</h2>The Pakistan Meteorological Department later stepped in to clarify what people had seen. In a post on X, it said the formation was a "lenticular cloud" that appeared over the Koh-i-Murdar mountain range near Quetta. The cloud, the department said, lasted for about 20 minutes before fading away with the sunrise. "The cloud appeared before sunrise, persisted for approximately 20 minutes, and dissipated just prior to sunrise," it said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rare Lenticular Cloud Formation Over Quetta A lenticular cloud formation was observed in the early morning of Oct 28, 2025, over Koh e Murdaar - eastern range of Quetta city. The cloud appeared before sunrise, persisted for approx. 20 minutes, and dissipated just prior to sunrise <a href="https://t.co/ovtvjXM3oy">pic.twitter.com/ovtvjXM3oy</a>&mdash; Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pmdgov/status/1983129182491058240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lenticular clouds are a rare weather phenomenon often mistaken for UFOs because of their smooth, lens-like shape. According to the UK’s Met Office, they form when stable air flows over hills or mountains and creates standing waves in the atmosphere. Moisture condenses at the crest of these waves, forming layered, saucer-shaped clouds that look strikingly artificial. "These strange, unnatural-looking clouds sometimes form downwind of hills or mountains … They look a lot like the traditional shape of flying saucers in science fiction," the Met Office notes, adding that such formations have often been mistaken for unidentified flying objects.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dodged questions about reports of a secret hypersonic missile test, telling a TV host to “ask such things in private.” The rumours began after residents in Quetta spotted a saucer-shaped “cloud". Here's what we know.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday (Oct 31) sidestepped questions on the nation's alleged testing of a hypersonic ballistic missile. The Pakistani minister avoided confirming or denying whether the country had recently tested the missile, and instead told reporters such questions should not be discussed publicly. "Now don't ask all these questions. Ask such things in private," Asif said during an interview on Samaa TV's talk show Mere Sawal. The host had asked him to comment on widespread speculation that Pakistan might have carried out a secret missile test earlier in the week. Also read | Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif revives anti-India rant, claims New Delhi ‘using Afghanistan as proxy’. Where's the proof? Did Pakistan conduct a secret missile test? The speculation began after residents of Quetta and nearby areas in Balochistan spotted a strange "rare lenticular cloud formation" in the early hours of Tuesday (Oct 28). Many shared photos and videos online, describing it as an unusual sight that appeared just before sunrise. The cloud’s sharp, saucer-like shape led to theories ranging from a military test to an unidentified flying object. When asked about the matter earlier in the week, Asif had brushed off the rumours as mere speculation. Still, his reluctance to respond directly during the television interview has kept the debate alive. Also read | Post Operation Sindoor, Pakistan grants visas to over 2,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak birth anniversary "Lenticular clouds" or missile? The Pakistan Meteorological Department later stepped in to clarify what people had seen. In a post on X, it said the formation was a "lenticular cloud" that appeared over the Koh-i-Murdar mountain range near Quetta. The cloud, the department said, lasted for about 20 minutes before fading away with the sunrise. "The cloud appeared before sunrise, persisted for approximately 20 minutes, and dissipated just prior to sunrise," it said.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dodged questions about reports of a secret hypersonic missile test, telling a TV host to “ask such things in private.” The rumours began after residents in Quetta spotted a saucer-shaped “cloud". Here's what we know.

Did Pakistan secretly test a hypersonic ballistic missile last week? Khwaja Asif says 'ask such things in private'

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday (Nov 1) renewed warnings of a "two-front war", while accusing neighbour India of trying to keep Islamabad engaged on both its eastern and western borders. In an interview, the Pakistan Defence minister repeated his allegations that India was using Afghanistan as a "proxy," but did not offer any proof to back the claim. Asif's comments come days after Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire following last month's deadly border clashes.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-operation-sindoor-pakistan-grants-visas-to-over-2-000-indian-sikh-pilgrims-for-guru-nanak-birth-anniversary-1761978497305">Post Operation Sindoor, Pakistan grants visas to over 2,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak birth anniversary</a><h2>What did Khwaja Asif say now?</h2>Speaking to Geo News, Asif alleged that India was using Afghanistan as a "proxy" to destabilise Pakistan. He claimed that "India seeks to keep Pakistan preoccupied on two fronts: the eastern and western". He was referring to recent Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes on the nation's western border and conflict with India on the eastern border, which in May saw New Delhi launch anti-terror Operation Sindoor. Asif failed to present any proof to back his claims but insisted, "If necessary, we will present proof."The Pak defence minister went further to claim that New Delhi has been "waging a proxy war against Pakistan since the Ashraf Ghani era." He also claimed that India "could play dirty at the border" but said that Pakistan was prepared for a "two-front war".Asif's latest comments follow his earlier claims that India continues to influence the Taliban government in Kabul. "The people in Kabul pulling the strings and staging the puppet show are being controlled by Delhi," he said, reiterating his accusation that Afghanistan’s leadership was being manipulated by India.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-country-has-banned-smoking-for-everyone-born-after-2007-even-tourists-1761991994246">THIS country has banned smoking for everyone born after 2007 — even tourists</a><h2>Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions</h2>Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated last month when border clashes killed several soldiers on both sides. The violence coincided with a visit to India by Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, which Pakistan has viewed with suspicion. Following mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey, both countries agreed to maintain a ceasefire during talks held in Istanbul earlier this week. Asif said he was hopeful that the truce would hold and that "mediation by friendly nations" would lead to a lasting settlement.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has once again accused India of using Afghanistan as a “proxy” to destabilise Pakistan. But did he share proof to back the claim? Here's what he said.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday (Nov 1) renewed warnings of a "two-front war", while accusing neighbour India of trying to keep Islamabad engaged on both its eastern and western borders. In an interview, the Pakistan Defence minister repeated his allegations that India was using Afghanistan as a "proxy," but did not offer any proof to back the claim. Asif's comments come days after Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire following last month's deadly border clashes. Also read | Post Operation Sindoor, Pakistan grants visas to over 2,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak birth anniversary What did Khwaja Asif say now? Speaking to Geo News, Asif alleged that India was using Afghanistan as a "proxy" to destabilise Pakistan. He claimed that "India seeks to keep Pakistan preoccupied on two fronts: the eastern and western". He was referring to recent Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes on the nation's western border and conflict with India on the eastern border, which in May saw New Delhi launch anti-terror Operation Sindoor. Asif failed to present any proof to back his claims but insisted, "If necessary, we will present proof." The Pak defence minister went further to claim that New Delhi has been "waging a proxy war against Pakistan since the Ashraf Ghani era." He also claimed that India "could play dirty at the border" but said that Pakistan was prepared for a "two-front war". Asif's latest comments follow his earlier claims that India continues to influence the Taliban government in Kabul. "The people in Kabul pulling the strings and staging the puppet show are being controlled by Delhi," he said, reiterating his accusation that Afghanistan’s leadership was being manipulated by India. Also read | THIS country has banned smoking for everyone born after 2007 — even tourists Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated last month when border clashes killed several soldiers on both sides. The violence coincided with a visit to India by Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, which Pakistan has viewed with suspicion. Following mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey, both countries agreed to maintain a ceasefire during talks held in Istanbul earlier this week. Asif said he was hopeful that the truce would hold and that "mediation by friendly nations" would lead to a lasting settlement.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has once again accused India of using Afghanistan as a “proxy” to destabilise Pakistan. But did he share proof to back the claim? Here's what he said.

Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif revives anti-India rant, claims New Delhi ‘using Afghanistan as proxy’. Where's the proof?

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleged on Saturday that India wants to keep Islamabad busy and engaged in conflict on the eastern and western fronts amid the ongoing tensions with Kabul and New Delhi. Asif was referring to the recent clashes with Afghanistan on the country’s western border and the May conflict with India on the eastern border during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan agreed to continue ceasefire with Afghanistan on Friday morning following a rapid deterioration of ties with Kabul. Asif has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of acting “proxy for India”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“India seeks to keep Pakistan preoccupied on two fronts: the eastern and western,” Asif said, and alleged that Delhi has been “waging a proxy war against Pakistan since the Ashraf Ghani era.” “If necessary, we will present proof,” he told Geo News.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-youth-headed-to-us-via-dunki-route-killed-in-guatemala-after-ransom-demands-by-traffickers-1762018565370">Haryana youth headed to US via ‘Dunki’ route, killed in Guatemala after ransom demands by traffickers</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Afghanistan acting as a proxy for India’</h2>&nbsp;Earlier this week, Asif repeated his claim that Afghanistan was acting as a proxy for India and claimed that the Taliban leadership was being manipulated by India.“The people in Kabul pulling the strings and staging the puppet show are being controlled by Delhi,” he said, according to a report in the Dawn.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-why-not-reciprocate-and-engage-with-hinduism-too-hindu-american-foundation-asks-jd-vance-1762009614746">‘Why not reciprocate and engage with Hinduism too,’ Hindu American Foundation asks JD Vance</a>&nbsp;While speaking about the recent clashes with Kabul, he had also warned that India “could play dirty at the border” and went on to assert that Islamabad is even prepared for a “two-front war”.&nbsp;Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India.&nbsp;<h2>‘Terrorism from Afghan soil should completely stop’</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days before a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on Oct 18-19.&nbsp;“Everyone is onboard—politicians, the establishment and the nation—that an immediate solution to the Afghanistan issue is very necessary, which is that terrorism from Afghan soil should be completely stopped,” Asif added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-president-samia-wins-again-bags-98-votes-hundreds-feared-dead-in-election-unrest-1762002943059">Tanzania President Samia wins again, bags 98% votes; hundreds feared dead in election unrest</a>&nbsp;Asif also expressed optimism that the mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey on the recent ceasefire with Afghanistan will yield positive results.&nbsp;A three-point understanding was reached at the second round of negotiations with Afghanistan, including, the continuation of the ceasefire, the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure peace, and penalties for violations.

Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India after Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days.

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleged on Saturday that India wants to keep Islamabad busy and engaged in conflict on the eastern and western fronts amid the ongoing tensions with Kabul and New Delhi. Asif was referring to the recent clashes with Afghanistan on the country’s western border and the May conflict with India on the eastern border during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan agreed to continue ceasefire with Afghanistan on Friday morning following a rapid deterioration of ties with Kabul. Asif has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of acting “proxy for India”. “India seeks to keep Pakistan preoccupied on two fronts: the eastern and western,” Asif said, and alleged that Delhi has been “waging a proxy war against Pakistan since the Ashraf Ghani era.” “If necessary, we will present proof,” he told Geo News. Also Read: Haryana youth headed to US via ‘Dunki’ route, killed in Guatemala after ransom demands by traffickers ‘Afghanistan acting as a proxy for India’ Earlier this week, Asif repeated his claim that Afghanistan was acting as a proxy for India and claimed that the Taliban leadership was being manipulated by India. “The people in Kabul pulling the strings and staging the puppet show are being controlled by Delhi,” he said, according to a report in the Dawn. Also Read: ‘Why not reciprocate and engage with Hinduism too,’ Hindu American Foundation asks JD Vance While speaking about the recent clashes with Kabul, he had also warned that India “could play dirty at the border” and went on to assert that Islamabad is even prepared for a “two-front war”. Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India. ‘Terrorism from Afghan soil should completely stop’ Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days before a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on Oct 18-19. “Everyone is onboard—politicians, the establishment and the nation—that an immediate solution to the Afghanistan issue is very necessary, which is that terrorism from Afghan soil should be completely stopped,” Asif added. Also Read: Tanzania President Samia wins again, bags 98% votes; hundreds feared dead in election unrest Asif also expressed optimism that the mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey on the recent ceasefire with Afghanistan will yield positive results. A three-point understanding was reached at the second round of negotiations with Afghanistan, including, the continuation of the ceasefire, the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure peace, and penalties for violations.

Violent clashes had erupted on the Afghan-Pakistan border at a time when Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a visit to India after Pakistan launched airstrikes on Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan on Oct 9, triggering border clashes that continued for days.

‘India wants to keep Pakistan busy, engaged in conflict’: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted the role of his country and its past leadership in helping the creation of the Taliban and said it’s time to admit the mistakes made in the past and seek forgiveness from the Almighty for them. In an interview with Geo News on Wednesday after ongoing talks with Kabul in Istanbul failed, Khawaja said, “Whatever is happening to us today is the result of those sins and our actions that we committed with Afghanistan in the 60s, 70s, 90s, and the early decades of this century.” “The Almighty says confess your crimes and I will forgive you, but we have been denying the role we played in Afghanistan. Those who did this, worked on this policy should pay for these crimes, wherever they may be, whether alive or dead,” Asif said.&nbsp;&nbsp;A video of Asif’s remark has gone viral on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">خواجه اصف: “نن چې څه هم روان دي، دا د همغه ګناهونو او زموږ د کړنو پایله ده چې موږ په اویایمې، اتیایمې، نویمې، او د دې پېړې په لومړیو لسیزو کې د افغانستان سره کړي” <a href="https://t.co/DK0kVsiE40">pic.twitter.com/DK0kVsiE40</a>&mdash; Najib Azad (@NajibullahAzad) <a href="https://twitter.com/NajibullahAzad/status/1983294193587105926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-push-them-back-into-caves-tails-between-their-legs-pak-minister-says-will-obliterate-afghan-taliban-1761741971619">Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Pak minister says will ‘obliterate’ Afghan Taliban</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier also, after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif admitted that his country supported terrorist groups for three decades. When asked about Islamabad’s history of funding and backing terror outfits in an interview with a British news channel, Asif admitted the country’s history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations as “dirty work” for the West, a mistake for which he said Pakistan had suffered.&nbsp;Asif further described it as a “mistake” and said that Pakistan has paid a heavy price for its actions and added that Pakistan’s record would have been unquestioned if it had not aligned with the West during the Soviet-Afghan war and the US-led war against the Taliban following the 9/11 attacks.The admission came in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, raising fresh concerns about Pakistan’s past involvement in regional instability.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-fumbles-seven-times-in-unsc-speech-gets-trolled-watch-1758895298255">Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif fumbles seven times in UNSC speech, gets trolled | Watch</a>&nbsp;Asif again embarrassed himself and his nation on live television after he was caught spreading misinformation after India’s successful precision strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) under ‘Operation Sindoor’.&nbsp;During an interview with CNN, Asif tried to spread fake news about Pakistan shooting down Indian fighter jets during the strike, but when he asked for proof, he fumbled.“It’s all over social media, on Indian social media, not just our social media. The debris of these jets fell into Kashmir,” he claimed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-fumbles-on-power-equation-with-army-chief-asim-munir-1758918470480">Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif fumbles on power equation with Army chief Asim Munir</a>&nbsp;The CNN anchor Becky Anderson quickly interjected, saying, “I’m sorry, we didn’t ask you here to talk about social media content. I’m asking specifically for the evidence, details. For example, was any Chinese equipment used to down these Rafale jets, as I understand you are alleging to be?”&nbsp;WATCH: Pakistan: Khawaja Asif blames General Faiz Hameed for Taliban's revival<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-khawaja-asif-blames-general-faiz-hameed-for-taliban-s-revival-1760698408981/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-khawaja-asif-blames-general-faiz-hameed-for-taliban-s-revival-1760698408981/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier also, after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in an interview to a British news channel, Khawaja Asif admitted the country’s history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organisations as “dirty work” for the West, a mistake for which Pakistan suffered.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted the role of his country and its past leadership in helping the creation of the Taliban and said it’s time to admit the mistakes made in the past and seek forgiveness from the Almighty for them. In an interview with Geo News on Wednesday after ongoing talks with Kabul in Istanbul failed, Khawaja said, “Whatever is happening to us today is the result of those sins and our actions that we committed with Afghanistan in the 60s, 70s, 90s, and the early decades of this century.” “The Almighty says confess your crimes and I will forgive you, but we have been denying the role we played in Afghanistan. Those who did this, worked on this policy should pay for these crimes, wherever they may be, whether alive or dead,” Asif said. A video of Asif’s remark has gone viral on social media.

Earlier also, after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in an interview to a British news channel, Khawaja Asif admitted the country’s history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organisations as “dirty work” for the West, a mistake for which Pakistan suffered.

Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif boasted of his country’s military arsenal on Wednesday and said it would completely obliterate the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and push them back to the caves while reminding them of “their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs”. In a post on X, Asif warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out” and force them “back into the caves.” Asif's warning after a four-day dialogue in Istanbul failed to produce any breakthrough on Pakistan’s key demand—that the Taliban take firm action against militants using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan.&nbsp;He said Pakistan had agreed to the talks at the request of “brotherly countries” to give peace a chance but added that “venomous statements by certain Afghan officials clearly reflect the devious and fractured mindset of the Taliban regime.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-admits-country-s-past-role-in-supporting-afghanistan-taliban-1761755033225">Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban</a>&nbsp;“Let me assure them that Pakistan does not require to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding. If they wish so, the repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs would surely be a spectacle to watch for the people of the region,” Asif said in a derogatory remark.&nbsp;He said the warmongers amongst the Taliban regime have vested interests in continued instability, but they have probably misread Pakistan’s resolve and courage.&nbsp;<h2>‘Their threats are only performative circus!’</h2>&nbsp;Asif said if the Taliban regime wants to fight, “The world will INSHAALLAH (God willing) see that their threats are only performative circus!”“We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long, but no more. Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures. Be rest assured and test our resolve and capabilities, if you wish so, at your own peril and doom,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nvidia-scripts-history-becomes-first-firm-to-reach-5-trillion-market-value-following-ai-boom-1761748694795">Riding on AI boom, Nvidia scripts history, becomes first firm to reach $5 trillion market value</a>&nbsp;Responding to the Afghan narrative that it has defeated several empires, Asif said, “As far as the narrative of ‘graveyard of empires’, Pakistan certainly doesn’t claim to be an empire, but Afghanistan is definitely a graveyard, surely for its own people. Never a graveyard of empires but certainly a playground of empires you have been throughout history,” he said.The Pakistan minister said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule and maintain the war economy that sustains them.”&nbsp;“If the Afghan Taliban regime is madly hell-bent upon ruining Afghanistan and its innocent people once again, then so be it,” he warned.&nbsp;WATCH: Pacific Anti-Drug Campaign: US Military Strikes Drug Vessels in Pacific, 14 Dead<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pacific-anti-drug-campaign-us-military-strikes-drug-vessels-in-pacific-14-dead-1761735192243/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pacific-anti-drug-campaign-us-military-strikes-drug-vessels-in-pacific-14-dead-1761735192243/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Pak-Afghan peace talks collapse in Istanbul</h2>&nbsp;Asif’s remarks came hours after a pre-dawn announcement by Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar about the collapse of latest round of talks in Istanbul. He blamed the Taliban government in Kabul for refusing to take action against militants accused of carrying out deadly cross-border attacks.An earlier round in Doha had resulted in a temporary ceasefire on October 19. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of providing shelter to militants linked to a rise in attacks across its border, but Kabul denies that Afghan territory is being used to launch assaults against Pakistan.Kabul has blamed Pakistan for the failed peace talks in Turkey after Islamabad did not agree “to stop violating Afghan airspace and prevent US drone flights.”

Pakistan’s Minister Khawaja Asif said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule. He warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out”.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif boasted of his country’s military arsenal on Wednesday and said it would completely obliterate the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and push them back to the caves while reminding them of “their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs”. In a post on X, Asif warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out” and force them “back into the caves.” Asif's warning after a four-day dialogue in Istanbul failed to produce any breakthrough on Pakistan’s key demand—that the Taliban take firm action against militants using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan. He said Pakistan had agreed to the talks at the request of “brotherly countries” to give peace a chance but added that “venomous statements by certain Afghan officials clearly reflect the devious and fractured mindset of the Taliban regime.” Also Read: Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban “Let me assure them that Pakistan does not require to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding. If they wish so, the repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs would surely be a spectacle to watch for the people of the region,” Asif said in a derogatory remark. He said the warmongers amongst the Taliban regime have vested interests in continued instability, but they have probably misread Pakistan’s resolve and courage. ‘Their threats are only performative circus!’ Asif said if the Taliban regime wants to fight, “The world will INSHAALLAH (God willing) see that their threats are only performative circus!” “We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long, but no more. Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures. Be rest assured and test our resolve and capabilities, if you wish so, at your own peril and doom,” he said. Also Read: Riding on AI boom, Nvidia scripts history, becomes first firm to reach $5 trillion market value Responding to the Afghan narrative that it has defeated several empires, Asif said, “As far as the narrative of ‘graveyard of empires’, Pakistan certainly doesn’t claim to be an empire, but Afghanistan is definitely a graveyard, surely for its own people. Never a graveyard of empires but certainly a playground of empires you have been throughout history,” he said. The Pakistan minister said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule and maintain the war economy that sustains them.” “If the Afghan Taliban regime is madly hell-bent upon ruining Afghanistan and its innocent people once again, then so be it,” he warned. WATCH: Pacific Anti-Drug Campaign: US Military Strikes Drug Vessels in Pacific, 14 Dead https://www.wionews.com/videos/pacific-anti-drug-campaign-us-military-strikes-drug-vessels-in-pacific-14-dead-1761735192243/embed Pak-Afghan peace talks collapse in Istanbul Asif’s remarks came hours after a pre-dawn announcement by Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar about the collapse of latest round of talks in Istanbul. He blamed the Taliban government in Kabul for refusing to take action against militants accused of carrying out deadly cross-border attacks. An earlier round in Doha had resulted in a temporary ceasefire on October 19. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of providing shelter to militants linked to a rise in attacks across its border, but Kabul denies that Afghan territory is being used to launch assaults against Pakistan. Kabul has blamed Pakistan for the failed peace talks in Turkey after Islamabad did not agree “to stop violating Afghan airspace and prevent US drone flights.”

Pakistan’s Minister Khawaja Asif said that the Taliban regime is “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” just to retain its usurped rule. He warned the Afghan Taliban that another attack on Pakistani soil would prompt Pakistan to “wipe them out”.

‘Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Pak minister says will ‘obliterate’ Afghan Taliban

Unidentified attackers blew up an under-construction girls' primary school in Pakistan’s Tank district on Friday (Oct 24). The blast ripped through the school building in Gara Budha village, near Dera Ismail Khan, during the early hours of the morning, according to Dawn.<h2>What happened?</h2>According to the report, police said the explosives had been planted along the school's boundary wall and under several classrooms, causing major structural damage to a facility that was just weeks away from completion. A bomb disposal unit later inspected the site, collecting fragments of the explosive device and assessing the extent of destruction. Authorities have yet to identify who was behind the attack or what their motives were.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-rekha-gupta-calls-cloud-seeding-necessity-reveals-delhi-will-witness-artificial-rain-on-this-day-1761294536360">CM Rekha Gupta calls cloud seeding 'necessity,' reveals Delhi will witness artificial rain on THIS day</a>Residents, already shaken by years of militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, voiced anger and frustration. Parents and community leaders condemned the bombing as a direct assault on girls’ education and demanded swift action. "This is not just an attack on a school; it's an attack on the future of our daughters," said one local elder.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">د کوزې پښتونخوا د ټانک ولسوالۍ د ګړه بډه په سیمه کې نامعلومو کسانو د نجونو ابتدایي ښوونځی په بمونو الوزولی. <a href="https://t.co/t5Y2aeWKxc">pic.twitter.com/t5Y2aeWKxc</a>&mdash; Attaullah khogyani (@Attaullahkhogya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Attaullahkhogya/status/1981638408507105780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to an ANI report, the attack underscores a troubling pattern in Pakistan’s northwest, where militant groups have repeatedly targeted girls’ schools to intimidate communities and suppress education for women.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-foil-fidayeen-plot-2-isis-terrorists-with-potential-pakistan-isi-ties-arrested-suicide-attack-1761291167225">Delhi Police foils suicide attack plot targeting crowded areas; ISIS operatives with possible Pakistan ISI links arrested</a><h2>Mobile company employees freed</h2>Meanwhile, in a separate incident, four employees of a mobile phone company who were abducted earlier this week were freed on Friday. The workers had been kidnapped from Garah Bakhtiyar while transporting telecom equipment, police told Dawn. They were later released unconditionally in nearby Garah Mastan village, reportedly after their captors feared being caught in an ongoing security crackdown. The Counter-Terrorism Department has, meanwhile, registered a case against unidentified suspects.

Unidentified attackers blew up an under-construction girls’ primary school in Pakistan’s Tank district on Oct 24, causing major damage.

Unidentified attackers blew up an under-construction girls' primary school in Pakistan’s Tank district on Friday (Oct 24). The blast ripped through the school building in Gara Budha village, near Dera Ismail Khan, during the early hours of the morning, according to Dawn. What happened? According to the report, police said the explosives had been planted along the school's boundary wall and under several classrooms, causing major structural damage to a facility that was just weeks away from completion. A bomb disposal unit later inspected the site, collecting fragments of the explosive device and assessing the extent of destruction. Authorities have yet to identify who was behind the attack or what their motives were. Also read | CM Rekha Gupta calls cloud seeding 'necessity,' reveals Delhi will witness artificial rain on THIS day Residents, already shaken by years of militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, voiced anger and frustration. Parents and community leaders condemned the bombing as a direct assault on girls’ education and demanded swift action. "This is not just an attack on a school; it's an attack on the future of our daughters," said one local elder.

Unidentified attackers blew up an under-construction girls’ primary school in Pakistan’s Tank district on Oct 24, causing major damage.

Under-construction girls’ school targeted in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer John Kiriakou has revealed in an interview that the United States provided millions of dollars to Pakistan in the regime of former President Pervez Musharraf to “buy” the latter’s “cooperation”. He also claimed that Musharraf handed over control of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to the US. “When I was stationed in Pakistan in 2002, I was told unofficially that the Pentagon controlled the Pakistani nuclear arsenal, that Musharraf had turned control over to the United States because he was afraid of exactly what you just described (nuclear weapons falling into terrorist hands),” Kiriakou told news agency ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On the question of fear of nuclear weapons falling into terrorists&#39; hands in Pakistan, ex-CIA Officer, John Kiriakou says, &quot;When I was stationed in Pakistan in 2002, I was told unofficially that the Pentagon controlled the Pakistani nuclear arsenal, and that Parvez… <a href="https://t.co/iaKPpixhMZ">pic.twitter.com/iaKPpixhMZ</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1981730398133751881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that Musharraf allowed the US to operate freely. “Our relations with the Pakistani government were very, very good. And look, let’s be honest here. The United States loves working with dictators. Because then you don’t have to worry about public opinion and you don’t have to worry about the media anymore. And so we essentially just purchased Musharraf,” said Kiriakou, who worked with the CIA for 15 years as an analyst and later as part of its counterterrorism operations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-all-is-not-well-with-the-un-jaishankar-slams-pakistan-over-protecting-terror-outfit-trf-in-unsc-1761318154530">‘All is not well with the UN’: Jaishankar slams Pakistan over protecting terror outfit TRF in UNSC</a>&nbsp;“We gave millions and millions and millions of dollars in aid, whether it was military aid or economic development aid. And we would meet with Musharraf regularly, several times a week. And essentially he would let us do whatever we wanted to do. Yes. But Musharraf also had his own people that he needed to deal with,” he said.Musharraf had to keep the military happy, and they didn’t care about Al Qaeda, the former CIA officer added.So in order to keep the military happy and keep some of the extremists happy, he had to allow them to continue committing terror against India while pretending to cooperate with the Americans on counterterrorism, Kiriakou said.&nbsp;<h2>‘US did'nt eliminate AQ Khan due to Saudi pressure’</h2>&nbsp;Kiriakou also revealed that the US decided not to eliminate the infamous nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, the architect of Pakistan’s atomic bomb, after “direct intervention” by the Saudi government.&nbsp;“A colleague of mine was dealing with A Q Khan,” Kiriakou said. “If we had taken the Israeli approach, we would have just killed him. He was easy enough to find. We knew where he lived. We knew how he spent his day. But he also had the support of the Saudi government. And the Saudis came to us and said, ‘Please leave him alone. Please. We like AQ Khan. We’re working with AQ Khan. We’re close to the Pakistanis. ..They named Faisalabad after King Faisal. Just leave him alone.”Kiriakou said succumbing to Saudi pressure was a major US policy failure, and a “mistake” by Washington. “This was a mistake that the US government made, not confronting A Q Khan head-on,” he said.Khan was born in Bhopal in 1936, but moved to Pakistan with his family in 1952 after Partition, and died in Islamabad in 2021 at the age of 85.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-us-strike-on-venezuelan-gang-s-drug-smuggling-boat-kills-6-narco-terrorists-says-hegseth-1761313089618">Fresh US strike on Venezuelan gang’s drug-smuggling boat kills 6 narco-terrorists, says Hegseth</a>&nbsp;He was regarded as one of the world’s most infamous nuclear smugglers, having supplied technology to countries like North Korea, Iran, and Libya.&nbsp;<h2>‘US expected India to strike after 2002, 2008 terror attacks’</h2>&nbsp;Kiriakou further said the US had expected India to retaliate after the 2001 Parliament attack and 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, but it did not. “At the CIA we called the Indian policy strategic patience. The Indian government would have been perfectly within its rights to respond by striking Pakistan and they didn’t. We expected the Indians to, to strike back and they didn’t,” he said.

Musharraf had to keep the military happy, so in order to keep the military happy and keep some of the extremists happy, he had to allow them to continue committing terror against India while pretending to cooperate with the Americans on counterterrorism, the former CIA officer said.

Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer John Kiriakou has revealed in an interview that the United States provided millions of dollars to Pakistan in the regime of former President Pervez Musharraf to “buy” the latter’s “cooperation”. He also claimed that Musharraf handed over control of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to the US. “When I was stationed in Pakistan in 2002, I was told unofficially that the Pentagon controlled the Pakistani nuclear arsenal, that Musharraf had turned control over to the United States because he was afraid of exactly what you just described (nuclear weapons falling into terrorist hands),” Kiriakou told news agency ANI.

Musharraf had to keep the military happy, so in order to keep the military happy and keep some of the extremists happy, he had to allow them to continue committing terror against India while pretending to cooperate with the Americans on counterterrorism, the former CIA officer said.

‘US controlled Pak’s nuclear arsenal, didn’t eliminate AQ Khan due to Saudi pressure’: Former CIA agent

Police in the Indian national capital, Delhi, have busted an ISIS module and arrested two terrorists who, as per reports, were allegedly undergoing training for "fidayeen" (suicide) attacks. Delhi Police's Special Cell on Friday identified one of the two terrorists as Adnan. They said that both the arrested men are from Bhopal, and were nabbed following coordinated operations in Delhi's Sadiq Nagar and in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, based on specific intelligence inputs.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-re-just-gonna-kill-them-trump-says-won-t-seek-congress-before-strikes-venezuela-urges-no-crazy-war-please-1761271095909">'We're just gonna kill them': Trump says won't seek Congress nod before striking Venezuela; Maduro pleads 'No crazy war, please!'</a><h2>Fidayeen threat in India?</h2>PTI news agency, citing a senior police officer, reported that the two terror suspects were arrested based on specific intelligence inputs about an impending terror strike in Delhi. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were associated with the ISIS, and were in the process of planning a major terror strike in Delhi. Electronic devices and incriminating materials have been seized from their possession," revealed the officer.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-is-our-enemy-putin-medvedev-slam-trump-after-new-us-sanctions-vow-russia-will-never-bow-to-pressure-1761267942499">'US is our enemy': Putin, Medvedev slam Trump after new US sanctions, vow Russia will 'never bow to pressure'</a>A cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the coordinated operations, according to initial reports. The operation was led by Additional Commissioner Pramod Kushwaha and ACP Lalit Mohan Negi, according to The Times of India. These timely arrests, police said, likely "averted a possible terror attack in Delhi".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Delhi Police foils major terror plot: Two suspected ISIS operatives arrested; crowded areas in the national capital were reportedly on target . . . . Video: Delhi Police <a href="https://t.co/YOBP97z7ZA">pic.twitter.com/YOBP97z7ZA</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1981637328998121697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Pakistan ISI links?</h2>Officials believe the busted module was inspired by ISIS and could have links to Pakistan’s ISI, which is suspected of funding and coordinating such networks under the guise of the Islamic State. The interrogation of the two suspects is ongoing, with agencies probing their plans and possible connections to international terror outfits. Security agencies are also working to trace the terror suspects' network and identify possible international connections.

Delhi Police have arrested two ISIS-linked men who were allegedly training for suicide attacks in the Indian capital. Officials say their arrests likely foiled a major terror plot in the capital. Investigators are probing possible Pakistan ISI links.

Police in the Indian national capital, Delhi, have busted an ISIS module and arrested two terrorists who, as per reports, were allegedly undergoing training for "fidayeen" (suicide) attacks. Delhi Police's Special Cell on Friday identified one of the two terrorists as Adnan. They said that both the arrested men are from Bhopal, and were nabbed following coordinated operations in Delhi's Sadiq Nagar and in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, based on specific intelligence inputs. Also read | 'We're just gonna kill them': Trump says won't seek Congress nod before striking Venezuela; Maduro pleads 'No crazy war, please!' Fidayeen threat in India? PTI news agency, citing a senior police officer, reported that the two terror suspects were arrested based on specific intelligence inputs about an impending terror strike in Delhi. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were associated with the ISIS, and were in the process of planning a major terror strike in Delhi. Electronic devices and incriminating materials have been seized from their possession," revealed the officer. Also read | 'US is our enemy': Putin, Medvedev slam Trump after new US sanctions, vow Russia will 'never bow to pressure' A cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the coordinated operations, according to initial reports. The operation was led by Additional Commissioner Pramod Kushwaha and ACP Lalit Mohan Negi, according to The Times of India. These timely arrests, police said, likely "averted a possible terror attack in Delhi".

Delhi Police have arrested two ISIS-linked men who were allegedly training for suicide attacks in the Indian capital. Officials say their arrests likely foiled a major terror plot in the capital. Investigators are probing possible Pakistan ISI links.

Delhi Police foils suicide attack plot targeting crowded areas; ISIS operatives with possible Pakistan ISI links arrested

Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is moving forward with plans to construct dams on the Kunar river, which flows into Pakistan, potentially reducing water flow to its neighbour. The directive to begin work on these dams as soon as possible was given by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada. This comes amid recent violent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which led to hundreds of deaths, further intensifying the conflict.&nbsp;This move follows a shift in India’s stance regarding water-sharing with Pakistan. In response to attacks by Pakistani-backed terrorists that killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water sharing between the two countries, particularly concerning the western rivers. The Afghan Ministry of Water and Energy announced that Akhundzada had instructed the rapid construction of dams on the Kunar River. The 480-kilometer-long river originates from Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains and flows southward into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. If these dams are built, they could severely impact Pakistan’s water supply, as the Kunar river feeds into the Kabul River, which ultimately joins the Indus. This disruption would have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and energy in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-3-7-magnitude-earthquake-hits-region-1761285560240">Magnitude 3.7 earthquake jolts Afghanistan, fourth tremor reported in a month</a>&nbsp;The Taliban’s push for water sovereignty has been one of its key priorities since it took power in 2021. Afghanistan has been accelerating dam construction and hydropower projects to reduce its dependence on neighbouring countries for water and energy. However, the lack of a formal water-sharing agreement between the two countries has raised concerns in Pakistan, which fears that unilateral actions by Afghanistan could lead to a regional water crisis, further worsening Pakistan’s already strained food and energy security.&nbsp;The announcement also comes just a week after Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India. There, he met with India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to discuss mutual cooperation on hydropower projects, such as the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam, which helps Afghanistan with both irrigation and electricity generation.&nbsp;In addition to the Friendship Dam, India is also supporting the Shahtoot Dam project, aimed at providing water to Kabul residents and improving agricultural productivity. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, while India’s investments in Afghanistan’s water and energy sectors have further solidified their bilateral ties. However, with the Taliban’s new focus on water control, the region’s geopolitical situation remains tense and uncertain.

Afghanistan's Taliban government plans to build dams on Kunar river, escalating water tensions with Pakistan

Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is moving forward with plans to construct dams on the Kunar river, which flows into Pakistan, potentially reducing water flow to its neighbour. The directive to begin work on these dams as soon as possible was given by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada. This comes amid recent violent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which led to hundreds of deaths, further intensifying the conflict. This move follows a shift in India’s stance regarding water-sharing with Pakistan. In response to attacks by Pakistani-backed terrorists that killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water sharing between the two countries, particularly concerning the western rivers. The Afghan Ministry of Water and Energy announced that Akhundzada had instructed the rapid construction of dams on the Kunar River. The 480-kilometer-long river originates from Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains and flows southward into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. If these dams are built, they could severely impact Pakistan’s water supply, as the Kunar river feeds into the Kabul River, which ultimately joins the Indus. This disruption would have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and energy in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province. Also Read: Magnitude 3.7 earthquake jolts Afghanistan, fourth tremor reported in a month The Taliban’s push for water sovereignty has been one of its key priorities since it took power in 2021. Afghanistan has been accelerating dam construction and hydropower projects to reduce its dependence on neighbouring countries for water and energy. However, the lack of a formal water-sharing agreement between the two countries has raised concerns in Pakistan, which fears that unilateral actions by Afghanistan could lead to a regional water crisis, further worsening Pakistan’s already strained food and energy security. The announcement also comes just a week after Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India. There, he met with India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to discuss mutual cooperation on hydropower projects, such as the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam, which helps Afghanistan with both irrigation and electricity generation. In addition to the Friendship Dam, India is also supporting the Shahtoot Dam project, aimed at providing water to Kabul residents and improving agricultural productivity. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, while India’s investments in Afghanistan’s water and energy sectors have further solidified their bilateral ties. However, with the Taliban’s new focus on water control, the region’s geopolitical situation remains tense and uncertain.

Afghanistan’s Taliban regime plans to build dams on the Kunar River, escalating tensions with Pakistan over water control, following deadly clashes and regional disputes

In what can be termed as a provocative speech, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul on Saturday (Oct 18), issued a stern warning to India, saying that Pakistan’s expanding military capabilities could dismantle what he called India’s “misconceived immunity” over its geographic warspace. Issuing his latest threat, the Pakistani army chief warned that any future hostilities could lead to military and economic retaliation far beyond India’s imaginations. Moreover, he placed the responsibility for any potential escalation squarely on India, saying the catastrophic consequences would be India’s burden to bear.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-extends-ceasefire-despite-pakistan-s-truce-violation-3-afghan-cricketers-killed-in-airstrike-1760752265180">Taliban extends ceasefire despite Pakistan's truce violation; 3 Afghan cricketers killed in airstrike</a>&nbsp;Highlighting that there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment, he cautioned the Indian military against escalation. Referring to India-Pakistan conflict in May this year, and without naming operation Sindoor, Munir falsely claimed that Pakistan had achieved a “clear victory." His statements come even as Pakistan is grappling with deadly clashes with Afghan Taliban and widespread domestic protest against the Pakistani government in major cities.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-minister-baselessly-claims-afghan-taliban-fighting-india-s-proxy-war-1760593863943">'Fighting India's proxy war': Pakistan minister casts doubt on ceasefire with Afghan Taliban, issues anti-India rant</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 Breaking 🇵🇰🪖 Failed Marshal Asim Munir Issues Nuclear and Economic Threats to India. Should a fresh wave of hostilities be triggered, Pakistan would respond much beyond the expectations of the initiators. The resulting retributive military and economic losses inflicted will… <a href="https://t.co/2IHveD16ox">pic.twitter.com/2IHveD16ox</a>&mdash; OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsintTV/status/1979441960009060776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Should a fresh wave of hostilities be triggered, Pakistan would respond much beyond the expectations of the initiators,” he declared. “The resulting retributive military and economic losses inflicted will be much beyond the imagination and calculations of the perpetrators of chaos and instability," he added. Further, he said, "I advise and firmly caution the Indian military leadership that there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment. We will never be intimidated nor coerced by your rhetoric and shall respond decisively beyond proportions to even a minor provocation. The onus of ensuing escalations, one that may ultimately bear catastrophic consequences for the entire region and beyond, will squarely lie with India.”&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-afghans-have-always-been-loyal-to-india-explosions-rock-kabul-within-48-hours-of-pak-minister-vowing-big-action-what-happened-1760061090838"> 'Afghans have always been loyal to India': Explosions rock Kabul within 48 hours of Pak PM 'vowing big action' - What happened</a>&nbsp;Soon after, shifting his aggressive tone, Munir claimed that Pakistan had emerged as a “net regional stabiliser” in a turbulent global landscape. He cited growing partnerships with major powers including China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.He praised Pakistan’s “historic all-weather partnership” with Beijing and lauded US President Donald Trump’s role in pursuing peace in conflict-ridden areas, commending his “strategic leadership.”

Pak Army Chief Asim Munir warned India that Pakistan's growing strike capabilities could "shatter" India’s perceived geographic security. Calling for caution in a "nuclearised environment," he claimed victory over India in May and praised ties with China, the US, and others.

In what can be termed as a provocative speech, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul on Saturday (Oct 18), issued a stern warning to India, saying that Pakistan’s expanding military capabilities could dismantle what he called India’s “misconceived immunity” over its geographic warspace. Issuing his latest threat, the Pakistani army chief warned that any future hostilities could lead to military and economic retaliation far beyond India’s imaginations. Moreover, he placed the responsibility for any potential escalation squarely on India, saying the catastrophic consequences would be India’s burden to bear. Read More | Taliban extends ceasefire despite Pakistan's truce violation; 3 Afghan cricketers killed in airstrike Highlighting that there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment, he cautioned the Indian military against escalation. Referring to India-Pakistan conflict in May this year, and without naming operation Sindoor, Munir falsely claimed that Pakistan had achieved a “clear victory." His statements come even as Pakistan is grappling with deadly clashes with Afghan Taliban and widespread domestic protest against the Pakistani government in major cities. Read More | 'Fighting India's proxy war': Pakistan minister casts doubt on ceasefire with Afghan Taliban, issues anti-India rant

Pak Army Chief Asim Munir warned India that Pakistan's growing strike capabilities could "shatter" India’s perceived geographic security. Calling for caution in a "nuclearised environment," he claimed victory over India in May and praised ties with China, the US, and others.

Asim Munir warns India of 'military and economic losses much beyond imagination' if...

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Friday that the 21st century belongs to India, and the prime minister of the country—whoever that might be four or five decades down the line—could take the mantle of “the leader of the free world” from the president of the United States. In a forthright tone, Abbott presented an analytical overview of India’s ties with the US, China, and Pakistan at the NDTV World Summit 2025 and said only Delhi can check Beijing’s ambitions to “dominate the world”. &nbsp;“They want to be hegemonic power... and this spells trouble for all of China’s neighbours, as well as the world.” India has three big advantages—democracy, the rule of law, and the English language—as it gears up for the economic and military ‘take-off’ accomplished by China a few decades ago, he said.“As PM, I used to say India will emerge as a democratic superpower. Well, now that has happened. The PM of India is likely to be the leader of a free world in the next 40-50 years...”&nbsp;Abbott also called on Delhi to play its role as one of the new superpowers and as a “democratic counterweight” to China in the Asia-Pacific region and a “strong, reliable partner” for Australia. Trade deals, like the one India signed with Australia in 2022 and with the United Kingdom last month, are signs that the democratic world is shifting from China, he opined.&nbsp;“India is a counterweight to China. It is now the most populous country. You go to any Indian city... there is massive infrastructure push—new airports, etc. India is rising and can be a substitute to China.”“The 21st century belongs to India just as it belongs to China,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘At heart, Pakistan is a military society with a strong Islamist streak’</h2>&nbsp;Abbott also shared his views on the growing ties between Washington and Islamabad and bluntly said that America’s fundamental interests lie more in a strong friendship with India than with Pakistan.He took a jab at Trump’s growing ties with the Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan and said, “America’s fundamental interests lie in a strong friendship with India compared to Pakistan. India’s fundamental interests lie in a strong partnership with fellow democracies much less than with dictatorships.”&nbsp;One of the big mistakes that America made during the Cold War was “consistently tilting towards Pakistan, a military dictatorship, as opposed to India, a liberal democracy,” Abbott added, and pointed out that for the last 20 years, the Americans “very sensibly have been trying to rectify that.”&nbsp;“Pakistan cooperated so closely with the US on terrorism that they gave (Osama) Bin Laden a home for the best part of a decade. There are good people in Pakistan, but it is still at heart a military society with a strong Islamist streak. India is totally different. I’m not saying the US should not work with Pakistan where it can. But it needs to know where its better friends are.”&nbsp;WATCH: US: Trump critic Bolton indicted for mishandling classified information<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-trump-critic-bolton-indicted-for-mishandling-classified-information-1760703786012/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-trump-critic-bolton-indicted-for-mishandling-classified-information-1760703786012/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Weakness is provocative,’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Referring to the threat posed to Taiwan by China, Abbot warned all democratic nations not to take Beijing’s aggressive posturing lightly.“The best way to ensure nothing untoward happens is not to pretend that China has peaceful intentions... it is to be prepared (and) to let China know, every day, that it cannot get away with these incursions... weakness is provocative,” the former PM said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Incursion wouldn’t have happened if Ukraine had been in NATO’</h2>&nbsp;Abbott also asserted that the war in Ukraine would not have happened had the country been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and been protected by the military might of the US and Europe.“The Ukrainians have been absolutely heroic. I wish democracies in the world had done more for them... If Ukraine was part of NATO, there would have been no Russian incursion,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Trump misplayed his hand on tariffs with India’</h2>&nbsp;President Donald Trump misplayed his tariff hand with India, said Abbott even as he admitted being Trump supporter. “I think he misplayed his hand with India when he imposed those punitive tariffs... particularly given there are other countries that are cheating here, especially China (which buys more than India), that didn’t get the same treatment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Abbott took a jab at Trump’s growing ties with the Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan and said one of the big mistakes that America made during the Cold War was consistently tilting towards Pakistan, a military dictatorship, as opposed to India, a liberal democracy.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Friday that the 21st century belongs to India, and the prime minister of the country—whoever that might be four or five decades down the line—could take the mantle of “the leader of the free world” from the president of the United States. In a forthright tone, Abbott presented an analytical overview of India’s ties with the US, China, and Pakistan at the NDTV World Summit 2025 and said only Delhi can check Beijing’s ambitions to “dominate the world”. “They want to be hegemonic power... and this spells trouble for all of China’s neighbours, as well as the world.” India has three big advantages—democracy, the rule of law, and the English language—as it gears up for the economic and military ‘take-off’ accomplished by China a few decades ago, he said. “As PM, I used to say India will emerge as a democratic superpower. Well, now that has happened. The PM of India is likely to be the leader of a free world in the next 40-50 years...” Abbott also called on Delhi to play its role as one of the new superpowers and as a “democratic counterweight” to China in the Asia-Pacific region and a “strong, reliable partner” for Australia. Trade deals, like the one India signed with Australia in 2022 and with the United Kingdom last month, are signs that the democratic world is shifting from China, he opined. “India is a counterweight to China. It is now the most populous country. You go to any Indian city... there is massive infrastructure push—new airports, etc. India is rising and can be a substitute to China.” “The 21st century belongs to India just as it belongs to China,” he added. ‘At heart, Pakistan is a military society with a strong Islamist streak’ Abbott also shared his views on the growing ties between Washington and Islamabad and bluntly said that America’s fundamental interests lie more in a strong friendship with India than with Pakistan. He took a jab at Trump’s growing ties with the Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan and said, “America’s fundamental interests lie in a strong friendship with India compared to Pakistan. India’s fundamental interests lie in a strong partnership with fellow democracies much less than with dictatorships.” One of the big mistakes that America made during the Cold War was “consistently tilting towards Pakistan, a military dictatorship, as opposed to India, a liberal democracy,” Abbott added, and pointed out that for the last 20 years, the Americans “very sensibly have been trying to rectify that.” “Pakistan cooperated so closely with the US on terrorism that they gave (Osama) Bin Laden a home for the best part of a decade. There are good people in Pakistan, but it is still at heart a military society with a strong Islamist streak. India is totally different. I’m not saying the US should not work with Pakistan where it can. But it needs to know where its better friends are.” WATCH: US: Trump critic Bolton indicted for mishandling classified information https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-trump-critic-bolton-indicted-for-mishandling-classified-information-1760703786012/embed ‘Weakness is provocative,’ Referring to the threat posed to Taiwan by China, Abbot warned all democratic nations not to take Beijing’s aggressive posturing lightly. “The best way to ensure nothing untoward happens is not to pretend that China has peaceful intentions... it is to be prepared (and) to let China know, every day, that it cannot get away with these incursions... weakness is provocative,” the former PM said. ‘Incursion wouldn’t have happened if Ukraine had been in NATO’ Abbott also asserted that the war in Ukraine would not have happened had the country been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and been protected by the military might of the US and Europe. “The Ukrainians have been absolutely heroic. I wish democracies in the world had done more for them... If Ukraine was part of NATO, there would have been no Russian incursion,” he said. ‘Trump misplayed his hand on tariffs with India’ President Donald Trump misplayed his tariff hand with India, said Abbott even as he admitted being Trump supporter. “I think he misplayed his hand with India when he imposed those punitive tariffs... particularly given there are other countries that are cheating here, especially China (which buys more than India), that didn’t get the same treatment.”

Abbott took a jab at Trump’s growing ties with the Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan and said one of the big mistakes that America made during the Cold War was consistently tilting towards Pakistan, a military dictatorship, as opposed to India, a liberal democracy.

‘Indian PM would be leader of Free World in 40-50 years’: Former PM Tony Abbott

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Islamabad is willing for a permanent ceasefire with Afghanistan but claimed “the ball is in the Taliban’s court”. Sharif said that if Afghanistan wants to resolve the issue and is willing to address Pakistan’s demands in 48 hours, “then we are ready for them.” He also reiterated that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Tensions escalated between Afghanistan and Pakistan for the second time in a week on Wednesday when overnight clashes led to the death of dozens of civilians and troops, but a halt was announced soon after both agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire.&nbsp;The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan claimed that at least 17 people were killed and over 300 were injured in Pakistani strikes in the Spin Boldak region in Kandahar.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-china-vs-the-world-us-will-neither-be-commanded-nor-controlled-says-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-1760543539998">‘It’s China vs. the world’: US will ‘neither be commanded nor controlled,’ says treasury secretary Scott Bessent</a><h2>Truce requested by Kabul, claims Pak; on insistence of Pakistani side, says Afghan</h2>&nbsp;However, after the temporary ceasefire for 48 hours came into force on Wednesday, the Pakistani foreign ministry said that the truce was requested by Kabul. In contrast, Afghan Taliban’s Zabihullah Mujahid said the ceasefire was due to the “insistence of the Pakistani side”.&nbsp;Addressing the federal cabinet on Thursday after the latest round of conflict, Shehbaz Sharif said that the Afghan side had requested a ceasefire and made a formal request. “Yesterday we decided the temporary 48-hour ceasefire [and] the message has been sent that if they want to fulfil our justified conditions through talks, then we are ready. The ball is in their court.”&nbsp;"If in 48 hours they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them," Sharif said, reiterating that the Pakistani Taliban should be eliminated and that Afghan territory not be used to plot attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-peace-comes-through-strength-hegseth-warns-russia-of-costs-if-ukraine-war-does-not-end-1760552646712">‘Peace comes through strength’: Hegseth warns Russia of ‘costs’ if Ukraine war does not end</a><h2>Pakistan facing resurgence of attacks on its security forces</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP)—the Pakistani Taliban—and its affiliates.&nbsp;Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan is a safe haven for the terror outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which plans attacks on Pakistani soil. Afghanistan denies the allegations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-fight-against-terror-will-continue-with-full-force-says-netanyahu-at-oct-7-memorial-1760623627618">Israel’s fight against terror will ‘continue with full force,’ says Netanyahu at Oct. 7 memorial</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, the Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty.&nbsp;Tensions spiked last week when explosions rocked Afghan territory, including the capital, which Taliban officials blamed on Pakistan. &nbsp;The blasts occurred while Afghanistan’s foreign minister was on a diplomatic visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival.Afghan Taliban forces launched an offensive near the border in response.&nbsp;WATCH: Russia-Ukraine: Zelensky-Trump To Meet On Future Of War<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-zelensky-trump-to-meet-on-future-of-war-1760630004717/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-zelensky-trump-to-meet-on-future-of-war-1760630004717/embed</a>&nbsp;

While Islamabad says Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks on its soil, Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Islamabad is willing for a permanent ceasefire with Afghanistan but claimed “the ball is in the Taliban’s court”. Sharif said that if Afghanistan wants to resolve the issue and is willing to address Pakistan’s demands in 48 hours, “then we are ready for them.” He also reiterated that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Tensions escalated between Afghanistan and Pakistan for the second time in a week on Wednesday when overnight clashes led to the death of dozens of civilians and troops, but a halt was announced soon after both agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan claimed that at least 17 people were killed and over 300 were injured in Pakistani strikes in the Spin Boldak region in Kandahar. Also Read: ‘It’s China vs. the world’: US will ‘neither be commanded nor controlled,’ says treasury secretary Scott Bessent Truce requested by Kabul, claims Pak; on insistence of Pakistani side, says Afghan However, after the temporary ceasefire for 48 hours came into force on Wednesday, the Pakistani foreign ministry said that the truce was requested by Kabul. In contrast, Afghan Taliban’s Zabihullah Mujahid said the ceasefire was due to the “insistence of the Pakistani side”. Addressing the federal cabinet on Thursday after the latest round of conflict, Shehbaz Sharif said that the Afghan side had requested a ceasefire and made a formal request. “Yesterday we decided the temporary 48-hour ceasefire [and] the message has been sent that if they want to fulfil our justified conditions through talks, then we are ready. The ball is in their court.” "If in 48 hours they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them," Sharif said, reiterating that the Pakistani Taliban should be eliminated and that Afghan territory not be used to plot attacks. Also Read: ‘Peace comes through strength’: Hegseth warns Russia of ‘costs’ if Ukraine war does not end Pakistan facing resurgence of attacks on its security forces Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP)—the Pakistani Taliban—and its affiliates. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan is a safe haven for the terror outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which plans attacks on Pakistani soil. Afghanistan denies the allegations. Also Read: Israel’s fight against terror will ‘continue with full force,’ says Netanyahu at Oct. 7 memorial On the other hand, the Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty. Tensions spiked last week when explosions rocked Afghan territory, including the capital, which Taliban officials blamed on Pakistan. The blasts occurred while Afghanistan’s foreign minister was on a diplomatic visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. Afghan Taliban forces launched an offensive near the border in response. WATCH: Russia-Ukraine: Zelensky-Trump To Meet On Future Of War https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-zelensky-trump-to-meet-on-future-of-war-1760630004717/embed

While Islamabad says Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks on its soil, Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says ‘ball in Taliban’s court’ for permanent Afghan truce

Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes are once again escalating this week, as tensions rise between Islamabad and the Taliban government. At least 250 people have reportedly been killed in the most recent clashes, with Afghanistan claiming 58 Pakistani soldiers dead and 25 border posts captured—though independent verification is limited. At the heart of this ongoing conflict lies a colonial legacy: the Durand Line—an arbitrary border drawn by the British Empire. More than a century later, this line continues to divide communities, fuel violence, and define a bitter geopolitical rivalry in South Asia.<h2>What is the Durand Line?</h2>The Durand Line, a 2,640-kilometre frontier extending from the Iranian border in the west to the Chinese frontier in the east, cuts across traditional Pashtun tribal areas now split between Pakistan and Afghanistan.The line was drawn in 1893 during the "Great Game"—the geopolitical contest between the British Empire and Tsarist Russia over control of Central Asia. The agreement was signed between British Indian Foreign Secretary Sir Mortimer Durand and Afghan Emir Abdur Rahman Khan.Its purpose was to define ‘spheres of influence’, not to serve as a permanent international border. Nevertheless, it became a lasting and contentious Pakistan-Afghanistan boundary that still divides the region today.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-heavy-clashes-at-afghanistan-pakistan-border-as-taliban-forces-retaliate-days-after-pak-strikes-on-kabul-1760207719094">‘Heavy clashes’ at Afghanistan-Pakistan border as Taliban forces retaliate days after Pak strikes</a><h2>How the Durand Line separates Afghan tribes across two countries</h2>The Durand Line artificially divided major tribal groups, especially the Pashtuns and Baloch, with no regard for their centuries-old historical, cultural, linguistic, or familial ties. For many Afghans, it is a stark symbol of Britain’s “divide and rule” colonial policy, imposed to secure imperial interests rather than reflect the realities on the ground.Afghan governments have never ratified the demarcation, viewing it as an unequal and coerced arrangement. The 1919 Treaty of Rawalpindi, signed after the Third Anglo-Afghan War, gave Afghanistan full independence in foreign affairs. Although the British reaffirmed the Durand Line in this treaty, Afghanistan never accepted it as a permanent border.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-pakistan-border-clashes-taliban-stands-in-support-of-tlp-over-lawful-protest-details-inside-1760373968541">Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes: Taliban stands in support of TLP over ‘lawful protest’. Details inside</a><h2>Pakistan inherited the Durand Line—and its disputes</h2>When Pakistan was formed in 1947, it inherited the Durand Line from British India. The line was recognised internationally, including by the United Nations.However, every Afghan government since then—monarchist, republican, communist, mujahideen, and Taliban—has rejected the Durand Line. It is seen as a colonial relic that divided the Afghan nation and turned many tribal Afghans into "foreigners" within their own homeland.This unresolved border remains a source of instability, cross-border militancy, and refugee flows.<h2>Border fencing and recent clashes</h2>To control the frontier, Pakistan has fenced nearly 98 per cent of the border. But Afghanistan views the fencing as illegitimate, even as several parts of the border remain porous, allowing militant groups to move across.The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), for example, is alleged by Pakistan to operate from Afghan territory. In 2025, Pakistan reported at least 17 infiltration attempts, resulting in 202 fatalities.The current clashes erupted after Pakistani airstrikes on alleged TTP hideouts, triggering Taliban reprisals. Similar incidents occurred in 2024 (16 clashes) and early 2025 (12 clashes), displacing thousands, according to United Nations estimates.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shehbaz-sharif-stokes-trump-s-ego-with-nobel-nod-as-pakistan-burns-within-1760464579318/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/shehbaz-sharif-stokes-trump-s-ego-with-nobel-nod-as-pakistan-burns-within-1760464579318/embed</a><h2>Leaders often invoke the Durand Line to fuel nationalism</h2>Political and military leaders on both sides frequently use the Durand Line to stir nationalist sentiments.Taliban officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai and Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub, have labelled the line “imaginary” and “unacceptable”. Former President Hamid Karzai said Pakistan pressured him to recognise the line during his presidency.On the Pakistani side, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi insists the border is settled and essential for national security. Yet even former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is Pashtun himself, has publicly questioned the legitimacy of the Durand Line, reflecting divisions within Pakistan.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-afghan-clashes-erupts-again-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-why-are-these-neighbours-exchanging-deadliest-fire-in-years-1760492638499">Pakistan-Afghan Taliban clashes erupt again in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Why are these neighbours exchanging deadliest fire in years</a><h2>A lasting strain on Afghanistan–Pakistan relations</h2>The Durand Line remains unresolved, straining diplomatic ties and enabling militant movements on both sides.More than a territorial line, it represents contested identity, sovereignty, and resistance—and a symbol of colonial injustice. Without dialogue, the Durand Line may continue to divide not only land, but lives.

Here is how the Durand Line, a colonial-era border drawn by the British and Tsarist Russia between what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan, continues to fuel conflict, tribal divisions, and militancy due to its disputed status and geopolitical legacy.


Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes are once again escalating this week, as tensions rise between Islamabad and the Taliban government. At least 250 people have reportedly been killed in the most recent clashes, with Afghanistan claiming 58 Pakistani soldiers dead and 25 border posts captured—though independent verification is limited. At the heart of this ongoing conflict lies a colonial legacy: the Durand Line—an arbitrary border drawn by the British Empire. More than a century later, this line continues to divide communities, fuel violence, and define a bitter geopolitical rivalry in South Asia. What is the Durand Line? The Durand Line, a 2,640-kilometre frontier extending from the Iranian border in the west to the Chinese frontier in the east, cuts across traditional Pashtun tribal areas now split between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The line was drawn in 1893 during the "Great Game"—the geopolitical contest between the British Empire and Tsarist Russia over control of Central Asia. The agreement was signed between British Indian Foreign Secretary Sir Mortimer Durand and Afghan Emir Abdur Rahman Khan. Its purpose was to define ‘spheres of influence’, not to serve as a permanent international border. Nevertheless, it became a lasting and contentious Pakistan-Afghanistan boundary that still divides the region today. Also read: ‘Heavy clashes’ at Afghanistan-Pakistan border as Taliban forces retaliate days after Pak strikes How the Durand Line separates Afghan tribes across two countries The Durand Line artificially divided major tribal groups, especially the Pashtuns and Baloch, with no regard for their centuries-old historical, cultural, linguistic, or familial ties. For many Afghans, it is a stark symbol of Britain’s “divide and rule” colonial policy, imposed to secure imperial interests rather than reflect the realities on the ground. Afghan governments have never ratified the demarcation, viewing it as an unequal and coerced arrangement. The 1919 Treaty of Rawalpindi, signed after the Third Anglo-Afghan War, gave Afghanistan full independence in foreign affairs. Although the British reaffirmed the Durand Line in this treaty, Afghanistan never accepted it as a permanent border. Also read: Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes: Taliban stands in support of TLP over ‘lawful protest’. Details inside Pakistan inherited the Durand Line—and its disputes When Pakistan was formed in 1947, it inherited the Durand Line from British India. The line was recognised internationally, including by the United Nations. However, every Afghan government since then—monarchist, republican, communist, mujahideen, and Taliban—has rejected the Durand Line. It is seen as a colonial relic that divided the Afghan nation and turned many tribal Afghans into "foreigners" within their own homeland. This unresolved border remains a source of instability, cross-border militancy, and refugee flows. Border fencing and recent clashes To control the frontier, Pakistan has fenced nearly 98 per cent of the border. But Afghanistan views the fencing as illegitimate, even as several parts of the border remain porous, allowing militant groups to move across. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), for example, is alleged by Pakistan to operate from Afghan territory. In 2025, Pakistan reported at least 17 infiltration attempts, resulting in 202 fatalities. The current clashes erupted after Pakistani airstrikes on alleged TTP hideouts, triggering Taliban reprisals. Similar incidents occurred in 2024 (16 clashes) and early 2025 (12 clashes), displacing thousands, according to United Nations estimates. https://www.wionews.com/videos/shehbaz-sharif-stokes-trump-s-ego-with-nobel-nod-as-pakistan-burns-within-1760464579318/embed Leaders often invoke the Durand Line to fuel nationalism Political and military leaders on both sides frequently use the Durand Line to stir nationalist sentiments. Taliban officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai and Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub, have labelled the line “imaginary” and “unacceptable”. Former President Hamid Karzai said Pakistan pressured him to recognise the line during his presidency. On the Pakistani side, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi insists the border is settled and essential for national security. Yet even former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is Pashtun himself, has publicly questioned the legitimacy of the Durand Line, reflecting divisions within Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan-Afghan Taliban clashes erupt again in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Why are these neighbours exchanging deadliest fire in years A lasting strain on Afghanistan–Pakistan relations The Durand Line remains unresolved, straining diplomatic ties and enabling militant movements on both sides. More than a territorial line, it represents contested identity, sovereignty, and resistance—and a symbol of colonial injustice. Without dialogue, the Durand Line may continue to divide not only land, but lives.

Here is how the Durand Line, a colonial-era border drawn by the British and Tsarist Russia between what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan, continues to fuel conflict, tribal divisions, and militancy due to its disputed status and geopolitical legacy.

Pakistan vs Afghanistan border clash: Durand Line, an unfinished legacy of British colonialism, still festers and causes rivalry

The Chief Minister of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday announced that he was resigning from office on the instructions given by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, local media reported.While announcing the decision, Gandapur said that he would "fully support the new Chief Minister" and continue working for the province under the guidance of PTI's leadership, Pakistan's leading media outlet Samaa TV reported.&nbsp;"I am resigning from the chief ministership on the orders of the founder of PTI. I will fully support the new CM in every way possible," Gandapur was quoted as saying by the provincial media. The decision comes after internal discussions happened within the PTI leadership, which recently decided to make changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's provincial administration to strengthen government and in line with objectives of the party.&nbsp;Party sources have indicated that Imran Khan personally asked Gandapur to resign to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership and ensure that PTI's provincial government continues to function with stability and focus. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has said that Sohail Afridi has been nominated as new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM. He said that PTI founder had asked Gandapur to step down, saying that the decision was in his own best interest, Pakistan-based The News International reported. "We expect Sohail Afridi to guide and advise the federal government on these matters," said Raja.&nbsp;The development comes amid reports of internal rifts within PTI as Gandapur and Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan recently levelled allegations against each other. In order to reduce tensions, Imran Khan instructed Gandapur and Aleema Khan to not make public remarks, The News International reported. Earlier, Gandapur had warned Imran Khan about "vloggers" trying to create divisions in the PTI and promoting Aleema Khan as party's chairperson and even PM.&nbsp;In a video message shared on social media, Gandapur alleged that Aleema Khan failed to control vloggers and actively backed their campaign. He said that he conveyed to Imran Khan that columnist Hafeezullah Niazi, a relative of Imran Khan, was writing articles portraying Aleema Khan as PTI chairperson and PM.&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.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur resigns on Imran Khan's directive

The Chief Minister of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday announced that he was resigning from office on the instructions given by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, local media reported. While announcing the decision, Gandapur said that he would "fully support the new Chief Minister" and continue working for the province under the guidance of PTI's leadership, Pakistan's leading media outlet Samaa TV reported. "I am resigning from the chief ministership on the orders of the founder of PTI. I will fully support the new CM in every way possible," Gandapur was quoted as saying by the provincial media. The decision comes after internal discussions happened within the PTI leadership, which recently decided to make changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's provincial administration to strengthen government and in line with objectives of the party. Party sources have indicated that Imran Khan personally asked Gandapur to resign to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership and ensure that PTI's provincial government continues to function with stability and focus. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has said that Sohail Afridi has been nominated as new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM. He said that PTI founder had asked Gandapur to step down, saying that the decision was in his own best interest, Pakistan-based The News International reported. "We expect Sohail Afridi to guide and advise the federal government on these matters," said Raja. The development comes amid reports of internal rifts within PTI as Gandapur and Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan recently levelled allegations against each other. In order to reduce tensions, Imran Khan instructed Gandapur and Aleema Khan to not make public remarks, The News International reported. Earlier, Gandapur had warned Imran Khan about "vloggers" trying to create divisions in the PTI and promoting Aleema Khan as party's chairperson and even PM. In a video message shared on social media, Gandapur alleged that Aleema Khan failed to control vloggers and actively backed their campaign. He said that he conveyed to Imran Khan that columnist Hafeezullah Niazi, a relative of Imran Khan, was writing articles portraying Aleema Khan as PTI chairperson and PM. 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.

While announcing the decision, Gandapur said that he would 'fully support the new chief minister' and continue working for the province under the guidance of PTI's leadership

Pakistan’s Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made fresh claims lauding the performance of Chinese weaponry used by the country in the cross-border firing with India. On the intervening night between May 6 and 7, India launched a retaliatory attack in Pakistan and PoK. It was during this 4-day conflict that Islamabad deployed J-10Cs and&nbsp;PL-15 missiles, and now, the ISPR chief was seen singing praises during an interview with news outlet Bloomberg, “Of course lately, recent Chinese platforms, they’ve demonstrated exceptionally well. We are open to all sorts of technology.”&nbsp;"As far as air defence part is concerned, we have evidence of one long-range strike...along with that five fighters, high-tech fighters between F-16 and JF-17 class, our system tells us," Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh told reporters at the Indian Air Force annual day and as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;<h2>Launch of Op Sindoor</h2>&nbsp;India’s precision strikes came after the country did not take any action against the terrorist outfits operating on its soil. On April 22, terrorist group The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, orchestrated a dastardly attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives. During the initial Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikaram Misri had mentioned it was after a fortnight of inaction that forced New Delhi to take the step.<h2>Chinese HQ-9 suffered heavy damage</h2>&nbsp;A day after India launched Operation Sindoor, the armed forces have downed Pakistan’s air defence units of HQ-9. Citing sources, news agency ANI reported that Pakistan's air defence missile launchers have been damaged heavily. Though Pakistan continued to stick to the brief, where it announced its victory as a ceasefire was in place between the two nuclear-armed nations. A telephonic conversation between the DGMOs led to the pause in the cross-border firing. But Islamabad credits US President Donald Trump for brokering peace, and yet celebrates it as a victory. Even the country’s Independence Day celebration was all about their ‘victory’ in the 4-day war with India.

A day after India launched Operation Sindoor, the armed forces have downed Pakistan’s air defence units of HQ-9. 

Pakistan’s Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made fresh claims lauding the performance of Chinese weaponry used by the country in the cross-border firing with India. On the intervening night between May 6 and 7, India launched a retaliatory attack in Pakistan and PoK. It was during this 4-day conflict that Islamabad deployed J-10Cs and PL-15 missiles, and now, the ISPR chief was seen singing praises during an interview with news outlet Bloomberg, “Of course lately, recent Chinese platforms, they’ve demonstrated exceptionally well. We are open to all sorts of technology.” "As far as air defence part is concerned, we have evidence of one long-range strike...along with that five fighters, high-tech fighters between F-16 and JF-17 class, our system tells us," Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh told reporters at the Indian Air Force annual day and as quoted by news agency Reuters. Launch of Op Sindoor India’s precision strikes came after the country did not take any action against the terrorist outfits operating on its soil. On April 22, terrorist group The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, orchestrated a dastardly attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives. During the initial Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikaram Misri had mentioned it was after a fortnight of inaction that forced New Delhi to take the step. Chinese HQ-9 suffered heavy damage A day after India launched Operation Sindoor, the armed forces have downed Pakistan’s air defence units of HQ-9. Citing sources, news agency ANI reported that Pakistan's air defence missile launchers have been damaged heavily. Though Pakistan continued to stick to the brief, where it announced its victory as a ceasefire was in place between the two nuclear-armed nations. A telephonic conversation between the DGMOs led to the pause in the cross-border firing. But Islamabad credits US President Donald Trump for brokering peace, and yet celebrates it as a victory. Even the country’s Independence Day celebration was all about their ‘victory’ in the 4-day war with India.

A day after India launched Operation Sindoor, the armed forces have downed Pakistan’s air defence units of HQ-9.&nbsp;

Despite heavy damage in India's Operation Sindoor, Pak DG ISPR lauds Chinese weapon for exceptional performance

An explosion struck the Jaffar Express the Jaffar Express near Sultan Kot, between Shikarpur and Jacobabad, close to the Sindh–Balochistan border on Tuesday (Oct 7), derailing as many as six coaches of the Quetta-bound passenger train. The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for the remote-controlled IED attack. The explosion targeted Pakistani Army personnel aboard. BRG stated such attacks will continue until Balochistan gains independence. Authorities confirmed that 270 people were on board the train at the time of the incident. This marks the second explosion in the same vicinity within just 10 hours, underscoring a troubling surge in attacks on Pakistan’s railway infrastructure.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇵🇰 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 | Remote controlled IED attack on Jaffer Express near the Sindh-Balochistan border. The train was en route to Quetta. Reports indicate multiple injuries; rescue operations are underway. Baloch Republican Guards(BRG) has taken responsibility. <a href="https://t.co/HG1avsrPjp">pic.twitter.com/HG1avsrPjp</a>&mdash; Conflict Monitor (@ConflictMoniter) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConflictMoniter/status/1975440573776740492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Security personnel and local police swiftly responded to the blast site, promptly moving the injured to a nearby medical facility. Rail operations on the affected section have been halted and will remain suspended until repairs are made and the area is declared safe. Officials believe an IED was planted on the railway track in the Spizend area, causing serious damage as the Quetta-bound train passed over it.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-s-jaffar-express-derails-after-blast-hit-tracks-in-balochistan-rescue-ops-underway-what-we-know-so-far-1758644954578">Pakistan's Jaffar Express derails after blast hit tracks in Balochistan, rescue ops underway - What we know so far</a>&nbsp;Earlier on Sep 23, similar explosion struck the Jaffar Express. The explosion hit its track in Mastung’s Dasht area of Balochistan, overturning multiple coaches. In March 2025, terrorists hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district, killing 21 passengers before security forces launched a clearance operation. The attackers detonated explosives and used hostages, including women and children, as human shields.&nbsp;&nbsp;The mastermind, Gul Rahman alias Ustad Mureed of the BLA’s Majeed Brigade, was reportedly killed in Afghanistan’s Helmand province in September. Pakistan claims his death reinforces its assertions of terrorist safe havens across the Afghan border and India's support for Baloch insurgents, referring to them as "Fitna al-Hindustan."&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/baloch-liberation-army-releases-video-of-jaffar-express-hijack-punctures-pakistan-s-claims-1747665385608">Safe passage to women, children: Baloch Liberation Army releases video of Jaffar Express hijack, punctures Pakistan's claims</a>

A remote-controlled IED blast hit the Jaffar Express near Sultan Kot on Oct 7, derailing several coaches. The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility, saying the attack targeted Pakistani Army personnel. BRG vowed to continue such operations for Balochistan’s independence.

An explosion struck the Jaffar Express the Jaffar Express near Sultan Kot, between Shikarpur and Jacobabad, close to the Sindh–Balochistan border on Tuesday (Oct 7), derailing as many as six coaches of the Quetta-bound passenger train. The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for the remote-controlled IED attack. The explosion targeted Pakistani Army personnel aboard. BRG stated such attacks will continue until Balochistan gains independence. Authorities confirmed that 270 people were on board the train at the time of the incident. This marks the second explosion in the same vicinity within just 10 hours, underscoring a troubling surge in attacks on Pakistan’s railway infrastructure.

A remote-controlled IED blast hit the Jaffar Express near Sultan Kot on Oct 7, derailing several coaches. The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility, saying the attack targeted Pakistani Army personnel. BRG vowed to continue such operations for Balochistan’s independence.

Jaffar Express attacked for 7th time: Explosion derails 6 coaches, Baloch Republican Guards claim responsibility

India has once again taken a firm stance against Pakistan at the United Nations, during a Security Council debate focused on women, peace, and security. In his speech, India’s permanent representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Pakistan of continuing its ‘delusional tirades’ against India, particularly regarding Jammu and Kashmir. Harish remarked that Pakistan’s unrelenting claims over Kashmir were baseless and urged the international community to see through Pakistan’s manipulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also condemned Islamabad for its dismal record on women’s rights, highlighting the country's historical violations. "Pakistan’s claims are an exercise in hyperbole, designed to mislead the world,” Harish said. He referred to Pakistan’s 1971 military operation, Operation Searchlight, as an example of Pakistan’s disregard for human rights, citing the systematic genocide and mass rape of over 400,000 women by Pakistani forces during the operation.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<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 the UNSC Open Debate on Women Peace and Security, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish says, &quot;Every year, we are unfortunately fated to listen to the delusional tirade of Pakistan against my country, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, the… <a href="https://t.co/KngC3ku98O">pic.twitter.com/KngC3ku98O</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1975353360430866834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Indian diplomat’s remarks came in response to a speech by Pakistan’s counsellor at the UN, Saima Saleem, who discussed the suffering of Kashmiri women under Indian rule. Saleem claimed that sexual violence in Kashmir has been used as a weapon of war for decades, and emphasised the role of international organisations such as Human Rights Watch in documenting these alleged violations. Saleem also argued that excluding Kashmiri women from the women, peace, and security agenda undermines the legitimacy of the UN’s work, as the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is a central issue for the Security Council.<h2>What was Operation Searchlight?</h2>Operation Searchlight was a military operation conducted by the Pakistani Army in 1971, aimed at quelling the independence movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The operation resulted in the deaths of between 300,000 to 3,000,000 people, with reports of mass sexual violence and systemic rape affecting up to 400,000 women. The atrocities of Operation Searchlight prompted millions of refugees to flee to neighbouring India, which intervened militarily in support of East Pakistan’s independence, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.<h2>India’s rebuke of Pakistan’s PM at UN</h2>This latest verbal exchange comes after India sharply criticised Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the UN General Assembly. Sharif presented wrong facts regarding Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's supposed victory during the May standoff between the two countries.

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the UN, slamming its hypocrisy on women’s rights and reiterating Kashmir’s status as Indian territory during a UNSC debate

India has once again taken a firm stance against Pakistan at the United Nations, during a Security Council debate focused on women, peace, and security. In his speech, India’s permanent representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Pakistan of continuing its ‘delusional tirades’ against India, particularly regarding Jammu and Kashmir. Harish remarked that Pakistan’s unrelenting claims over Kashmir were baseless and urged the international community to see through Pakistan’s manipulation. He also condemned Islamabad for its dismal record on women’s rights, highlighting the country's historical violations. "Pakistan’s claims are an exercise in hyperbole, designed to mislead the world,” Harish said. He referred to Pakistan’s 1971 military operation, Operation Searchlight, as an example of Pakistan’s disregard for human rights, citing the systematic genocide and mass rape of over 400,000 women by Pakistani forces during the operation. Watch the video here

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the UN, slamming its hypocrisy on women’s rights and reiterating Kashmir’s status as Indian territory during a UNSC debate

'Every year, the same tired...': India fires back at Pakistan at United Nations over remarks on Kashmir and women's rights

India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday (Oct 6), said that he doesn't want to talk about Pakistan's future. His comments were in reference of the old 'jelly state' remark by former Rajya Sabha MP MJ Akbar. Recently, India and Pakistan had exchanged hostilities in the month of May earlier this year after India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) on April 22. India, in response, made precision strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, targeting terrorist hideouts.<h2>Rajnath says Pak's future 'uncertain'</h2>The Defence Minister was attending an event on the sidelines of which he made the comments about Pakistan's current state of affairs.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-are-17-new-reforms-and-rules-for-bihar-state-assembly-polls-dates-announced-by-election-commission-gyanesh-kumar-1759757151497">Election Commission announces 17 new reforms for Bihar polls</a>“Considering Pakistan’s current state, only the Almighty knows what the future holds for it. I don’t want to talk about the future," Rajnath Singh said. He also spoke about India in comparison and cited various reforms brought in by the government which have made India the fourth largest economy in the world.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">No one knows the future of Pakistan, says Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/Ty3NOdazZ7">pic.twitter.com/Ty3NOdazZ7</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1975173179493716333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"If you look at some South Asian countries, you will realise how stable India is," the Defence Minister remarked.<h2>Operation Sindoor and its impact</h2>India called the strikes against Pakistan Operation Sindoor, and the exercise was only paused when the ceasefire was announced between the two countries following the three-day exchange of hostilities. Ever since, India has reiterated its stance of no tolerance towards cross-border terrorism and has warned Pakistan that Operation Sindoor has only been paused and not stopped.The two nations have exchanged various statements on damages caused in the conflict with Pakistan mainly fueling its propaganda through unverified statements, including downing the French-made Indian Rafale jets.India, on the other hand, has provided proof of the damage done in strikes across various cities in PoK and Pakistan.

Recently, India and Pakistan had exchanged hostilities in the month of May earlier this year after India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on April 22.

India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday (Oct 6), said that he doesn't want to talk about Pakistan's future. His comments were in reference of the old 'jelly state' remark by former Rajya Sabha MP MJ Akbar. Recently, India and Pakistan had exchanged hostilities in the month of May earlier this year after India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on April 22. India, in response, made precision strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, targeting terrorist hideouts. Rajnath says Pak's future 'uncertain' The Defence Minister was attending an event on the sidelines of which he made the comments about Pakistan's current state of affairs. Also Read - Election Commission announces 17 new reforms for Bihar polls “Considering Pakistan’s current state, only the Almighty knows what the future holds for it. I don’t want to talk about the future," Rajnath Singh said. He also spoke about India in comparison and cited various reforms brought in by the government which have made India the fourth largest economy in the world.

Recently, India and Pakistan had exchanged hostilities in the month of May earlier this year after India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) on April 22.

'Only Almighty knows...:' India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refuses to talk about Pakistan's future

Days after US President Donald Trump praised the Pakistani leadership for supporting the Gaza peace deal, Islamabad has denied backing his ‘20-point’ proposal to end the Israel-Hamas war. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has now said that the 20-point Gaza plan that Trump announced this week was not in line with the draft proposed by a group of Muslim-majority countries in Washington. “Changes were made in the plan,” Dar told Pakistani lawmakers in parliament on Friday.&nbsp;“I have made it clear that these 20 points, which Trump has made public, are not ours. These are not the same as ours. I say that some changes have been made in it, in the draft we had.”&nbsp;<h2>Trump heaped praise on Pakistan in presser with Netanyahu</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan's deputy PM Dar made the remarks after Pakistan’s support for Trump’s peace plan attracted massive outrage at home. Trump’s proposal mandated the Hamas group to disarm. It proposes that Gaza would be run by a “Board of Peace” chaired by the Trump himself.It also lays out terms for Israel’s withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave in phases, the swapping of hostages, and the reconstruction of Gaza, the bill of which would be footed by Arab states.&nbsp;Announcing his plan in a presser with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu last week, Trump claimed that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were behind it “100 per cent”.&nbsp;After Trump announced the plan, PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed it.“I am also convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region,” Sharif said in a post on X on Sunday night.&nbsp;WATCH: Trump's Gaza Plan: Hamas Delays as Deadline Approaches for Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-gaza-plan-hamas-delays-as-deadline-approaches-for-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-1759495847054/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-gaza-plan-hamas-delays-as-deadline-approaches-for-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-1759495847054/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Trump plan backing sparked outrage in Pakistan</h2>&nbsp;However, Pakistani politicians, analysts, journalists, and activists criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s endorsement of the Trump plan and termed it a “surrender”, said a report in Dawn newspaper.Former diplomat Abdul Basit said, “This is a complete surrender by the Muslim world. They can’t even mention a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”Allama Raja Nasir, leader of Pakistan’s Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) party, called Trump’s plan a “flawed and unjust proposal that disregards the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people”.&nbsp;<h2>PM Sharif accused of ‘pleasing Washington’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Social media users accused the PM Shehbaz Sharif of “pleasing Washington”, “undermining Pakistan’s stance on Palestine”, and even “legitimising Israel in a single tweet”.&nbsp;On September 30, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan issued a joint statement, endorsing Trump’s Gaza peace plan.&nbsp;Hamas is yet to respond to the proposal, which now risks collapsing over the renewed demands over its content.&nbsp;Intelligence sources said Pakistan is likely to send a message to the Hamas leadership, encouraging them to reject the plan.

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar made the remarks after Pakistan’s support for Trump’s peace plan attracted massive outrage at home. Trump’s proposal mandated the Hamas group to disarm. It also lays out terms for the swapping of hostages, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Days after US President Donald Trump praised the Pakistani leadership for supporting the Gaza peace deal, Islamabad has denied backing his ‘20-point’ proposal to end the Israel-Hamas war. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has now said that the 20-point Gaza plan that Trump announced this week was not in line with the draft proposed by a group of Muslim-majority countries in Washington. “Changes were made in the plan,” Dar told Pakistani lawmakers in parliament on Friday. “I have made it clear that these 20 points, which Trump has made public, are not ours. These are not the same as ours. I say that some changes have been made in it, in the draft we had.” Trump heaped praise on Pakistan in presser with Netanyahu Pakistan's deputy PM Dar made the remarks after Pakistan’s support for Trump’s peace plan attracted massive outrage at home. Trump’s proposal mandated the Hamas group to disarm. It proposes that Gaza would be run by a “Board of Peace” chaired by the Trump himself. It also lays out terms for Israel’s withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave in phases, the swapping of hostages, and the reconstruction of Gaza, the bill of which would be footed by Arab states. Announcing his plan in a presser with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu last week, Trump claimed that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were behind it “100 per cent”. After Trump announced the plan, PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed it. “I am also convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region,” Sharif said in a post on X on Sunday night. WATCH: Trump's Gaza Plan: Hamas Delays as Deadline Approaches for Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-gaza-plan-hamas-delays-as-deadline-approaches-for-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-1759495847054/embed Trump plan backing sparked outrage in Pakistan However, Pakistani politicians, analysts, journalists, and activists criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s endorsement of the Trump plan and termed it a “surrender”, said a report in Dawn newspaper. Former diplomat Abdul Basit said, “This is a complete surrender by the Muslim world. They can’t even mention a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” Allama Raja Nasir, leader of Pakistan’s Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) party, called Trump’s plan a “flawed and unjust proposal that disregards the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people”. PM Sharif accused of ‘pleasing Washington’ Social media users accused the PM Shehbaz Sharif of “pleasing Washington”, “undermining Pakistan’s stance on Palestine”, and even “legitimising Israel in a single tweet”. On September 30, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan issued a joint statement, endorsing Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Hamas is yet to respond to the proposal, which now risks collapsing over the renewed demands over its content. Intelligence sources said Pakistan is likely to send a message to the Hamas leadership, encouraging them to reject the plan.

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar made the remarks after Pakistan’s support for Trump’s peace plan attracted massive outrage at home. Trump’s proposal mandated the Hamas group to disarm. It also lays out terms for the swapping of hostages, and the reconstruction of Gaza.&nbsp;

Days after Trump praise, Pak ditches him, claims it backed different version of Gaza Plan, changes made

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi issued a fierce warning to Pakistan on Friday and said the neighbour must stop state-sponsored terrorism or its very existence will be in danger. In the dire warning, General Dwivedi said, if provoked again, India will show no restraint as it did during Operation Sindoor 1.0. “If Pakistan wants to retain its place in world history and geography, it must stop state-sponsored terrorism. We will not show any restraint this time as we did during Operation Sindoor 1.0 and will go a step ahead if provoked again,” the Army chief said at an event in Rajasthan. “It is possible that we will hit it so hard that Pakistan will be compelled to rethink if it wants to retain its place in history and geography or not,” he added.&nbsp;General Dwivedi further asked the Indian troops to stay prepared, saying they may get another opportunity to unleash their firepower soon. “Please be fully prepared. God willing, you will get another opportunity very soon. All the best for it. Jai Hind,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Anupgarh, Rajasthan: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says, &quot;This time we will not maintain the restraint that we did in Operation Sindoor 1.0... this time we will do something that Pakistan will have to think whether it wants to be in Geography or not. If… <a href="https://t.co/YXoHUL7xKv">pic.twitter.com/YXoHUL7xKv</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1974038794773877146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The army chief also said that India exposed terrorist hideouts in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and that they would have remained concealed from the world otherwise.&nbsp;During Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on May 7, destroying nine terror launchpads and killed over 100 terrorists in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and deep inside Pakistan’s mainland in retaliation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in which Pakistani terrorists killed 26 innocent civilians in the tourist hotspot.&nbsp;India’s May 7 military action rattled Pakistan to the core and its military launched drone and missile attacks in the following 2-3 days, targeting India’s military as well as civilian locations. However, the Indian forces thwarted the Pakistani attacks, and prevented any damage to the country’s key installations, including civilian locations.The hostilities came to a halt on May 10 after the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan called his Indian counterpart and pleaded for a ceasefire.&nbsp;General Dwivedi’s statement gains significance, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned Pakistan that Operation Sindoor is still underway and that any future provocation will invite an even stronger reply.&nbsp;WATCH: Pakistan Protests: Mass Protest in Karachi Targets Pakistani Government<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-protests-mass-protest-in-karachi-targets-pakistani-government-1759492212857/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-protests-mass-protest-in-karachi-targets-pakistani-government-1759492212857/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>4-5 Pak fighter jets were reduced to rubble: Air Force Chief</h2>&nbsp;The stern warning by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) came hours after Air Force (IAF) chief AP Singh disclosed that 4-5 Pakistani fighter jets, including US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s were reduced to rubble during the India-Pakistan hostilities in May.Speaking at the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations, the IAF chief also dismissed claims about Indian jets being destroyed, and termed them “manohar kahaniyan” (fascinating tales) by Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The success of Operation Sindoor marks a decisive strike against those who sponsor terror. Do watch Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s briefing on how the operation inflicted heavy losses on Pakistan’s defence infrastructure and assets.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a>… <a href="https://t.co/hr10c0DxZt">pic.twitter.com/hr10c0DxZt</a>&mdash; Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/PandaJay/status/1974093946604404986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He said that the 300 km strike inside Pakistani territory was the “longest kill” ever achieved by the air force, calling it the “highlight of the year” for the IAF.Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had claimed in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that seven Indian fighter jets were downed.

Air Force chief AP Singh disclosed that 8-10 Pakistani fighter jets, including US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s, were reduced to rubble during Operation Sindoor in May. He also dismissed claims of Indian jets being destroyed, and termed them “manohar kahaniyan” (fascinating tales).

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi issued a fierce warning to Pakistan on Friday and said the neighbour must stop state-sponsored terrorism or its very existence will be in danger. In the dire warning, General Dwivedi said, if provoked again, India will show no restraint as it did during Operation Sindoor 1.0. “If Pakistan wants to retain its place in world history and geography, it must stop state-sponsored terrorism. We will not show any restraint this time as we did during Operation Sindoor 1.0 and will go a step ahead if provoked again,” the Army chief said at an event in Rajasthan. “It is possible that we will hit it so hard that Pakistan will be compelled to rethink if it wants to retain its place in history and geography or not,” he added. General Dwivedi further asked the Indian troops to stay prepared, saying they may get another opportunity to unleash their firepower soon. “Please be fully prepared. God willing, you will get another opportunity very soon. All the best for it. Jai Hind,” he added.

Air Force chief AP Singh disclosed that 4-5 Pakistani fighter jets, including US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s, were reduced to rubble during Operation Sindoor in May. He also dismissed claims of Indian jets being destroyed, and termed them “manohar kahaniyan” (fascinating tales).

‘If you want to retain your place on world map...’: Army chief’s stern warning to Pak | Watch

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, has become the recipient of intense domestic criticism for presenting rare earth minerals to US President Donald Trump 'like a salesman,' during a White House visit. The move, which came to light through a photo-op, has sparked questions about the military’s role in diplomacy. In a video that is now going viral, Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan mocked the optics of Munir carrying a briefcase with minerals, commenting, "Our Chief of Army Staff is roaming around with a briefcase containing rare earth minerals. What a joke! It was absolute mockery".<h2>Pakistan's rare earth minerals</h2>This comes as earlier this week, the White House released a photo of Munir showing Trump a wooden box full of rare earth minerals, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looked on. The presentation followed a closed-door meeting between Pakistani leaders and Trump, and coincided with a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation, a military engineering firm, and US Strategic Metals to explore strategic minerals in Pakistan for defence and technology purposes.This visit marked Munir’s third trip to the US in five months, highlighting the Pakistani military’s growing engagement with Washington—a trend that has drawn unease among civilian leaders and lawmakers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-7-countries-with-the-largest-rare-earth-reserves-see-where-india-stands-1759307993918">Top 7 countries with the largest rare earth reserves: See where India stands</a><h2>Army chief or shopkeeper?</h2>Senator Khan questioned Munir’s authority to carry out such diplomatic initiatives, likening the scene to “a shopkeeper showing off expensive merchandise while a manager watches happily.”"Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him," asked Khan, the head of Pakistan's Awami National Party.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-earn-the-right-to-stay-uk-unveils-toughest-permanent-residency-rules-in-decades-here-s-what-it-means-for-indians-looking-to-settle-there-1759307599437">‘Earn the right to stay’: UK unveils toughest permanent residency rules in decades. Here's what it means for Indians looking to settle there</a>He called it a “contempt of Parliament” and a departure from democratic norms. “Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him,,” Khan said.A video of Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan's statement is going viral on social media. Watch it here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⚡ Huge Embarrassment For Pakistan’s 'Failed' Marshal Asim Munir Pakistani senator Aimal Wali Khan has criticised Pakistan COAS Asim Munir inside the Pakistani Parliament over selling rare earth minerals in a briefcase to US President Donald Trump. "What a Joke" he says. He… <a href="https://t.co/YbiXZoN1Da">pic.twitter.com/YbiXZoN1Da</a>— OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsintUpdates/status/1973407357532250455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Khan also stressed that such actions undermine the authority of the elected government and resemble authoritarian practices. "In what capacity? Under which law? This is dictatorship. I am sorry to say this is not democracy... Is this not contempt of Parliament?"He then demanded a joint session of Parliament to explain Munir’s diplomatic engagements, including details on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence deal, Pakistan’s support for Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal, and other meetings with US officials.

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, is facing backlash after a White House photo showed him presenting a briefcase of rare earth minerals to US President Trump. Senator Aimal Wali Khan called it “a joke” and said THIS.

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, has become the recipient of intense domestic criticism for presenting rare earth minerals to US President Donald Trump 'like a salesman,' during a White House visit. The move, which came to light through a photo-op, has sparked questions about the military’s role in diplomacy. In a video that is now going viral, Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan mocked the optics of Munir carrying a briefcase with minerals, commenting, "Our Chief of Army Staff is roaming around with a briefcase containing rare earth minerals. What a joke! It was absolute mockery". Pakistan's rare earth minerals This comes as earlier this week, the White House released a photo of Munir showing Trump a wooden box full of rare earth minerals, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looked on. The presentation followed a closed-door meeting between Pakistani leaders and Trump, and coincided with a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation, a military engineering firm, and US Strategic Metals to explore strategic minerals in Pakistan for defence and technology purposes. This visit marked Munir’s third trip to the US in five months, highlighting the Pakistani military’s growing engagement with Washington—a trend that has drawn unease among civilian leaders and lawmakers. Also read | Top 7 countries with the largest rare earth reserves: See where India stands Army chief or shopkeeper? Senator Khan questioned Munir’s authority to carry out such diplomatic initiatives, likening the scene to “a shopkeeper showing off expensive merchandise while a manager watches happily.” "Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him," asked Khan, the head of Pakistan's Awami National Party. Also read | ‘Earn the right to stay’: UK unveils toughest permanent residency rules in decades. Here's what it means for Indians looking to settle there He called it a “contempt of Parliament” and a departure from democratic norms. “Which Chief of the Army Staff would go around carrying a briefcase with rare earth minerals? It looked like a big, branded store – a manager watching on happily as a shopkeeper tells a customer to purchase a big, glittery thing from him,,” Khan said. A video of Pakistani Senator Aimal Wali Khan's statement is going viral on social media. Watch it here:

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, is facing backlash after a White House photo showed him presenting a briefcase of rare earth minerals to US President Trump. Senator Aimal Wali Khan called it “a joke” and said THIS.

Pakistan Army chief or shopkeeper? Asim Munir ridiculed for rare earth minerals photo-op with Trump. Watch

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday once again claimed to have stopped the military conflict between India and Pakistan after Indian forces successfully conducted precision strikes on the terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation to the killing of 26 innocent civilians by terrorists from across the border. Trump started his speech to US military leaders on Tuesday with claims he has been repeating ad nauseum about his impact on global conflicts and foreign leaders. “I have settled so many wars since we’re here. We’re here almost nine months,” said Trump, who counts solving the conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Cambodia and Thailand, India and Pakistan, and Serbia and Kosovo among his successes, as he casts himself as a global peacemaker and a claimant for the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;“India and Pakistan were going at it. I called them both, and in this case I used trade. I am not going to trade with you. Two nuclear nations, big nuclear nations. I stopped the war. It was raging for four days. They shot down seven planes, in the beginning. We stopped it, it was a great thing,” Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-gaza-deal-says-israel-won-t-occupy-gaza-no-one-will-be-forced-to-flee-1759170510614">‘Swadeshi product’: Union Minister Piyush Goyal logs into Arattai messaging platform</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">US President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonaldTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonaldTrump</a> claims to have solved the India-Pakistan conflict &#39;using trade&#39; at the war meeting at Quantico. <a href="https://t.co/dRhQCkfZCf">pic.twitter.com/dRhQCkfZCf</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1973022256419713192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>New Delhi has repeatedly denied there was any mediation</h2>&nbsp;Trump’s repeated claims of ending the India-Pakistan conflict have not gone down well with New Delhi, as the Indian leadership has categorically denied that there was any mediation or that it helped end the conflict. New Delhi has been saying that the DGMO of Pakistan called his Indian counterpart and fervently pleaded to stop the fighting after Indian forces hit hangars and airstrips of Pakistani airbases deep in their territory.Besides, Trump’s claims have contributed to a deterioration of relations between Washington and New Delhi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-gaza-peace-proposal-leans-toward-israeli-side-says-senior-hamas-official-1759177686661">Trump’s Gaza peace proposal leans toward Israeli side, says senior Hamas official</a>&nbsp;While repeating his claims, Trump has predicted that he wouldn’t be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.“‘Will you get the Nobel Prize?’ Absolutely not. They’ll give it to some guy that didn’t do a damn thing. They’ll give it to a guy that wrote a book about the mind of Donald Trump and what it took to solve the wars, and he’ll get the Nobel Prize,” he told military leaders.&nbsp;On getting Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin together, Trump said, “But the only way we can do that is through strength. I mean, if we were weak, they wouldn’t even take my phone call.”&nbsp;<h2>‘We must be strong, powerful and capable,’ says Trump</h2>&nbsp;“We must be so strong that no nation will dare challenge us, so powerful that no enemy will dare threaten us. And so capable that no adversary can even think about beating us,” Trump said.&nbsp;“I’m so disappointed in President Putin,” he added. “I said I thought he would get this thing over with. He should have had that war done in a week. And I said to him, you know, you don’t look good. You’re four years fighting a war that should have taken a week. Are you a paper tiger?”&nbsp;WATCH: BREAKING | Trump: America Is Under Invasion From Within<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-trump-america-is-under-invasion-from-within-1759245646692/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-trump-america-is-under-invasion-from-within-1759245646692/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump also told the military generals in the audience that the US government has “brought back the fundamental principle that defending the homeland is the military’s first and most important priority.”&nbsp;“Only in recent decades did politicians somehow come to believe that our job is to police the far reaches of Kenya and Somalia, while America is under invasion from within,” he said.&nbsp;Those invading were “no different than a foreign enemy, but more difficult in many ways because they don’t wear uniforms,” he added.

Trump’s repeated claims of ending the India-Pakistan conflict have not gone down well with New Delhi, as the Indian leadership has categorically denied that there was any mediation. Trump’s claims have contributed to a deterioration of relations between Washington and New Delhi.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday once again claimed to have stopped the military conflict between India and Pakistan after Indian forces successfully conducted precision strikes on the terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation to the killing of 26 innocent civilians by terrorists from across the border. Trump started his speech to US military leaders on Tuesday with claims he has been repeating ad nauseum about his impact on global conflicts and foreign leaders. “I have settled so many wars since we’re here. We’re here almost nine months,” said Trump, who counts solving the conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Cambodia and Thailand, India and Pakistan, and Serbia and Kosovo among his successes, as he casts himself as a global peacemaker and a claimant for the Nobel Peace Prize. “India and Pakistan were going at it. I called them both, and in this case I used trade. I am not going to trade with you. Two nuclear nations, big nuclear nations. I stopped the war. It was raging for four days. They shot down seven planes, in the beginning. We stopped it, it was a great thing,” Trump said. Also Read: ‘Swadeshi product’: Union Minister Piyush Goyal logs into Arattai messaging platform

Trump’s repeated claims of ending the India-Pakistan conflict have not gone down well with New Delhi, as the Indian leadership has categorically denied that there was any mediation. Trump’s claims have contributed to a deterioration of relations between Washington and New Delhi.

Trump once again claims ending military conflict between India and Pakistan, among other wars

At least ten people were killed and 32 others injured on Tuesday (Sep 30) in a bomb blast on Zarghoon Road in Quetta, Pakistan. The powerful explosion, followed by heavy gunfire, shattered windows and doors of nearby buildings and forced authorities to declare a citywide emergency in hospitals. Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene while security forces, including the Frontier Corps, cordoned off the area. Footage showed plumes of smoke rising high above the city.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-unveils-new-visa-categories-expands-residency-rules-for-global-talent-good-news-for-indians-amid-h-1b-row-1759216784566">UAE unveils new visa categories, expands residency rules for global talent. Good news fro Indians amid H-1B row?</a><h2>Blasts rattled the area</h2>As per reports, the blasts were so strong that the windows and doors of nearby buildings were shattered by the force. Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar has directed all doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff to report for duty as hospitals brace for more casualties.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Video footage of today’s blast in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quetta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Quetta</a> Pakistani officials have confirmed that a vehicle bomb was carried out in the attack, followed by an armed attack on the headquarters of the FC in the city of Quetta, at least 10 people died and 30 others were injured. <a href="https://t.co/eA6Qit8TUF">pic.twitter.com/eA6Qit8TUF</a>&mdash; ConflictX (@ConflictXtweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConflictXtweets/status/1972939328570683475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a statement to Dawn, Kakar said that at least 10 people were killed and 32 were injured as the bomb blast ripped through a busy street. “Thirty-two injured have been taken to the Civil Hospital and Trauma Centre,” Kakar said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-school-collapse-at-least-one-dead-dozens-injured-65-students-feared-trapped-under-rubble-1759202686916">Indonesia school collapse: At least one dead, dozens injured; 65 students feared trapped under rubble</a><h2>Suicide bomb likely</h2>Pakistani media reported the blast was likely a suicide bombing, though officials have yet to confirm. The attack comes weeks after a September 4 blast at a political rally in Quetta killed 15 people and wounded more than 30. An investigation is underway into Tuesday's explosion.

In a statement Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said that at least 10 people were killed and 32 were injured as the bomb blast ripped through a busy street. “Thirty-two injured have been taken to the Civil Hospital and Trauma Centre,” Kakar said.

At least ten people were killed and 32 others injured on Tuesday (Sep 30) in a bomb blast on Zarghoon Road in Quetta, Pakistan. The powerful explosion, followed by heavy gunfire, shattered windows and doors of nearby buildings and forced authorities to declare a citywide emergency in hospitals. Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene while security forces, including the Frontier Corps, cordoned off the area. Footage showed plumes of smoke rising high above the city. Also read | UAE unveils new visa categories, expands residency rules for global talent. Good news fro Indians amid H-1B row? Blasts rattled the area As per reports, the blasts were so strong that the windows and doors of nearby buildings were shattered by the force. Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar has directed all doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff to report for duty as hospitals brace for more casualties.

In a statement Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said that at least 10 people were killed and 32 were injured as the bomb blast ripped through a busy street. “Thirty-two injured have been taken to the Civil Hospital and Trauma Centre,” Kakar said.

Deadly bomb blast in Pakistan's Quetta kills at least 10, injures 32

The inclusion of columnist and social media activist Shama Junejo in Pakistan’s delegation to the United Nations has sparked a huge controversy, and took a new turn on Sunday when she claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had included her as an adviser among the delegates. The controversy started when photos of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s address at a UNSC session on artificial intelligence went viral on X, and users pointed out Junejo sitting behind him. Users then shared screenshots from Junejo’s X timeline, expressing support for Israel, which is in contrast to Pakistan’s pro-Palestinian stand. Users asked how someone known for “pro-Israel and pro-normalisation views” was in the Pakistani delegation. Others said it was a “grave breach of protocol” and “embarrassing for Pakistan’s pro-Palestine position.”&nbsp;After the furore, Asif said on X that only the Foreign Office could explain her presence. The Foreign Office then clarified that she was not part of Pakistan’s accredited delegation. The FO said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted queries regarding the seating of a certain individual behind the defence minister at a recent meeting of the UNSC.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted queries regarding the seating of a certain individual behind the Defence Minister at a recent meeting of the UNSC. To clarify, the individual in question was not listed in the official letter of credence for the Pakistan delegation to the… <a href="https://t.co/60w0te9hLX">https://t.co/60w0te9hLX</a>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1971668247595590143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“To clarify, the individual in question was not listed in the official letter of credence for the Pakistan delegation to the 80th UNGA session, signed by the deputy prime minister and foreign minister. “As such, her seating behind the defence minister did not have the approval of the deputy prime minister/ foreign minister.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Not just taken aback, I was disturbed,’ says Asif</h2>&nbsp;When asked on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, whether he was “taken aback” by the FO’s statement, Asif said: “I was taken aback, rather I was a bit disturbed that such people could be with the delegation whom no one owns later.”&nbsp;He also denied that Junejo had written PM Shehbaz’s speech for the 80th UN General Assembly session. However, Junejo claimed in a post on X on Sunday that she had been working for PM Shehbaz Sharif for the past many months.&nbsp;<h2>‘PM included me in UN delegation as adviser,’ says Junejo</h2>&nbsp;“My policy briefs, advice and points during the Pakistan-India escalation are all part of the record and preserved,” she said, further claiming that the premier had assigned her the task of “writing the UN speech”. The London-based social media activist went on to claim that the PM himself had included her in the UN delegation as an adviser and that she was also issued a security pass.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-fumbles-seven-times-in-unsc-speech-gets-trolled-watch-1758895298255">Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif fumbles seven times in UNSC speech, gets trolled | Watch</a>&nbsp;“I worked with his team day and night. I travelled with him, stayed with his team in the same hotel and was also a part of his important meetings on the sidelines (of the UNGA session), such as the one with Bill Gates,” she said. She added that she was sitting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar behind the prime minister in another conference on climate on the sidelines of UNGA session.&nbsp;Junejo added that after the session on climate, the protocol team escorted her to the session on AI, where she sat behind Asif. She also shared a picture of herself with Asif and Pakistan Crypto Council Chief Executive Officer Bilal Bin Saqib, as well as that of her UN card. “We sat together for 40 minutes waiting for the car, and returned to the hotel together in the same car. Khawaja Asif sahib sat with me in the backseat of the car,” Junejo added. She also claimed to have been a part of the PM’s speech-writing team since April.&nbsp;WATCH: India to get new Pinaka variant: DG Artillery, Indian Army<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-get-new-pinaka-variant-dg-artillery-indian-army-1759071045819/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-get-new-pinaka-variant-dg-artillery-indian-army-1759071045819/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Khawaja Asif tarnishing historic UN visit’</h2>&nbsp;She questioned, “Why is Khawaja Asif sahib issuing such statements now and under what agenda is he tarnishing a historic visit of his government?” “The prime minister should ask him about this, as his authority has been challenged, not mine,” she said, adding Asif’s statements and the FO’s post “have embarrassed Pakistan globally”.&nbsp;Junejo then warned, “If anyone attempts to malign my character or professional integrity, I reserve the right to pursue legal action in the UK.”&nbsp;

Shama Junejo said on Sunday that she had been working for PM Shehbaz Sharif for the past many months. The London-based social media activist went on to claim that the PM himself had included her in the UN delegation as an adviser and that she was also issued a security pass.

The inclusion of columnist and social media activist Shama Junejo in Pakistan’s delegation to the United Nations has sparked a huge controversy, and took a new turn on Sunday when she claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had included her as an adviser among the delegates. The controversy started when photos of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s address at a UNSC session on artificial intelligence went viral on X, and users pointed out Junejo sitting behind him. Users then shared screenshots from Junejo’s X timeline, expressing support for Israel, which is in contrast to Pakistan’s pro-Palestinian stand. Users asked how someone known for “pro-Israel and pro-normalisation views” was in the Pakistani delegation. Others said it was a “grave breach of protocol” and “embarrassing for Pakistan’s pro-Palestine position.” After the furore, Asif said on X that only the Foreign Office could explain her presence. The Foreign Office then clarified that she was not part of Pakistan’s accredited delegation. The FO said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted queries regarding the seating of a certain individual behind the defence minister at a recent meeting of the UNSC.”

Shama Junejo said on Sunday that she had been working for PM Shehbaz Sharif for the past many months. The London-based social media activist went on to claim that the PM himself had included her in the UN delegation as an adviser and that she was also issued a security pass.

Row intensifies as Shama Junejo claims PM Shehbaz included her in Pakistan’s UN delegation

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Row intensifies, Shama Junejo claims PM Shehbaz included her in Pak delegation