An Islamabad court on Tuesday (Jul 8) ordered the blocking of 27 popular channels on YouTube after a request by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The channels, including those of prominent Pakistani journalists, were banned for allegedly disseminating anti-state content, according to Pakistani media reports. The move was based on an inquiry initiated on June 2 over content considered harmful to national security. According to the two-page court order, the investigating officer was heard in detail, and the evidence gathered was carefully examined.&nbsp;Following a petition submitted by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah issued the order, directing authorities to immediately take action against the identified channels based on evidence presented by the FIA.&nbsp;The judge concluded that the material in question potentially constitutes a punishable offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).&nbsp;YouTube profiles included those of journalists Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Siddique Jan, Orya Maqbool Jan, Arzoo Kazmi and Habib Akram. It also included several channels affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;According to the petition, the channels were engaged in spreading disinformation, fake news, and content deemed inflammatory and insulting towards state institutions and senior officials, Samaa TV reported. It further added that such material could incite fear, hatred, and mistrust among the public, posing a threat to public order and national security.&nbsp;“The content published on these platforms is highly inflammatory, derogatory, and incites hatred against the army, judiciary, and other state institutions,” the petition claimed.&nbsp;Following an investigation into the matter and examination of the evidence, the court concluded that the content constitutes offences punishable under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Penal Laws of Pakistan.&nbsp;Earlier in May, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked 16 YouTube news channels, 31 YouTube video links, and 32 websites over the alleged spreading of anti-Pakistan propaganda. The PTA said that the move was taken in response to content aimed at spreading misleading and harmful narratives against Pakistan, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of national security and the protection of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.

Following a petition submitted by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah issued the order, directing authorities to immediately take action against the identified channels based on evidence presented by the FIA.

An Islamabad court on Tuesday (Jul 8) ordered the blocking of 27 popular channels on YouTube after a request by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The channels, including those of prominent Pakistani journalists, were banned for allegedly disseminating anti-state content, according to Pakistani media reports. The move was based on an inquiry initiated on June 2 over content considered harmful to national security. According to the two-page court order, the investigating officer was heard in detail, and the evidence gathered was carefully examined. Following a petition submitted by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah issued the order, directing authorities to immediately take action against the identified channels based on evidence presented by the FIA. The judge concluded that the material in question potentially constitutes a punishable offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). YouTube profiles included those of journalists Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Siddique Jan, Orya Maqbool Jan, Arzoo Kazmi and Habib Akram. It also included several channels affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to the petition, the channels were engaged in spreading disinformation, fake news, and content deemed inflammatory and insulting towards state institutions and senior officials, Samaa TV reported. It further added that such material could incite fear, hatred, and mistrust among the public, posing a threat to public order and national security. “The content published on these platforms is highly inflammatory, derogatory, and incites hatred against the army, judiciary, and other state institutions,” the petition claimed. Following an investigation into the matter and examination of the evidence, the court concluded that the content constitutes offences punishable under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Penal Laws of Pakistan. Earlier in May, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked 16 YouTube news channels, 31 YouTube video links, and 32 websites over the alleged spreading of anti-Pakistan propaganda. The PTA said that the move was taken in response to content aimed at spreading misleading and harmful narratives against Pakistan, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of national security and the protection of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.

Following a petition submitted by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah issued the order, directing authorities to immediately take action against the identified channels based on evidence presented by the FIA.

Islamabad court blocks 27 Pakistani YouTube channels over alleged anti-state content

Unidentified armed men hijacked three oil tankers and abducted seven crew members in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday (July 7), police said. The incident took place in the Tuchi bridge area near Marwat Canal in Bannu district, which borders north Waziristan, District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Khan Kulachi said.&nbsp;DPO Khan Kulachi said the convoy was intercepted while it was coming from north Waziristan and a total of three oil tankers were seized. An FIR has been registered at the Baka Khel police station and a search operation is underway, he added. He said that no group has so far claimed responsibility for the hijacking and abduction, and no ransom demands have been made. Last week, at least one person was killed and three others injured after armed men opened fire on a jirga in Bannu. Earlier this month, a police officer was shot dead by unknown gunmen near his house in Ghoriwala town of the district.&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. &nbsp;

Unidentified armed men hijacked three oil tankers and abducted seven crew members in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday (July 7), police said.

Unidentified armed men hijacked three oil tankers and abducted seven crew members in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday (July 7), police said. The incident took place in the Tuchi bridge area near Marwat Canal in Bannu district, which borders north Waziristan, District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Khan Kulachi said. DPO Khan Kulachi said the convoy was intercepted while it was coming from north Waziristan and a total of three oil tankers were seized. An FIR has been registered at the Baka Khel police station and a search operation is underway, he added. He said that no group has so far claimed responsibility for the hijacking and abduction, and no ransom demands have been made. Last week, at least one person was killed and three others injured after armed men opened fire on a jirga in Bannu. Earlier this month, a police officer was shot dead by unknown gunmen near his house in Ghoriwala town of the district. 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.

Unidentified armed men hijacked three oil tankers and abducted seven crew members in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday (July 7), police said.

Armed men hijack three oil tankers in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, abduct 7 crew members: What we know so far

The owners of the pet lion that leapt over a wall and attacked a woman and two children in the city of Lahore in Pakistan have been arrested. The woman and her two young sons, aged 5 and 7, were hospitalised, after an attack on them in a street when the lion escaped from a farmhouse in Johan town's neighborhood on Thursday (July 3). Security camera video released by police shows the lion jumping over a concrete wall and attacking a woman from behind, knocking her to the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;The man can be seen sprinting out of the property the lion had escaped from with an object in his hand and chasing the lion off the woman, before it ran away further down the road where the children were attacked. The children sustained injuries on their face and arm injuries, but are in stable condition, according to news agency Associated Press.&nbsp;Lahore Police posted a video on social media in which they said that the lion escaped after an open cage at the farmhouse and was caught by owners, who immediately placed it in a vehicle and went into hiding in another district. Muhammad Faisal Kamran, Deputy Inspector General of Lahore Police Operations, said three people were arrested on Friday morning. “We’ve also captured the lion and transferred it to wildlife authorities,” Kamran was quoted saying.&nbsp;Lahore police also shared an image of three men in a police cell and video of the lion in a cage. Local media said the owner also did not have a license for keeping the lion and would be charged under the Wildlife Act, which could see them serving a maximum seven-year prison term or a fine of $17,500, as per reports.&nbsp;Keeping wild cats as pets is a status symbol in Pakistan and is not rare, but it needs a license, and big cats have to be housed outside of city limits. “This unfortunate incident highlights how wild animals are often kept in such places without a license, or permission — with no legal procedures followed — endangering the lives of many people,” Kamran was quoted saying in an interview.&nbsp;The government on Sunday (July 6) also announced that it was launching a province-wide crackdown against those keeping big cats without a valid license. To date, 13 lions have been seized and five have been arrested for violating wildlife laws.

Pakistan pet lions owners arrested after woman two children injured in attack

The owners of the pet lion that leapt over a wall and attacked a woman and two children in the city of Lahore in Pakistan have been arrested. The woman and her two young sons, aged 5 and 7, were hospitalised, after an attack on them in a street when the lion escaped from a farmhouse in Johan town's neighborhood on Thursday (July 3). Security camera video released by police shows the lion jumping over a concrete wall and attacking a woman from behind, knocking her to the ground. The man can be seen sprinting out of the property the lion had escaped from with an object in his hand and chasing the lion off the woman, before it ran away further down the road where the children were attacked. The children sustained injuries on their face and arm injuries, but are in stable condition, according to news agency Associated Press. Lahore Police posted a video on social media in which they said that the lion escaped after an open cage at the farmhouse and was caught by owners, who immediately placed it in a vehicle and went into hiding in another district. Muhammad Faisal Kamran, Deputy Inspector General of Lahore Police Operations, said three people were arrested on Friday morning. “We’ve also captured the lion and transferred it to wildlife authorities,” Kamran was quoted saying. Lahore police also shared an image of three men in a police cell and video of the lion in a cage. Local media said the owner also did not have a license for keeping the lion and would be charged under the Wildlife Act, which could see them serving a maximum seven-year prison term or a fine of $17,500, as per reports. Keeping wild cats as pets is a status symbol in Pakistan and is not rare, but it needs a license, and big cats have to be housed outside of city limits. “This unfortunate incident highlights how wild animals are often kept in such places without a license, or permission — with no legal procedures followed — endangering the lives of many people,” Kamran was quoted saying in an interview. The government on Sunday (July 6) also announced that it was launching a province-wide crackdown against those keeping big cats without a valid license. To date, 13 lions have been seized and five have been arrested for violating wildlife laws.

Security camera video provided by police showed the lion jumping onto a concrete wall and attacking a woman from behind

Pakistan pet lion's owners arrested after woman, two children injured in attack

Pakistan’s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his country would be open to extraditing terror accused, as a goodwill gesture to India, provided New Delhi is willing to cooperate in the process. He was responding to a question about extraditing Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as possible concessions and good-faith gestures to India. His statement has drawn the ire of the LeT chief's son, Talha Saeed, as well as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.&nbsp;Speaking to Al Jazeera, Bilawal, who also heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), said that such a move could be part of a “comprehensive dialogue” between the two countries, where terrorism is discussed as a key issue. "India is refusing to comply with certain basic elements that require that conviction to take place," Bilawal alleged, pointing to the need for Indian witnesses to testify in Pakistani courts. "If India is willing to be cooperative in that process, I am sure there will be no hurdle in extraditing any individual of concern", he added. "As part of a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan, where terrorism is one of the issues that we discuss, I am sure Pakistan would not be opposed to any of these things," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;On being asked to disclose the whereabouts of Saeed and Azhar, the PPP chief said, “It is factually not correct that Hafiz Saeed is a free man; he is in the custody of the Pakistani state,” adding that Islamabad has been unable to arrest Azhar. “It is our belief that he is in Afghanistan," Bilawal said.“If and when the Indian government shares information that he is on Pakistani soil, we will be more than happy to arrest him," he added.<h2>Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar</h2>Hafiz Saeed - the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, and Masood Azhar are among India's most wanted terrorists. Saeed is currently serving a 33-year sentence for terror financing and has reportedly been lodged in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail since 2019. However, reports suggest that his jail term is a show-off by the Pakistani administration to avoid FATF blockage, while in reality, he enjoys free hand. Azhar is the mastermind of several terror attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot airbase strike, and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. India released Azhar from its custody in 1999 as part of a hostage swap deal during the Flight 814 Kandahar hijack. Both LeT and JeM have been banned by Pakistan, according to the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Azhar is also a UN-designated global terrorist and has been proscribed by NACTA and living in an undisclosed place for the last many years.<h2>Talha Saeed, PTI slams Bhutto</h2>Hafiz Saeed's son, Talha Saeed, in a video message slammed Bilawal Bhutto for his remarks and said that he "should not" have talked about Pakistanis' extradition. Talha also added that his father's actions are not against Pakistan. "His statement is against the state policy, national interest and sovereignty, and we strongly condemn it. Bilawal Bhutto is either unaware of ground realities or promoting the enemy’s narrative,” he said and asked, "Could a state representative talk about handing over citizens to an enemy country?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Sheikh Waqas Akram, spokesperson of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan-led PTI, in a statement on Saturday, said the PPP leader is an “immature political child”, the Dawn newspaper reported. “We fail to understand why Bilawal is so keen on appeasing India. Bilawal has become a symbol of confusion and contradiction in Pakistan’s foreign policy discourse... PPP was founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the legacy of Kashmir, but today, Bilawal is betraying that legacy by pursuing political gains at the expense of Kashmiri blood,” he said.&nbsp;

Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan would be willing to arrest any "individual of concern" if India is willing to participate in the process and present evidence of the same.

Pakistan’s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his country would be open to extraditing terror accused, as a goodwill gesture to India, provided New Delhi is willing to cooperate in the process. He was responding to a question about extraditing Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as possible concessions and good-faith gestures to India. His statement has drawn the ire of the LeT chief's son, Talha Saeed, as well as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Bilawal, who also heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), said that such a move could be part of a “comprehensive dialogue” between the two countries, where terrorism is discussed as a key issue. "India is refusing to comply with certain basic elements that require that conviction to take place," Bilawal alleged, pointing to the need for Indian witnesses to testify in Pakistani courts. "If India is willing to be cooperative in that process, I am sure there will be no hurdle in extraditing any individual of concern", he added. "As part of a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan, where terrorism is one of the issues that we discuss, I am sure Pakistan would not be opposed to any of these things," he said. On being asked to disclose the whereabouts of Saeed and Azhar, the PPP chief said, “It is factually not correct that Hafiz Saeed is a free man; he is in the custody of the Pakistani state,” adding that Islamabad has been unable to arrest Azhar. “It is our belief that he is in Afghanistan," Bilawal said. “If and when the Indian government shares information that he is on Pakistani soil, we will be more than happy to arrest him," he added. Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar Hafiz Saeed - the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, and Masood Azhar are among India's most wanted terrorists. Saeed is currently serving a 33-year sentence for terror financing and has reportedly been lodged in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail since 2019. However, reports suggest that his jail term is a show-off by the Pakistani administration to avoid FATF blockage, while in reality, he enjoys free hand. Azhar is the mastermind of several terror attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot airbase strike, and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. India released Azhar from its custody in 1999 as part of a hostage swap deal during the Flight 814 Kandahar hijack. Both LeT and JeM have been banned by Pakistan, according to the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Azhar is also a UN-designated global terrorist and has been proscribed by NACTA and living in an undisclosed place for the last many years. Talha Saeed, PTI slams Bhutto Hafiz Saeed's son, Talha Saeed, in a video message slammed Bilawal Bhutto for his remarks and said that he "should not" have talked about Pakistanis' extradition. Talha also added that his father's actions are not against Pakistan. "His statement is against the state policy, national interest and sovereignty, and we strongly condemn it. Bilawal Bhutto is either unaware of ground realities or promoting the enemy’s narrative,” he said and asked, "Could a state representative talk about handing over citizens to an enemy country?" Meanwhile, Sheikh Waqas Akram, spokesperson of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan-led PTI, in a statement on Saturday, said the PPP leader is an “immature political child”, the Dawn newspaper reported. “We fail to understand why Bilawal is so keen on appeasing India. Bilawal has become a symbol of confusion and contradiction in Pakistan’s foreign policy discourse... PPP was founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the legacy of Kashmir, but today, Bilawal is betraying that legacy by pursuing political gains at the expense of Kashmiri blood,” he said.

<h2>Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan would be willing to arrest any "individual of concern" if India is willing to participate in the process and present evidence of the same.</h2>

'Symbol of confusion': Bilawal Bhutto's 'no objection to extradition' remark about terrorist Hafiz Saeed draws ire in Pakistan

In a bizarre incident, a pet lion escaped the confines of a house and attacked three people, including two children, on a busy street in Pakistan's Lahore. The viral video of the incident shows the animal scaling a tall wall of a compound and scampering&nbsp;away. It approached a woman from behind and knocked her down.&nbsp;The animal later attacked and injured two children. The father of the children, aged five and seven, wrote in the police complaint that the animal clawed their arms and faces. All three were taken to a hospital. However, none sustained critical injuries.&nbsp;The father added that the owners of the animal, who ran out of the house, appeared "amused to see their lion attack."&nbsp;&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Lahore police</a> have arrested three men.&nbsp;A senior official in Lahore said the suspects fled the spot and took the lion away with them. They were, however, arrested within 12 hours of the incident.&nbsp;The animal, an 11-year-old male, was confiscated by police and sent to a wildlife park. The animal was in good health.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Tiger attacks a woman and two children in Johar Town, Lahore <a href="https://t.co/v1wSFFpP40">pic.twitter.com/v1wSFFpP40</a>&mdash; Israr Ahmed Rajpoot (@ia_rajpoot) <a href="https://twitter.com/ia_rajpoot/status/1941081138874950032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Culture of keeping big cats as pets</h2>&nbsp;In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-developing-nuclear-missile-that-could-hit-india-us-what-are-intercontinental-nuclear-ballistic-missiles-why-is-washington-worried-1750869386417">Pakistan's Punjab</a> province, keeping exotic animals, especially dangerous ones, is seen as a measure of privilege and power.&nbsp;This was not an isolated incident.&nbsp;In December last year, an adult lion fled its enclosure in Lahore. It was shot dead by a security guard after it jeopardized the safety of residents.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-army-kills-30-militants-trying-to-cross-from-afghanistan-here-s-all-we-know-1751613680032">Also read: Pakistan army kills 30 militants trying to cross from Afghanistan: Here's all we know</a>&nbsp;The incident prompted the provincial government to pass new laws regulating the sale, purchase, breeding, and ownership of big cats.&nbsp;The new laws have barred owners from keeping them in residential areas. The law also requires them to obtain licenses.

The father added that the owners of the animal, who ran out of the house, appeared "amused to see their lion attack." 

In a bizarre incident, a pet lion escaped the confines of a house and attacked three people, including two children, on a busy street in Pakistan's Lahore. The viral video of the incident shows the animal scaling a tall wall of a compound and scampering away. It approached a woman from behind and knocked her down. The animal later attacked and injured two children. The father of the children, aged five and seven, wrote in the police complaint that the animal clawed their arms and faces. All three were taken to a hospital. However, none sustained critical injuries. The father added that the owners of the animal, who ran out of the house, appeared "amused to see their lion attack." The Lahore police have arrested three men. A senior official in Lahore said the suspects fled the spot and took the lion away with them. They were, however, arrested within 12 hours of the incident. The animal, an 11-year-old male, was confiscated by police and sent to a wildlife park. The animal was in good health.

Pakistan news: The father added that the owners of the animal, who ran out of the house, appeared “amused to see their lion attack.”

Watch: Pet lion escapes in Lahore, knocks down woman, injures children

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck Pakistan in the early hours of Sunday (Jun 29), the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported. The tremor occurred at 3:54 am IST at a depth of 150 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 30.25°N and longitude 69.82°E. As per reports, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property, though authorities are continuing to assess the situation. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the seismic activity in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “EQ of M: 5.2, On: 29/06/2025 03:54:02 IST, Lat: 30.25 N, Long: 69.82 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Pakistan.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">EQ of M: 5.2, On: 29/06/2025 03:54:02 IST, Lat: 30.25 N, Long: 69.82 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Pakistan. For more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0">https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfDrJS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfDrJS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravi_MoES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravi_MoES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/QO5B8YcWFD">pic.twitter.com/QO5B8YcWFD</a>&mdash; National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1939091938122309986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Further details on Sunday’s quake are awaited as officials monitor the region for aftershocks and potential infrastructure impact.<h2>Pakistan's propensity for earthquakes</h2>Pakistan lies in one of the world's most seismically active regions, straddling the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Provinces such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are situated atop complex fault lines, making them particularly vulnerable to destructive earthquakes. As per ANI, Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate on the Iranian Plateau. Meanwhile, Sindh, Punjab, and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir provinces lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian Plate in South Asia. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates frequently causes powerful seismic events in the area.

As per reports, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property, though authorities are continuing to assess the situation. 

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck Pakistan in the early hours of Sunday (Jun 29), the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported. The tremor occurred at 3:54 am IST at a depth of 150 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 30.25°N and longitude 69.82°E. As per reports, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property, though authorities are continuing to assess the situation. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the seismic activity in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “EQ of M: 5.2, On: 29/06/2025 03:54:02 IST, Lat: 30.25 N, Long: 69.82 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Pakistan.”

As per reports, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property, though authorities are continuing to assess the situation.&nbsp;

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake strikes Pakistan, no damage reported yet

India's External Affairs Ministry on Saturday night (June 29) issued a statement, rejecting allegations of India's involvement in the Waziristan attack on June 28. The ministry issued a statement rejecting the blame."We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack in Waziristan on 28 June," the statement read.India's External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves."On Saturday, a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan's North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed 13 troops and injured 10 others, along with 19 civilians, according to a local government official.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/13-soldiers-killed-as-suicide-bomber-rams-military-convoy-in-northwest-pakistan-1751099642956">Also read: Pakistan: Suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa kills 13 soldiers, injures 29</a>&nbsp;According to local government officials, a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy before the blast happened, news agency AFP reported. The explosion also damaged multiple nearby houses.“The explosion also caused the roofs of two houses to collapse, injuring six children,” a police officer posted in the district told AFP.The attack was claimed by the suicide bomber wing of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur armed group, a faction of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Notably, the region has seen frequent unrest and attacks by the TTP.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/suicide-attack-on-pakistan-army-convoy-pak-taliban-faction-claims-responsibility-of-attack-1751133591423">WATCH | Suicide attack on Pakistan army convoy, Pak Taliban faction claims responsibility of attack</a>&nbsp;The blast came amid a surge in militant attacks across Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Earlier in March, the TTP announced a “spring campaign" against security forces, threatening “ambushes, targeted attacks, suicide attacks and strikes".Last year was notably the deadliest year for Pakistan in almost a decade, with more than 1600 people killed in the attacks, nearly half of them security forces personnel.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-s-desperate-attempt-pleads-to-india-in-four-letters-to-reconsider-decision-on-indus-waters-treaty-1749222944674">Also read: Pakistan's desperate attempt: Islamabad pleads to India to reconsider decision on Indus Waters Treaty</a>&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves."

India's External Affairs Ministry on Saturday night (June 29) issued a statement, rejecting allegations of India's involvement in the Waziristan attack on June 28. The ministry issued a statement rejecting the blame. "We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack in Waziristan on 28 June," the statement read. India's External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves." On Saturday, a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan's North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed 13 troops and injured 10 others, along with 19 civilians, according to a local government official. Also read: Pakistan: Suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa kills 13 soldiers, injures 29 According to local government officials, a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy before the blast happened, news agency AFP reported. The explosion also damaged multiple nearby houses. “The explosion also caused the roofs of two houses to collapse, injuring six children,” a police officer posted in the district told AFP. The attack was claimed by the suicide bomber wing of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur armed group, a faction of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Notably, the region has seen frequent unrest and attacks by the TTP. WATCH | Suicide attack on Pakistan army convoy, Pak Taliban faction claims responsibility of attack The blast came amid a surge in militant attacks across Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Earlier in March, the TTP announced a “spring campaign" against security forces, threatening “ambushes, targeted attacks, suicide attacks and strikes". Last year was notably the deadliest year for Pakistan in almost a decade, with more than 1600 people killed in the attacks, nearly half of them security forces personnel. Also read: Pakistan's desperate attempt: Islamabad pleads to India to reconsider decision on Indus Waters Treaty

India's External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves."

India REJECTS Pakistan's accusation of Waziristan attack - Here's what it said

Pakistan and the United States are preparing to finalise a crucial agreement on reciprocal tariffs by next week, according to a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. The move comes ahead of the expiry of a 90-day suspension of new US tariffs that could hit Pakistani exports with duties of up to 29 per cent.&nbsp;The agreement follows a virtual meeting between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. According to the finance ministry, both sides agreed on “meaningful engagement” to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, and to build a broader economic partnership.<h2>US targets Pakistan’s $3 billion trade surplus</h2>The negotiations were triggered after the US announced tariffs last month on countries running significant trade surpluses with Washington. Pakistan, which posted a $3 billion trade surplus with the US, now faces a potential 29 per cent tariff on its outbound shipments.&nbsp;As per APP, the US initially delayed the tariffs by 90 days to give space for diplomatic negotiations. Islamabad responded by dispatching a high-level trade delegation to Washington in May. During the visit, Pakistan proposed a zero-tariff bilateral trade agreement and offered to boost imports of US goods such as cotton and edible oils, which are in domestic short supply.<h2>New framework for strategic economic cooperation</h2>Beyond tariffs, both sides are also discussing a long-term plan to deepen trade and investment ties. According to Pakistan’s finance ministry, the discussions will lead to a “strategic and investment-based partnership,” with technical-level talks expected to wrap up next week.&nbsp;The talks come at a time when Pakistan is looking to attract greater foreign investment amid economic reforms. Earlier this week, the two countries co-hosted a webinar promoting investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector, including the $7 billion Reko Diq copper-gold project, as reported by Reuters.US investors and government officials reportedly discussed public-private partnerships and regulatory changes to boost Pakistan’s mining sector.<h2>Trade diplomacy follows regional thaw</h2>The broader context is also shifting. US President Donald Trump, who recently brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, has argued that trade diplomacy has helped avoid a deeper conflict between the two neighbours. Trump has positioned trade as a key instrument of foreign policy during his second term.&nbsp;For Pakistan, preserving access to the US market is essential. The US remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, particularly for textiles, garments, and leather goods.With the clock ticking on the 90-day suspension, the stakes are high. A failure to secure a deal could expose Pakistan’s exports to costly US tariffs at a time when the country is already grappling with a depreciating rupee and industrial stagnation.&nbsp;&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies) &nbsp;

Facing up to 29% US tariffs on exports, Pakistan pushes for zero-duty trade pact and deeper economic ties amid rising pressure on its fragile economy.

Pakistan and the United States are preparing to finalise a crucial agreement on reciprocal tariffs by next week, according to a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. The move comes ahead of the expiry of a 90-day suspension of new US tariffs that could hit Pakistani exports with duties of up to 29 per cent. The agreement follows a virtual meeting between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. According to the finance ministry, both sides agreed on “meaningful engagement” to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, and to build a broader economic partnership. US targets Pakistan’s $3 billion trade surplus The negotiations were triggered after the US announced tariffs last month on countries running significant trade surpluses with Washington. Pakistan, which posted a $3 billion trade surplus with the US, now faces a potential 29 per cent tariff on its outbound shipments. As per APP, the US initially delayed the tariffs by 90 days to give space for diplomatic negotiations. Islamabad responded by dispatching a high-level trade delegation to Washington in May. During the visit, Pakistan proposed a zero-tariff bilateral trade agreement and offered to boost imports of US goods such as cotton and edible oils, which are in domestic short supply. New framework for strategic economic cooperation Beyond tariffs, both sides are also discussing a long-term plan to deepen trade and investment ties. According to Pakistan’s finance ministry, the discussions will lead to a “strategic and investment-based partnership,” with technical-level talks expected to wrap up next week. The talks come at a time when Pakistan is looking to attract greater foreign investment amid economic reforms. Earlier this week, the two countries co-hosted a webinar promoting investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector, including the $7 billion Reko Diq copper-gold project, as reported by Reuters. US investors and government officials reportedly discussed public-private partnerships and regulatory changes to boost Pakistan’s mining sector. Trade diplomacy follows regional thaw The broader context is also shifting. US President Donald Trump, who recently brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, has argued that trade diplomacy has helped avoid a deeper conflict between the two neighbours. Trump has positioned trade as a key instrument of foreign policy during his second term. For Pakistan, preserving access to the US market is essential. The US remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, particularly for textiles, garments, and leather goods. With the clock ticking on the 90-day suspension, the stakes are high. A failure to secure a deal could expose Pakistan’s exports to costly US tariffs at a time when the country is already grappling with a depreciating rupee and industrial stagnation. (With inputs from the agencies)

Pakistan, US race to finalise reciprocal tariff deal before looming deadline threatens key exports.

Pakistan races to finalise tariff deal with US as 90-day suspension deadline nears expiry

Delhi University is at the centre of controversy again, as the Standing Committee on Academic Matters has dropped several proposed postgraduate papers in Political Science and Sociology, claiming to remove unnecessary glorification of Pakistan. However, this has drawn a significant backlash from the academic community, especially faculty members, with accusations of ideological interference and erosion of academic freedom.&nbsp;Among the papers scrapped for revisions were “Pakistan and the World”, “China’s Role in the Contemporary World”, “Islam and International Relations”, “Religious Nationalism and Political Violence”, and one on corporate scams. A chapter on the Muharram procession in Mumbai was also replaced; these are done in the guise of reducing glorification of Pakistan in the wake of the Pahlgham attack. The committee has directed the department to revise and resubmit the syllabus with an India-centric approach by July 1.The Vice Chancellor has reportedly emphasised the need to remove content that glorifies countries like Pakistan and China or focuses “disproportionately” on Islam. However, faculty members argue that this might result in a narrow world-view and limited understanding of geopolitics. &nbsp;"It is imperative to study Pakistan in detail because, pedagogically, we need to train our students and foster scholarship on Pakistan, as it remains one of India's constant foreign policy challenges," said Dr Monami Sinha, member of the Standing Committee.&nbsp;The committee is poised to remove broad focus topics such as “India-Pakistan Relations”, “India-China Strategic Dynamics”, and “Comparative Religion”. Many critical members of the faculty argue that the education system is cultivating homogeneity and conformity, and &nbsp;feel alarmed about the severe ideological policing. This will significantly reduce the appetite for critical enquiry, which has already been dumbed down by the shallow mainstream media and consumption of below-average content on social media. The University is slowly becoming a site of struggle for narrative and ideological manipulation. As the battle strengthens, the DU is stuck between what should be the purpose of higher education, promoting critical thinking, or becoming a shadow of national priorities.&nbsp;

Delhi University faces backlash from faculty members over decisions to replace papers on Pakistan and the world, China’s role in the contemporary world, Islam and international relations, religious nationalism and political violence.

Delhi University is at the centre of controversy again, as the Standing Committee on Academic Matters has dropped several proposed postgraduate papers in Political Science and Sociology, claiming to remove unnecessary glorification of Pakistan. However, this has drawn a significant backlash from the academic community, especially faculty members, with accusations of ideological interference and erosion of academic freedom. Among the papers scrapped for revisions were “Pakistan and the World”, “China’s Role in the Contemporary World”, “Islam and International Relations”, “Religious Nationalism and Political Violence”, and one on corporate scams. A chapter on the Muharram procession in Mumbai was also replaced; these are done in the guise of reducing glorification of Pakistan in the wake of the Pahlgham attack. The committee has directed the department to revise and resubmit the syllabus with an India-centric approach by July 1. The Vice Chancellor has reportedly emphasised the need to remove content that glorifies countries like Pakistan and China or focuses “disproportionately” on Islam. However, faculty members argue that this might result in a narrow world-view and limited understanding of geopolitics. "It is imperative to study Pakistan in detail because, pedagogically, we need to train our students and foster scholarship on Pakistan, as it remains one of India's constant foreign policy challenges," said Dr Monami Sinha, member of the Standing Committee. The committee is poised to remove broad focus topics such as “India-Pakistan Relations”, “India-China Strategic Dynamics”, and “Comparative Religion”. Many critical members of the faculty argue that the education system is cultivating homogeneity and conformity, and feel alarmed about the severe ideological policing. This will significantly reduce the appetite for critical enquiry, which has already been dumbed down by the shallow mainstream media and consumption of below-average content on social media. The University is slowly becoming a site of struggle for narrative and ideological manipulation. As the battle strengthens, the DU is stuck between what should be the purpose of higher education, promoting critical thinking, or becoming a shadow of national priorities.

Delhi University faces backlash from faculty members over decisions to replace papers on Pakistan and the world, China’s role in the contemporary world, Islam and international relations, religious nationalism and political violence.

Delhi university syllabus controversy: Pakistan, China, Islam, and political violence to be dropped

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that he wants to hold a dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues, including water, Jammu and Kashmir, trade, and terrorism. He expressed his wish during a telephonic conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday. “Pakistan is ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism,” he was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan. In fact, Sharif last month also expressed his willingness to hold peace talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues while visiting Iran and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;Sharif also expressed Pakistan’s support for the immediate de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel and called for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means.India, however, maintains that it can have talks with Pakistan only on the issue of terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sharif’s remark came weeks after India put the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance and stopped all trade with Islamabad after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist place in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. On May 7, India destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, and then targeted Pakistan’s air bases and rendered them useless after Islamabad decided to retaliate by attacking Indian civilian areas and military installations.&nbsp;&nbsp;India has also stopped all forms of trade with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and closed its airspace for all Pakistani aircraft.&nbsp;External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said that the Indus Water Treaty will remain in abeyance till the time Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support to cross-border terrorism “just like Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together’.”

Sharif’s remark came weeks after India put the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance and stopped all trade with Islamabad after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist place in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that he wants to hold a dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues, including water, Jammu and Kashmir, trade, and terrorism. He expressed his wish during a telephonic conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday. “Pakistan is ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism,” he was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan. In fact, Sharif last month also expressed his willingness to hold peace talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues while visiting Iran and Azerbaijan. Sharif also expressed Pakistan’s support for the immediate de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel and called for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means. India, however, maintains that it can have talks with Pakistan only on the issue of terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sharif’s remark came weeks after India put the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance and stopped all trade with Islamabad after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist place in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. On May 7, India destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, and then targeted Pakistan’s air bases and rendered them useless after Islamabad decided to retaliate by attacking Indian civilian areas and military installations. India has also stopped all forms of trade with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and closed its airspace for all Pakistani aircraft. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said that the Indus Water Treaty will remain in abeyance till the time Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support to cross-border terrorism “just like Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together’.”

Sharif’s remark came weeks after India put the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance and stopped all trade with Islamabad after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist place in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

Pak PM says want ‘meaningful dialogue’ with India on all outstanding issues

After the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities under what it called ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Pakistan for nominating President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and asked if they want him to win the prize for the strikes on nuclear sites in Iran. The AIMIM chief's remarks come against the backdrop of the American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as well as Pakistan’s move to nominate the US President for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Prize, citing his “diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.&nbsp;He further questioned Pakistan’s support for Trump and asked if they backed him only to see the strikes on Iran.“We should ask Pakistanis if they want Trump to get a Nobel Peace Prize for this...,” Owaisi said, referring to the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.He also mocked Pakistan's top military leadership and asked whether Islamabad’s Army chief, Asim Munir, had lunch with the US president for this (US strikes on Iran). “They all have been exposed today,” Owaisi added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hyderabad | &quot;...Did Pakistan&#39;s General (Army chief Asim Munir) have lunch with the US president for this? They all have been exposed today.., &quot;says AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on the US strikes on Iran&#39;s 3 nuclear facilities and the ongoing conflict between Israel and… <a href="https://t.co/rAwPK9YU1Z">pic.twitter.com/rAwPK9YU1Z</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1936685598196318688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Owaisi further raised concerns over the chances of serious consequences for India if a full-scale war breaks out in the Middle East region.He cited that over 16 million Indians reside in the Gulf and the Middle East, saying that “if that area erupts in a war, which unfortunately is very likely, then it will have a grave impact on the Indians living there”.&nbsp;Owaisi also targeted the United States and President Donald Trump for the strikes in Iran.&nbsp;“The US was never an honest broker. Whether it is Iraq, Libya or Palestine. The US is sitting completely silent on the ethnic cleansing taking place in Gaza,” Owaisi told news agency ANI.&nbsp;“You went into Iraq, saying they were creating these weapons of mass destruction, and nothing was found over there. You removed Gaddafi in Libya, and nothing happened. Saddam was killed, and Gaddafi was killed. The US policy is only to cover up the crimes of the Israeli government,” the MP said.&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and posted a statement on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/XWB82VovOL">pic.twitter.com/XWB82VovOL</a>&mdash; Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) <a href="https://twitter.com/MIshaqDar50/status/1936688895003078721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US President Donald Trump, early on Sunday, announced that Washington carried out strikes on Iran's three nuclear facilities. Later, Trump warned Iran that any retaliation from Tehran against the US “will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed” on Sunday.

Owaisi further raised concerns over the chances of serious consequences for India if a full-scale war breaks out in the Middle East region. He cited that over 16 million Indians reside in the Gulf and the Middle East.

After the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities under what it called ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Pakistan for nominating President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and asked if they want him to win the prize for the strikes on nuclear sites in Iran. The AIMIM chief's remarks come against the backdrop of the American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as well as Pakistan’s move to nominate the US President for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Prize, citing his “diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. He further questioned Pakistan’s support for Trump and asked if they backed him only to see the strikes on Iran. “We should ask Pakistanis if they want Trump to get a Nobel Peace Prize for this...,” Owaisi said, referring to the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. He also mocked Pakistan's top military leadership and asked whether Islamabad’s Army chief, Asim Munir, had lunch with the US president for this (US strikes on Iran). “They all have been exposed today,” Owaisi added.

Owaisi further raised concerns over the chances of serious consequences for India if a full-scale war breaks out in the Middle East region. He cited that over 16 million Indians reside in the Gulf and the Middle East.

Owaisi mocks Pakistan over US strikes on Iran: ‘Should Donald Trump win Nobel Peace for this?’

US President Donald Trump on Friday expressed confidence that Washington would soon clinch trade agreements with both India and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking to reporters upon arrival in New Jersey, Trump’s remarks signal a renewed American push for deeper economic engagement in South Asia, as diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours appear to ease.<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>As per Reuters, President Trump stated he was optimistic about reaching trade deals with both India and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;While addressing reporters in New Jersey, Trump said, “We’re going to make a trade deal with Modi of India,” and suggested that Pakistan would also come to the negotiating table.&nbsp;His comments follow high-level diplomatic engagements involving both countries. On June 18, Trump met Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir at the White House, a rare and symbolic move aimed at reducing regional tensions.&nbsp;&nbsp;As quoted by Reuters, Trump later claimed that his intervention helped avert a full-blown crisis between India and Pakistan, remarking, “I stopped the war … I love Pakistan. I think Modi is a fantastic man.”<h2>Talks underway with India and Pakistan</h2>According to Reuters, US and Indian trade negotiators recently concluded four days of talks in New Delhi, making significant progress towards an interim trade agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proposed deal, which may be finalised by the end of June, reportedly includes market access for US agricultural exports such as wheat, dairy and corn, and discussions around reducing Indian tariffs.Meanwhile, Pakistan is also preparing to send a delegation to Washington to begin formal trade discussions.&nbsp;&nbsp;As per Reuters, Pakistan’s commerce ministry has confirmed that upcoming talks will address US tariffs and potential investment opportunities, particularly in sectors like mining. Islamabad is expected to offer concessions to attract US companies in an effort to diversify its struggling economy.<h2>Why it matters?</h2>The prospect of simultaneous trade deals with India and Pakistan is geopolitically significant. For the US, deeper trade ties with India could boost exports and enhance supply chain resilience, especially as Washington looks to reduce reliance on China.&nbsp;&nbsp;India, already the largest destination for US exports in South Asia, is seen as a critical partner in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.&nbsp;At the same time, opening talks with Pakistan indicates a broader American strategy to stabilise regional dynamics through economic diplomacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Reuters, Islamabad hopes trade ties will ease pressure from existing US tariffs and attract new foreign investment, particularly in strategic sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Trump, this dual-track approach strengthens US influence in the region ahead of the 2026 elections and underscores his transactional style of diplomacy.<h2>What’s next?</h2>While Trump’s prediction is optimistic, any future deals will require complex negotiations, compromises on tariffs, and clarity on long-standing issues such as market access and intellectual property.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, with talks already underway and Trump personally invested in the outcome, the coming months may see major movement on US trade policy in South Asia.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies) &nbsp;

Trump says US is close to trade deals with India and Pakistan, as talks advance on tariffs, market access, and investment amid a push to stabilise regional ties.

US President Donald Trump on Friday expressed confidence that Washington would soon clinch trade agreements with both India and Pakistan. Speaking to reporters upon arrival in New Jersey, Trump’s remarks signal a renewed American push for deeper economic engagement in South Asia, as diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours appear to ease. What did Trump say? As per Reuters, President Trump stated he was optimistic about reaching trade deals with both India and Pakistan. While addressing reporters in New Jersey, Trump said, “We’re going to make a trade deal with Modi of India,” and suggested that Pakistan would also come to the negotiating table. His comments follow high-level diplomatic engagements involving both countries. On June 18, Trump met Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir at the White House, a rare and symbolic move aimed at reducing regional tensions. As quoted by Reuters, Trump later claimed that his intervention helped avert a full-blown crisis between India and Pakistan, remarking, “I stopped the war … I love Pakistan. I think Modi is a fantastic man.” Talks underway with India and Pakistan According to Reuters, US and Indian trade negotiators recently concluded four days of talks in New Delhi, making significant progress towards an interim trade agreement. The proposed deal, which may be finalised by the end of June, reportedly includes market access for US agricultural exports such as wheat, dairy and corn, and discussions around reducing Indian tariffs. Meanwhile, Pakistan is also preparing to send a delegation to Washington to begin formal trade discussions. As per Reuters, Pakistan’s commerce ministry has confirmed that upcoming talks will address US tariffs and potential investment opportunities, particularly in sectors like mining. Islamabad is expected to offer concessions to attract US companies in an effort to diversify its struggling economy. Why it matters? The prospect of simultaneous trade deals with India and Pakistan is geopolitically significant. For the US, deeper trade ties with India could boost exports and enhance supply chain resilience, especially as Washington looks to reduce reliance on China. India, already the largest destination for US exports in South Asia, is seen as a critical partner in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy. At the same time, opening talks with Pakistan indicates a broader American strategy to stabilise regional dynamics through economic diplomacy. According to Reuters, Islamabad hopes trade ties will ease pressure from existing US tariffs and attract new foreign investment, particularly in strategic sectors. For Trump, this dual-track approach strengthens US influence in the region ahead of the 2026 elections and underscores his transactional style of diplomacy. What’s next? While Trump’s prediction is optimistic, any future deals will require complex negotiations, compromises on tariffs, and clarity on long-standing issues such as market access and intellectual property. Still, with talks already underway and Trump personally invested in the outcome, the coming months may see major movement on US trade policy in South Asia. (With inputs from the agencies)

President Trump signals imminent trade deals with India and Pakistan, leveraging diplomacy to boost US ties and economic influence in South Asia.

Trump eyes trade pacts with India and Pakistan amid renewed diplomacy

Pakistan has nominated US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for his supposed role in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Writing about it in a post on X, the Pakistan government praised Trump for his "decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership" when India and Pakistan were engaged in a war-like situation only a few weeks back. Notably, only a few days back, Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, at the White House. It was a rare and unexpected meeting, the details of which have not been disclosed yet.“Government of Pakistan Recommends President Donald J. Trump for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize," the X message read. "The Government of Pakistan has decided to formally recommend President Donald J. Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis."&nbsp;<h2>Trump and his quest for the Nobel Prize</h2>&nbsp;This comes a day after Trump tooted his own horn, saying he has brokered so many peace deals between countries that he should have gotten the Nobel Peace Prize "four or five times." &nbsp;"They won't give me a Nobel Peace Prize because they only give it to liberals.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pats-own-back-for-congo-rwanda-peace-deal-claims-won-t-get-a-nobel-peace-prize-no-matter-what-i-do-1750467827956">Trump complains 'won't get Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do,' pats own back for Congo-Rwanda peace deal</a>&nbsp;On Friday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had brokered a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. He quickly changed the subject and wrote, "I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do". &nbsp;"I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war between India and Pakistan"."I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war between Serbia and Kosovo."&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that he was responsible for the peace between "Egypt and Ethiopia" and for "doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East".&nbsp;<h2>Trump-Munir meeting</h2>&nbsp;According to Geo News, the meeting between Trump and Munir happened over lunch. Pakistan has been vocal about Trump playing a major role in averting a major crisis between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in April.Munir had earlier praised Trump and advocated for a Nobel nomination for the US president, saying he was crucial in de-escalating the situation between India and Pakistan. Trump invited Munir to the White House after Munir praised him and called on the world to confer the Nobel Peace Prize on him.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-claims-us-brokered-ceasefire-between-india-and-pakistan-new-delhi-objects-9069882/embed&nbsp;White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said before the meeting, “Trump would host Munir after he called for the president to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan."Trump had claimed to have brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the two countries attacked each other over four days. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and struck terror camps in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir. Islamabad retaliated, and after four days, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire. India dismissed claims that Trump played a role, while Pakistan acknowledged he played a part in the deal.Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the meeting between Trump and Munir is being touted as a major diplomatic success for Pakistan. Munir was promoted to Field Marshal later, making him the first officer to hold the title since Ayub Khan in 1959.

Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize? Pakistan has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he was crucial in stopping the conflict with India. 

Pakistan has nominated US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for his supposed role in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Writing about it in a post on X, the Pakistan government praised Trump for his "decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership" when India and Pakistan were engaged in a war-like situation only a few weeks back. Notably, only a few days back, Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, at the White House. It was a rare and unexpected meeting, the details of which have not been disclosed yet. “Government of Pakistan Recommends President Donald J. Trump for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize," the X message read. "The Government of Pakistan has decided to formally recommend President Donald J. Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis." Trump and his quest for the Nobel Prize This comes a day after Trump tooted his own horn, saying he has brokered so many peace deals between countries that he should have gotten the Nobel Peace Prize "four or five times." "They won't give me a Nobel Peace Prize because they only give it to liberals.” Also Read: Trump complains 'won't get Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do,' pats own back for Congo-Rwanda peace deal On Friday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had brokered a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. He quickly changed the subject and wrote, "I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do". "I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war between India and Pakistan". "I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war between Serbia and Kosovo." He added that he was responsible for the peace between "Egypt and Ethiopia" and for "doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East". Trump-Munir meeting According to Geo News, the meeting between Trump and Munir happened over lunch. Pakistan has been vocal about Trump playing a major role in averting a major crisis between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in April. Munir had earlier praised Trump and advocated for a Nobel nomination for the US president, saying he was crucial in de-escalating the situation between India and Pakistan. Trump invited Munir to the White House after Munir praised him and called on the world to confer the Nobel Peace Prize on him. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-claims-us-brokered-ceasefire-between-india-and-pakistan-new-delhi-objects-9069882/embed White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said before the meeting, “Trump would host Munir after he called for the president to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan." Trump had claimed to have brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the two countries attacked each other over four days. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and struck terror camps in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir. Islamabad retaliated, and after four days, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire. India dismissed claims that Trump played a role, while Pakistan acknowledged he played a part in the deal. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the meeting between Trump and Munir is being touted as a major diplomatic success for Pakistan. Munir was promoted to Field Marshal later, making him the first officer to hold the title since Ayub Khan in 1959.

Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize? Pakistan has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he was crucial in stopping the conflict with India.&nbsp;

Pakistan recommends Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize after he rues not getting one for 'stopping wars'

Pakistan is often called a failed state. At other points, it has been called a rogue state or client state. That, of course, refers not to the country in general but to its army-centred ruling elite, which often sidesteps or steamrolls the interests of ordinary citizens to uphold its power base and worldview. Military coups and martial laws at various times only testify to this fact. The question to ask is: how is it that despite all the criticism and flak it faces, the military apparatus that runs the Pakistani state, sometimes in letter and almost always in spirit, has the right of way both at home and, as it turns out, abroad?&nbsp;The answer might lie in a simple insight: Pakistan’s estate is a vital asset–which is to say that what matters seems to be more about real estate than democracy, governance, nationhood or constitution that helps an elite stay firmly in the saddle despite hard evidence that Islamabad overlooks and/or nurtures terror groups or Most-Wanted figures such as Lashkar -e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and its leaders or the infamous Osama Bin Laden who was killed next to the Abbottabad cantonment. &nbsp;After US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir merely weeks after India’s May 7 Operation Sindoor that targeted Pakistan-based terror camps (followed by army-blessed funerals for some of those killed in the operation), it is time to think deep to understand what is really going on.Tongue firmly in cheek, and perhaps with bull’s eye precision, we can say that Pakistan’s special position is more a matter of diplomatic geography than political history. Never mind the Internet memes that mock the Trump-Munir meeting at a “private” luncheon. &nbsp;“Location, location, location,” is a popular phrase in the real estate business that stresses on the importance of geographical coordinates in determining the value of a property. Though the statement is often attributed to British real estate tycoon Harold Samuel, it has been traced back to a classified ad in the Chicago Tribune newspaper in 1926.&nbsp;Pakistan’s location has been a key asset that has saved it from many a diplomatic woe—and one might add, from the way its uniformed rulers manage it.&nbsp;You can say that thrice, like in the old saying. This is because Pakistan is strategically located next to Afghanistan, Iran and China, all of which have influenced diplomatic positions in Washington and Moscow at various points in time.&nbsp;When invading Russian soldiers marched into Afghanistan in 1979 as part of the then Soviet Union’s plan to install a puppet regime, it was Pakistan that helped the US counter it by hosting the “Mujahideen” or liberation groups towards the fag end of the Cold War.&nbsp;Bin Laden’s ideas of forming a global jihadist movement can be traced back to his presence in Pakistan. It is ironic that not only the rise of his Al Qaeda group that carried out the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001, but also the Taliban that currently rules Afghanistan and bitterly opposes the US, rose from the remnants of the Mujahideen. US foreign policy has more often than not been guided by short-term expediency than long-term principles, and that might explain how the best of India’s diplomatic efforts and evidence do little to sway the State Department.&nbsp;As Trump woos Munir, who was appointed Field Marshal after Operation Sindoor, what we need to remember is that under the Republicans in general and the current White House incumbent in particular, the US is less a guardian angel of democracy or civilised diplomacy and more a power that looks after its strategic interests and trading might. It is generously helped by an influential Jewish lobby that has suddenly shifted America’s focus away from trade talks with China towards a combative engagement involving Israel and Iran. India’s Operation Sindoor had nothing to do with Iran, which has emerged as some kind of a benign opportunity for Pakistan to engage with the US.&nbsp;After the din ebbs on the Israel-Iran conflict, China will remain exactly where it is on the world map, helping Islamabad play a geopolitical card vis-à-vis the US. &nbsp;It is time for a reminder that for all practical purposes, Munir is now in control of the elected civilian government. The aftermath of Operation Sindoor, like that of the Kargil War in 1999, gives the army an upper hand. Not that it needed any. Opposition leader and former prime minister Imran Khan has been in jail for two years after an arrest led by the paramilitary inside the premises of the Islamabad High Court in a case involving his confrontation with the country’s army. &nbsp;Barely a week after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that led to Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan government named Asim Malik, a serving military general, as its National Security Adviser. A former head of the spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), he is no ordinary general. His appointment to the NSA’s job, over the head of civilian officials, shows who is in command in Pakistan.It might be fair to describe some of the events and non-events following Operation Sindoor as a setback for Indian diplomacy but it pays to remember that not all of it can be linked to what New Delhi does or does not do. The sheer location of Pakistan and the way Islamabad’s military lords use it, involves a grim lesson on the importance of location.&nbsp; &nbsp;The “geo” tag in geopolitics exists for a reason.

It is time for a reminder that for all practical purposes, Munir is now in control of the elected civilian government. The aftermath of Operation Sindoor, like that of the Kargil War in 1999, gives the army an upper hand. Not that it needed any.

Pakistan is often called a failed state. At other points, it has been called a rogue state or client state. That, of course, refers not to the country in general but to its army-centred ruling elite, which often sidesteps or steamrolls the interests of ordinary citizens to uphold its power base and worldview. Military coups and martial laws at various times only testify to this fact. The question to ask is: how is it that despite all the criticism and flak it faces, the military apparatus that runs the Pakistani state, sometimes in letter and almost always in spirit, has the right of way both at home and, as it turns out, abroad? The answer might lie in a simple insight: Pakistan’s estate is a vital asset–which is to say that what matters seems to be more about real estate than democracy, governance, nationhood or constitution that helps an elite stay firmly in the saddle despite hard evidence that Islamabad overlooks and/or nurtures terror groups or Most-Wanted figures such as Lashkar -e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and its leaders or the infamous Osama Bin Laden who was killed next to the Abbottabad cantonment. After US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir merely weeks after India’s May 7 Operation Sindoor that targeted Pakistan-based terror camps (followed by army-blessed funerals for some of those killed in the operation), it is time to think deep to understand what is really going on. Tongue firmly in cheek, and perhaps with bull’s eye precision, we can say that Pakistan’s special position is more a matter of diplomatic geography than political history. Never mind the Internet memes that mock the Trump-Munir meeting at a “private” luncheon. “Location, location, location,” is a popular phrase in the real estate business that stresses on the importance of geographical coordinates in determining the value of a property. Though the statement is often attributed to British real estate tycoon Harold Samuel, it has been traced back to a classified ad in the Chicago Tribune newspaper in 1926. Pakistan’s location has been a key asset that has saved it from many a diplomatic woe—and one might add, from the way its uniformed rulers manage it. You can say that thrice, like in the old saying. This is because Pakistan is strategically located next to Afghanistan, Iran and China, all of which have influenced diplomatic positions in Washington and Moscow at various points in time. When invading Russian soldiers marched into Afghanistan in 1979 as part of the then Soviet Union’s plan to install a puppet regime, it was Pakistan that helped the US counter it by hosting the “Mujahideen” or liberation groups towards the fag end of the Cold War. Bin Laden’s ideas of forming a global jihadist movement can be traced back to his presence in Pakistan. It is ironic that not only the rise of his Al Qaeda group that carried out the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001, but also the Taliban that currently rules Afghanistan and bitterly opposes the US, rose from the remnants of the Mujahideen. US foreign policy has more often than not been guided by short-term expediency than long-term principles, and that might explain how the best of India’s diplomatic efforts and evidence do little to sway the State Department. As Trump woos Munir, who was appointed Field Marshal after Operation Sindoor, what we need to remember is that under the Republicans in general and the current White House incumbent in particular, the US is less a guardian angel of democracy or civilised diplomacy and more a power that looks after its strategic interests and trading might. It is generously helped by an influential Jewish lobby that has suddenly shifted America’s focus away from trade talks with China towards a combative engagement involving Israel and Iran. India’s Operation Sindoor had nothing to do with Iran, which has emerged as some kind of a benign opportunity for Pakistan to engage with the US. After the din ebbs on the Israel-Iran conflict, China will remain exactly where it is on the world map, helping Islamabad play a geopolitical card vis-à-vis the US. It is time for a reminder that for all practical purposes, Munir is now in control of the elected civilian government. The aftermath of Operation Sindoor, like that of the Kargil War in 1999, gives the army an upper hand. Not that it needed any. Opposition leader and former prime minister Imran Khan has been in jail for two years after an arrest led by the paramilitary inside the premises of the Islamabad High Court in a case involving his confrontation with the country’s army. Barely a week after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that led to Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan government named Asim Malik, a serving military general, as its National Security Adviser. A former head of the spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), he is no ordinary general. His appointment to the NSA’s job, over the head of civilian officials, shows who is in command in Pakistan. It might be fair to describe some of the events and non-events following Operation Sindoor as a setback for Indian diplomacy but it pays to remember that not all of it can be linked to what New Delhi does or does not do. The sheer location of Pakistan and the way Islamabad’s military lords use it, involves a grim lesson on the importance of location. The “geo” tag in geopolitics exists for a reason.

It is time for a reminder that for all practical purposes, Munir is now in control of the elected civilian government. The aftermath of Operation Sindoor, like that of the Kargil War in 1999, gives the army an upper hand. Not that it needed any.

The Location Syndrome: As Trump woos Munir, Pakistan’s diplomatic geography matters more than its political history

In a development that is proof of global realignments amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war and raging global crises, viral posts on social media suggest that Pakistan may have betrayed Iran despite putting its support behind the country in its fight against Israel.&nbsp;Some social media posts that have gone viral show ‘proof’ of Pakistan assisting the US in spying on Iran.The viral posts say Pakistan has “backstabbed” Iran after initially voicing support for it over Israeli strikes. &nbsp;A user said in a post on X, “Pakistan is allowing Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) of the United States to spy on Iran.”&nbsp;The viral posts also share a ‘screenshot’ of BACN 11-9001 being spotted on Flightradar24.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sunni Pakistan continues to backstab Shia Iran. <a href="https://t.co/0qnqL2HXbR">https://t.co/0qnqL2HXbR</a>&mdash; Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) <a href="https://twitter.com/pakistan_untold/status/1935182249806442968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They further suggest that the coordinates for the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster IRIC in Tehran for the Israeli strike on Monday were provided to the Israelis with the help of Pakistan.&nbsp;There are no official confirmations on the subject as of now.&nbsp;The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) is deemed a “flying gateway.” An archived report on Forecast International says that the BACN is a “forward-deployed airborne communications relay and network-centric information among many military, federal and commercial communications systems.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇵🇰Pakistan is allowing Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) of 🇺🇸 US to spy on 🇮🇷 Iran It&#39;s a specialised aircraft to enhance communication, situational awareness &amp; surveillance on strategic assets. 🇵🇰Pakistani backstabbed Iran🇮🇷 again <a href="https://t.co/5JiMs4gKfX">pic.twitter.com/5JiMs4gKfX</a>&mdash; Ajay Kashyap (@EverythingAjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/EverythingAjay/status/1935058657148026890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The viral posts alleging Pakistan’s potential betrayal of Iran came to light just ahead of US President Donald Trump meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir in Washington, DC.&nbsp;Munir is in America for a five-day visit with a focus on strengthening military and strategic ties between the two countries.&nbsp;However, he had to face the ire of some protesters in the US who slammed him for being the “criminal dictator of Pakistan,” and supporting “fascism.”&nbsp;“Pakistani-Americans in Washington, DC, are protesting outside the Four Seasons hotel, reminding General Asim Munir of the crimes he’s committed against the people of Pakistan,” said a post on PTI’s official X account.&nbsp;<h2>Pak refuted Iran’s claim of assuring to drop N-bomb on Israel if it nukes Iran</h2>&nbsp;Earlier this week, top Iranian officer General Mohsen Rezaei said in an interview that Pakistan would launch a nuclear attack on Israel if it started an N-bomb onslaught on Iran.“Pakistan has assured us that if Israel uses a nuclear bomb on Iran, they will attack Israel with a nuclear bomb,” said the senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s National Security Council member.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Islamabad declined the claim, and Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif denied having made any such commitment.&nbsp;“Our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against the hostile designs of our enemies. We do not pursue hegemonic policies against our neighbours which are being amply demonstrated by Israel these days,” he wrote on X.

The viral posts alleging Pakistan’s potential betrayal of Iran came to light just ahead of US President Donald Trump meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir in Washington, DC. 

In a development that is proof of global realignments amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war and raging global crises, viral posts on social media suggest that Pakistan may have betrayed Iran despite putting its support behind the country in its fight against Israel. Some social media posts that have gone viral show ‘proof’ of Pakistan assisting the US in spying on Iran. The viral posts say Pakistan has “backstabbed” Iran after initially voicing support for it over Israeli strikes. A user said in a post on X, “Pakistan is allowing Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) of the United States to spy on Iran.” The viral posts also share a ‘screenshot’ of BACN 11-9001 being spotted on Flightradar24.

The viral posts alleging Pakistan’s potential betrayal of Iran came to light just ahead of US President Donald Trump meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir in Washington, DC.&nbsp;

Pakistan ‘backstabbed’ Iran, assisted US in ‘spying’ on Tehran, claim viral posts

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has presented a complex challenge before Pakistan, which is treading with extreme caution to safeguard its own security, stability, and longstanding relations with key ally nations.&nbsp;The start of a full-fledged war across the border (Pakistan shares a 905 km-long border with Iran) has created a big dilemma for Islamabad, as on one hand, it has to speak for Iran being a Muslim nation, but on the other, it cannot afford to upset the United States, which has been its great benefactor for decades.&nbsp;Expectedly, when Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and killed many Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, Pakistan was quick to condemn the Israeli action and stand in support of Iran, with which it had exchanged missile strikes in January 2024.&nbsp;Islamabad called the Israeli strikes “blatant provocations” and violations of Iran’s territorial sovereignty.As the conflict is intensifying, Islamabad is worried about its complex ties with Tehran and the prospect of the Israeli military’s aerial influence extending close to its border.&nbsp;<h2>Pak-Iran ties marked by complexities</h2> Pakistan and Iran accuse each other of harbouring armed groups responsible for cross-border attacks on their territories, and, in January 2024, Tehran launched missiles into Pakistan’s Balochistan province, claiming to target the separatist group Jaish al-Adl.Pakistan retaliated within 24 hours, striking what it said were hideouts of Baloch separatists inside Iranian territory.The brief escalation died down quickly, but Iran avoided taking the side of Pakistan during its military conflict with India last month.&nbsp;Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has offered to help broker an end to the military hostilities between Iran and Israel.&nbsp;However, Pakistan would not risk getting itself too involved when it is eager to rebuild bridges with the US, Israel’s closest ally.&nbsp;<h2>Balochistan worries perturb Islamabad</h2> Pakistan’s biggest concern is the likely fallout of the Iran-Israel conflict in its resource-rich, restive province of Balochistan, which also hosts the Gwadar port, central to the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), linking western China to the Arabian Sea.Pakistan is worried that if the war escalates further, members of armed secessionist groups, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLA), who live in Iran’s border areas, might sneak into Pakistan through the porous border.&nbsp;Another prospect roiling Islamabad is the fear of the influx of refugees from Iran with which it shared a long border.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Fears of growing Israeli aerial prowess in close vicinity&nbsp;</h2> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim of the Israeli Air Force having control over Tehran’s skies has bothered Islamabad as much as it did Iran.&nbsp;Pakistan will never want Israeli influence over the Iranian airspace to grow and creep towards its border, as it does not recognise Israel and considers it to be a sworn enemy.

The start of a full-fledged war across the border (Pakistan shares a 905 km-long border with Iran) has created a big dilemma for Islamabad, as on one hand, it has to speak for Iran being a Muslim nation, but on the other, it cannot afford to upset the US, its biggest benefactor for decades.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has presented a complex challenge before Pakistan, which is treading with extreme caution to safeguard its own security, stability, and longstanding relations with key ally nations. The start of a full-fledged war across the border (Pakistan shares a 905 km-long border with Iran) has created a big dilemma for Islamabad, as on one hand, it has to speak for Iran being a Muslim nation, but on the other, it cannot afford to upset the United States, which has been its great benefactor for decades. Expectedly, when Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and killed many Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, Pakistan was quick to condemn the Israeli action and stand in support of Iran, with which it had exchanged missile strikes in January 2024. Islamabad called the Israeli strikes “blatant provocations” and violations of Iran’s territorial sovereignty. As the conflict is intensifying, Islamabad is worried about its complex ties with Tehran and the prospect of the Israeli military’s aerial influence extending close to its border. Pak-Iran ties marked by complexities Pakistan and Iran accuse each other of harbouring armed groups responsible for cross-border attacks on their territories, and, in January 2024, Tehran launched missiles into Pakistan’s Balochistan province, claiming to target the separatist group Jaish al-Adl. Pakistan retaliated within 24 hours, striking what it said were hideouts of Baloch separatists inside Iranian territory. The brief escalation died down quickly, but Iran avoided taking the side of Pakistan during its military conflict with India last month. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has offered to help broker an end to the military hostilities between Iran and Israel. However, Pakistan would not risk getting itself too involved when it is eager to rebuild bridges with the US, Israel’s closest ally. Balochistan worries perturb Islamabad Pakistan’s biggest concern is the likely fallout of the Iran-Israel conflict in its resource-rich, restive province of Balochistan, which also hosts the Gwadar port, central to the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), linking western China to the Arabian Sea. Pakistan is worried that if the war escalates further, members of armed secessionist groups, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLA), who live in Iran’s border areas, might sneak into Pakistan through the porous border. Another prospect roiling Islamabad is the fear of the influx of refugees from Iran with which it shared a long border. Fears of growing Israeli aerial prowess in close vicinity Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim of the Israeli Air Force having control over Tehran’s skies has bothered Islamabad as much as it did Iran. Pakistan will never want Israeli influence over the Iranian airspace to grow and creep towards its border, as it does not recognise Israel and considers it to be a sworn enemy.

The start of a full-fledged war across the border (Pakistan shares a 905 km-long border with Iran) has created a big dilemma for Islamabad, as on one hand, it has to speak for Iran being a Muslim nation, but on the other, it cannot afford to upset the US, its biggest benefactor for decades.

Iran-Israel war plunges Pakistan into a quagmire, poses a diplomatic challenge

Pakistan's Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, who is currently in the US on an official visit, was slammed by a group of protesters who called him a "mass murderer" and &nbsp;a "dictator".In a viral video, the protesters were seen heckling Munir, as he arrived at a hotel in Washington.Pakistani nationals and people of Pakistani diaspora in the US gathered near the hotel to protest and call for the restoration of what they described as "unfettered democracy" in Pakistan."Asim Munir, you are a coward", “shame on you, mass murderer" and “shame on you, dictator", people were seen chanting these slogans as his car arrived at the hotel.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Failed Asim Munir gets humiliated by the Pakistani Diaspora during his trip to USA. He was called &#39;Murderer of Pakistanis&#39;. <a href="https://t.co/NSRKywNuh3">pic.twitter.com/NSRKywNuh3</a>&mdash; Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) <a href="https://twitter.com/YearOfTheKraken/status/1934881017539833932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-former-pm-imran-khan-explosive-allegations-on-asim-munir-over-bushra-bibi-s-incarceration-1749005087878">Also read: 'When I removed him as DG ISI…': Imran Khan's explosive allegations on Asim Munir over incarceration of his first wife Bushra Bibi</a>&nbsp;The authorities tried to stop them from entering the premises.A man, showing a screen with the slogan "mass murderer", said, "We are here to welcome Asim Munir. This is Washington's Four Seasons hotel. This is telling him what he has done to Pakistan.""People are here to hunt you", he said in the video. However, the video cannot be verified."Shame, shame on you. Free Pakistan. Civilian supremacy in Pakistan. Shame on you, b*****d," the man added.In another video, a mobile electronic billboard can also be seen parked near the building, with slogans on it of, "Asim Munir, mass murderer" and “democracy dies when guns speak.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/poIqJuGdnv">pic.twitter.com/poIqJuGdnv</a> Asim Munir has fallen into the hands of Pakistanis in America—exposed as the dictator, traitor, and butcher of his own people that he truly is!&quot; From Pakistan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/11YearsofInjustice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#11YearsofInjustice</a> Trump and Israel&mdash; ⁱᴵⁿˢᵃᶠ فکر (@shaoooohoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/shaoooohoor/status/1934843199496810778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/asim-munir-visiting-us-fears-of-protests-hover-pti-denies-making-any-call-for-demonstration-1749659153921">Also read: Asim Munir visiting US? Fears of protests hover; PTI denies making any call for demonstration</a><h2>Munir's US visit</h2>Munir arrived in the US on Sunday for a five-day visit, aimed at strengthening military and strategic ties with the US.Asim Munir was recently promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, days after the Pakistan military suffered huge losses in its conflict with India after Operation Sindoor.

Pakistani nationals and people of Pakistani diaspora in the US gathered near the hotel to protest and call for the restoration of what they described as "unfettered democracy" in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, who is currently in the US on an official visit, was slammed by a group of protesters who called him a "mass murderer" and a "dictator". In a viral video, the protesters were seen heckling Munir, as he arrived at a hotel in Washington. Pakistani nationals and people of Pakistani diaspora in the US gathered near the hotel to protest and call for the restoration of what they described as "unfettered democracy" in Pakistan. "Asim Munir, you are a coward", “shame on you, mass murderer" and “shame on you, dictator", people were seen chanting these slogans as his car arrived at the hotel.

Pakistani nationals and people of Pakistani diaspora in the US gathered near the hotel to protest and call for the restoration of what they described as "unfettered democracy" in Pakistan.

'Mass murderer, dictator, b***ard': Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir heckled by protesters in US - WATCH

Pakistan has closed all its border crossings with Iran indefinitely, provincial officials confirmed on Monday (June 16). The move comes as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise following multiple strikes and escalating threats of further conflict.“Border facilities in all five districts – Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar – have been suspended,” said Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Balochistan province, which borders Iran.Atta ul Munim, an official at a crossing in Chaghi district, added, “Crossing into Iran has been suspended until further notice.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-iran-test-israel-s-limits-israel-deploys-barak-magen-air-defence-system-for-the-first-time-1750077787485">Did Iran test Israel’s limits? Israel deploys Barak Magen air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;system for the first time</a><h2>Trade continues, returns allowed</h2>Despite the closure, officials say trade has not been halted. Pakistani citizens returning from Iran will still be allowed to cross.“We’re expecting around 200 Pakistani students coming today,” said Atta.On Sunday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that 450 Pakistani pilgrims had already been evacuated from Iran. More will follow from both Iran and Iraq, which host important Shiite religious sites.<h2>Iran claims Pakistan pledged nuclear support</h2>An Iranian commander claimed that Pakistan had pledged to support Tehran with nuclear retaliation if Israel escalates.General Mohsen Rezaei, a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and member of Iran’s National Security Council, told Iranian state TV, “Pakistan has told us that if Israel uses a nuclear bomb on Iran, then Pakistan will also attack Israel with a nuclear bomb.”Pakistan, the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons, does not recognise Israel, like Iran.<h2>Islamabad firmly denies nuclear claim</h2>Islamabad was quick to deny the claim. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif dismissed the statement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying that Pakistan had made “no such commitment”.In his statement, he said, “Our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against the hostile designs of our enemies. We do not pursue hegemonic policies against our neighbours which are being amply demonstrated by Israel these days.”Asif also warned, “The world should be wary and apprehensive about Israel’s nuclear prowess,” and accused the country of not following “any international nuclear discipline.”<h2>Pakistan’s position in a growing conflict</h2>Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long border with Shiite-majority Iran and has close religious, cultural, and strategic ties with its neighbour. However, Islamabad appears keen to avoid being drawn directly into the Israel-Iran confrontation.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long border with Shiite-majority Iran and has close religious, cultural, and strategic ties with its neighbour. However, Islamabad appears keen to avoid being drawn directly into the Israel-Iran confrontation.

Pakistan has closed all its border crossings with Iran indefinitely, provincial officials confirmed on Monday (June 16). The move comes as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise following multiple strikes and escalating threats of further conflict. “Border facilities in all five districts – Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar – have been suspended,” said Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, a senior official in Balochistan province, which borders Iran. Atta ul Munim, an official at a crossing in Chaghi district, added, “Crossing into Iran has been suspended until further notice.” Also read: Did Iran test Israel’s limits? Israel deploys Barak Magen air defence system for the first time Trade continues, returns allowed Despite the closure, officials say trade has not been halted. Pakistani citizens returning from Iran will still be allowed to cross. “We’re expecting around 200 Pakistani students coming today,” said Atta. On Sunday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that 450 Pakistani pilgrims had already been evacuated from Iran. More will follow from both Iran and Iraq, which host important Shiite religious sites. Iran claims Pakistan pledged nuclear support An Iranian commander claimed that Pakistan had pledged to support Tehran with nuclear retaliation if Israel escalates. General Mohsen Rezaei, a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and member of Iran’s National Security Council, told Iranian state TV, “Pakistan has told us that if Israel uses a nuclear bomb on Iran, then Pakistan will also attack Israel with a nuclear bomb.” Pakistan, the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons, does not recognise Israel, like Iran. Islamabad firmly denies nuclear claim Islamabad was quick to deny the claim. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif dismissed the statement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying that Pakistan had made “no such commitment”. In his statement, he said, “Our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against the hostile designs of our enemies. We do not pursue hegemonic policies against our neighbours which are being amply demonstrated by Israel these days.” Asif also warned, “The world should be wary and apprehensive about Israel’s nuclear prowess,” and accused the country of not following “any international nuclear discipline.” Pakistan’s position in a growing conflict Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long border with Shiite-majority Iran and has close religious, cultural, and strategic ties with its neighbour. However, Islamabad appears keen to avoid being drawn directly into the Israel-Iran confrontation.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long border with Shiite-majority Iran and has close religious, cultural, and strategic ties with its neighbour. However, Islamabad appears keen to avoid being drawn directly into the Israel-Iran confrontation.

'NO crossing into Iran': Pakistan shuts Iran border indefinitely after Tehran claims Islamabad 'will attack Israel with nuclear bomb'

Senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general and member of the Iranian National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei said, "Pakistan has informed us that if Israel fires nuclear missiles, we will fire nuclear missiles at them as well," in an interview on Iranian state television.&nbsp;Pakistan had promised to "stand behind Iran" and urged Muslim unity against Israel after Iran was attacked. No matter how hard Pakistan stood by Iran when Israel attacked, there was no utterance from any Pakistani official regarding the use of nuclear weapons against Israel.&nbsp;Rezaei further asserted that Iran has concealed tactics and capabilities that the nation has not made public.&nbsp;However, Pakistan defence minister Khwaja Asif in a message on social media platform X on Sunday said, "Pakistan is signatory to all international nuclear disciplines, our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against hostile designs of our enemies. We do not pursue hegemonic policies against our neighbours which are being amply demonstrated by Israel these days," he added.&nbsp;"Western world must worry about conflicts being generated by Israel, it will engulf the whole region and beyond, their patronage of Israel a rogue state can have catastrophic consequences," Asif noted.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesman claimed that on Sunday (June 15), their Air Force fighter jets attacked a building in the Tehran area, guided by precise intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate, where several senior officials of the Iranian regime’s intelligence organisations were present. The strike eliminated the head of the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence organisation and his deputy, as well as the head of the Quds Force intelligence division and his deputy. These senior officials played a central role in formulating Iran’s situation assessment and planning terrorist activities against Israel, the West, and regional countries.

Pak to nuke Israel if Iran attacked claims Iranian official Pakistan refutes

Senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general and member of the Iranian National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei said, "Pakistan has informed us that if Israel fires nuclear missiles, we will fire nuclear missiles at them as well," in an interview on Iranian state television. Pakistan had promised to "stand behind Iran" and urged Muslim unity against Israel after Iran was attacked. No matter how hard Pakistan stood by Iran when Israel attacked, there was no utterance from any Pakistani official regarding the use of nuclear weapons against Israel. Rezaei further asserted that Iran has concealed tactics and capabilities that the nation has not made public. However, Pakistan defence minister Khwaja Asif in a message on social media platform X on Sunday said, "Pakistan is signatory to all international nuclear disciplines, our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against hostile designs of our enemies. We do not pursue hegemonic policies against our neighbours which are being amply demonstrated by Israel these days," he added. "Western world must worry about conflicts being generated by Israel, it will engulf the whole region and beyond, their patronage of Israel a rogue state can have catastrophic consequences," Asif noted. Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesman claimed that on Sunday (June 15), their Air Force fighter jets attacked a building in the Tehran area, guided by precise intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate, where several senior officials of the Iranian regime’s intelligence organisations were present. The strike eliminated the head of the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence organisation and his deputy, as well as the head of the Quds Force intelligence division and his deputy. These senior officials played a central role in formulating Iran’s situation assessment and planning terrorist activities against Israel, the West, and regional countries.

Rezaei further asserted that Iran has concealed tactics and capabilities that the nation has not made public

'Pak to nuke Israel if Iran attacked', claims Iranian official; Pakistan refutes

Pakistan has hiked its defence spending by a steep 20% after suffering serious setbacks from Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor despite battling severe economic challenges and had to slash its overall federal expenditure for fiscal 2025-26 by a hefty 7% to 17.57 trillion rupees ($62 billion) in its budget.&nbsp;The military spending has been increased even as Pakistan is battling weak finances and tremendous economic challenges.&nbsp;The overall spending planned in the budget is down 7% to 17.57 trillion rupees ($62 billion).&nbsp;The budget presented on Tuesday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government allocated 2.55 trillion rupees ($9 billion) to defence in July-June 2025-26, up from 2.12 trillion.It projected a deficit of 3.9% of GDP against the 5.9% targeted for 2024-25. Inflation has been projected at 7.5% and growth at 4.2%.&nbsp;Pakistan has to kickstart growth while meeting the strictures of an International Monetary Fund finance programme. It also has to cope with the uncertainty of new import tariffs being imposed by the United States, which is its biggest export market.&nbsp;Pakistan boosts military spending&nbsp;Besides, Pakistan has allocated 742 billion Pakistani rupees ($2.63 billion) to military pensions, taking the entire defence budget to 3.292 trillion Pakistani rupees ($11.67 billion). That included 704 billion Pakistani rupees ($2.5 billion) in spending on equipment and other physical assets.&nbsp;The Sharif government has projected 4.2% economic growth in 2025-26, claiming that it has steadied the economy which was facing the risk of defaulting on its debts as recently as 2023. Growth this fiscal year is likely to be 2.7%, against the budgeted target of 3.6%.&nbsp;Pakistan’s growth lags far behind the region. In 2024, South Asian countries grew by an average of 5.8% and the Asian Development Bank expects 6.0% in 2025.&nbsp;Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government intends to complete the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, a request of the IMF.&nbsp;Growth should be aided by a sharp drop in the cost of borrowing, the government says, after a series of interest rate cuts.&nbsp;Economists, however, warn that monetary policy alone may not be enough, as fiscal constraints and IMF-mandated reforms are still weighing on investment.Aurangzeb said, “The budget was the start of a strategy to boost exports, increase foreign currency reserves to avoid the balance of payments crises of the past, and create a more competitive economy.”“In short, our budget strategy is to change the economy’s DNA by bringing basic changes,” he said.

Pakistan has to kickstart growth while meeting the strictures of an International Monetary Fund finance programme. Its also has to cope with the uncertainty of new import tariffs being imposed by the United States, which is its biggest export market.

Pakistan has hiked its defence spending by a steep 20% after suffering serious setbacks from Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor despite battling severe economic challenges and had to slash its overall federal expenditure for fiscal 2025-26 by a hefty 7% to 17.57 trillion rupees ($62 billion) in its budget. The military spending has been increased even as Pakistan is battling weak finances and tremendous economic challenges. The overall spending planned in the budget is down 7% to 17.57 trillion rupees ($62 billion). The budget presented on Tuesday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government allocated 2.55 trillion rupees ($9 billion) to defence in July-June 2025-26, up from 2.12 trillion. It projected a deficit of 3.9% of GDP against the 5.9% targeted for 2024-25. Inflation has been projected at 7.5% and growth at 4.2%. Pakistan has to kickstart growth while meeting the strictures of an International Monetary Fund finance programme. It also has to cope with the uncertainty of new import tariffs being imposed by the United States, which is its biggest export market. Pakistan boosts military spending Besides, Pakistan has allocated 742 billion Pakistani rupees ($2.63 billion) to military pensions, taking the entire defence budget to 3.292 trillion Pakistani rupees ($11.67 billion). That included 704 billion Pakistani rupees ($2.5 billion) in spending on equipment and other physical assets. The Sharif government has projected 4.2% economic growth in 2025-26, claiming that it has steadied the economy which was facing the risk of defaulting on its debts as recently as 2023. Growth this fiscal year is likely to be 2.7%, against the budgeted target of 3.6%. Pakistan’s growth lags far behind the region. In 2024, South Asian countries grew by an average of 5.8% and the Asian Development Bank expects 6.0% in 2025. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government intends to complete the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, a request of the IMF. Growth should be aided by a sharp drop in the cost of borrowing, the government says, after a series of interest rate cuts. Economists, however, warn that monetary policy alone may not be enough, as fiscal constraints and IMF-mandated reforms are still weighing on investment. Aurangzeb said, “The budget was the start of a strategy to boost exports, increase foreign currency reserves to avoid the balance of payments crises of the past, and create a more competitive economy.” “In short, our budget strategy is to change the economy’s DNA by bringing basic changes,” he said.

Pakistan has to kickstart growth while meeting the strictures of an International Monetary Fund finance programme. It also has to cope with the uncertainty of new import tariffs being imposed by the United States, which is its biggest export market.

Pakistan hikes defence budget by 20% despite economic challenges, cuts overall spending in 2025-26

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made headlines again for all the wrong reasons. Known for spitting venom against India with his over-the-top political and personal comments, Afridi's latest remarks made netizens question, ‘Is he on drugs?’&nbsp;Per several reports, Afridi has made a bizarre comment while speaking during an event in Pakistan, saying India is ten years behind Pakistan regarding growth and development and that they dream of competing with Pakistan but can never come up to par with them. The former team captain continued, saying calling India Pakistan’s enemy is an insult to his country.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-rcb-gavaskar-mourns-bengaluru-stampede-tragedy-that-killed-11-says-all-that-they-wanted-was-a-glimpse-1749389199514">Gavaskar mourns Bengaluru stampede tragedy that killed 11, says ‘all that they wanted was a glimpse…’</a> &nbsp;“India is 10 years behind Pakistan and dreams of defeating us and being our equal. Pakistan is the fastest-growing country in the world, with the most advanced technology. Even calling India our enemy is an insult to Pakistan,” Afridi said in his latest comment, as carried out by several publications. &nbsp;His remarks, however, haven’t sat too well among the netizens, who tore into him for being so delusional. Taking to their social media handles, countless users bashed Afridi for his latest comments.&nbsp; &nbsp;Check out some of the posts –

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A day without humiliation of Pakistan is a day wasted<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shahidafridi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shahidafridi</a> <a href="https://t.co/2rsXIdeokN">pic.twitter.com/2rsXIdeokN</a>&mdash; Comedyculture.in (@ComedycultureIn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ComedycultureIn/status/1931354403279348114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Big impact of War, Shahid Afridi still on drugs🙄 <a href="https://t.co/sUMFjD3fdJ">pic.twitter.com/sUMFjD3fdJ</a>&mdash; Sandeep Phogat (@MrSandeepPhogat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSandeepPhogat/status/1931375282801504301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yeah.... And Ambani is behind me in terms of Wealth... <a href="https://t.co/1wtqWnDAIA">pic.twitter.com/1wtqWnDAIA</a>&mdash; Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSinha_/status/1931391601009643963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shahid Afridi on Drugs! Hahahah <a href="https://t.co/wMiAqXGrZY">pic.twitter.com/wMiAqXGrZY</a>&mdash; The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaipurDialogues/status/1931383432736907344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India is 10 year behind Pakistan in cricket, courage &amp; tech. Calling them rival is insult&quot; : Shahid Afridi Mean While Pakistan&#39;s Technologia <a href="https://t.co/Eyl9brylFd">pic.twitter.com/Eyl9brylFd</a>&mdash; Pratik Singh (@Pratikbihar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pratikbihar/status/1931530215693697205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shahid Afridi says India is 10 years behind Pakistan in cricket, courage, and technology. Coming from a guy who retired more times than he scored centuries — we’ll take it as stand-up comedy, not a serious statement. 😂 PS: Our tech sends satellites to Mars. Yours can’t even… <a href="https://t.co/nuhEFllkXt">pic.twitter.com/nuhEFllkXt</a>&mdash; bhaavna arora (@BhaavnaArora) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhaavnaArora/status/1931653437223243882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, it’s not the first time that Afridi has faced backlash for his anti-India comments. Recently, following the Pahalgam terror attack in India's Kashmir, where Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight, all tourists from India and abroad, Afridi pointed fingers at the Indian Army for their failure in stopping such a barbaric attack from happening on their soil.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If a firecracker were to burst in India, fingers will always be pointed at Pakistan,” Afridi said on a chat show on Pakistan’s Samaa TV. “You have an 800,000-strong army in Kashmir, and this still happened. It means you are inefficient and useless if you can't provide security to the people).” &nbsp;Not only this, but Afridi even criticised Indian media’s coverage of the incident, linking it to a Bollywood movie production. He also took a jibe at certain Indian cricketers for accusing Pakistan of its involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. &nbsp;The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for this attack.

‘India is 10 years behind Pakistan,’ Afridi’s bizarre remark sparks outrage – ‘Is he on drugs? Ask netizens

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made headlines again for all the wrong reasons. Known for spitting venom against India with his over-the-top political and personal comments, Afridi's latest remarks made netizens question, ‘Is he on drugs?’ Per several reports, Afridi has made a bizarre comment while speaking during an event in Pakistan, saying India is ten years behind Pakistan regarding growth and development and that they dream of competing with Pakistan but can never come up to par with them. The former team captain continued, saying calling India Pakistan’s enemy is an insult to his country. Also read | Gavaskar mourns Bengaluru stampede tragedy that killed 11, says ‘all that they wanted was a glimpse…’ “India is 10 years behind Pakistan and dreams of defeating us and being our equal. Pakistan is the fastest-growing country in the world, with the most advanced technology. Even calling India our enemy is an insult to Pakistan,” Afridi said in his latest comment, as carried out by several publications. His remarks, however, haven’t sat too well among the netizens, who tore into him for being so delusional. Taking to their social media handles, countless users bashed Afridi for his latest comments. Check out some of the posts –

Known for spitting venom against India with his over-the-top political and personal comments, Afridi's latest remarks made netizens question, ‘Is he on drugs?’

Pakistani social media influencer and TikTok star Sana Yousaf was shot dead at her residence in Islamabad on Monday, local media Samaa TV reported.A 17-year-old influencer from Upper Chitral had nearly 5 lakh followers on Instagram. She was shot at her home in Sector G-13.Police suspect it to be a case of honour killing.Yousaf was reportedly killed at close range by a relative, according to Samaa TV.The suspect had a conversation with Yousaf outside her home before entering and opening fire. "The suspect entered the home, fired multiple shots, and escaped," a police officer told local media.Yousaf was originally from Chitral in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and built a large following on her social media through her TikTok content.Samaa TV reported that the shooter may have been a visitor at her home."Yousaf was fatally shot by a guest who had come to visit her at her residence. The assailant fled the scene immediately after the incident, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect," the local media reported citing police officials.Later, her body was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem. The investigation is ongoing, according to local media. However, no arrests have been made yet.Following the news, social media is buzzed with netizens demanding justice for the influencer.Sana Yousaf was the daughter of a social activist and used her social media platforms to promote cultural pride, women's rights, and educational awareness.Notably, this is not the first case of this year, involving the killing of a teenage female influencer in Pakistan.Earlier this year, a 15-year-old girl named Hira was shot dead in Quetta by her father and maternal uncle because she posted videos on TikTok.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-evacuation-turned-into-jailbreak-216-escaped-pakistan-karachi-prison-only-78-recaptured-1748942440209">Also read: Prison break in Pakistan: 216 inmates escape Karachi prison amid earthquake evacuation, only 78 recaptured</a>

A 17-year-old influencer from Upper Chitral had nearly 5 lakh followers on Instagram. She was shot at her home in Sector G-13.

Pakistani social media influencer and TikTok star Sana Yousaf was shot dead at her residence in Islamabad on Monday, local media Samaa TV reported. A 17-year-old influencer from Upper Chitral had nearly 5 lakh followers on Instagram. She was shot at her home in Sector G-13. Police suspect it to be a case of honour killing. Yousaf was reportedly killed at close range by a relative, according to Samaa TV. The suspect had a conversation with Yousaf outside her home before entering and opening fire. "The suspect entered the home, fired multiple shots, and escaped," a police officer told local media. Yousaf was originally from Chitral in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and built a large following on her social media through her TikTok content. Samaa TV reported that the shooter may have been a visitor at her home. "Yousaf was fatally shot by a guest who had come to visit her at her residence. The assailant fled the scene immediately after the incident, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect," the local media reported citing police officials. Later, her body was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem. The investigation is ongoing, according to local media. However, no arrests have been made yet. Following the news, social media is buzzed with netizens demanding justice for the influencer. Sana Yousaf was the daughter of a social activist and used her social media platforms to promote cultural pride, women's rights, and educational awareness. Notably, this is not the first case of this year, involving the killing of a teenage female influencer in Pakistan. Earlier this year, a 15-year-old girl named Hira was shot dead in Quetta by her father and maternal uncle because she posted videos on TikTok. Also read: Prison break in Pakistan: 216 inmates escape Karachi prison amid earthquake evacuation, only 78 recaptured

A 17-year-old influencer from Upper Chitral had nearly 5 lakh followers on Instagram. She was shot at her home in Sector G-13.

Pakistani TikToker Sana Yousuf shot dead in her house in Islamabad, police suspect honour killing

A prominent Pakistani politician was recently spotted sharing the dais with the Pahalgam attack mastermind Saifullah Khalid, who is Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief, and Talha Saeed, son of LeT chief and 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, at a rally in Pakistan, further providing evidence of how the nation continues to foster and support cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;Pakistan is in the dock for fostering cross-border terrorism, and both its administration and military are accused of having links with terrorists who move around freely and attend crowded functions with impunity.&nbsp;The incident happened in Pakistan’s Punjab province, where the speaker of the state assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, was seen attending a rally with LeT deputy chief Saifullah Khalid, also known as “Kasuri”, who is one of the masterminds of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and a US-designated terrorist. &nbsp;Talha Saeed, who is the de facto head of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, was also on the stage. The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly even defended the presence of Kasuri at the rally, and said that the LeT deputy chief “should not be seen as an accused in the Pahalgam terror attack case without an investigation.”&nbsp;“It was a political rally, and politicians from all walks of life were present there. Because I have a personal connection with the place (Kasur—the town where the May 28 rally took place), organisers also called me and I went,” he said.Another clip showed Kasuri calling India an enemy state (dushman) and claimed he was ‘wrongfully’ accused as the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack. He even boasted of becoming more famous after India’s charges. &nbsp;The Indian authorities are closely watching the developments, as the LeT is a banned terror organisation but continues to operate openly in Pakistan, often holding public gatherings under the guise of charity or nationalist causes. The presence of high-profile politicians at such gatherings raises questions about Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism.&nbsp;The rally was organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) to mark Youm-e-Takbeer and also featured food minister Malik Rasheed Ahmad Khan and close associates of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz.The presence of top LeT operatives at the rally attracted attention from foreign policy observers, especially after some of them boasted publicly about having avenged Pakistan’s 1971 defeat to India.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Exclusive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Exclusive</a> 🇵🇰👹 Pakistan Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan defends Pahalgam mastermind Saifullah Kasuri and accuses India of being responsible for the Pahalgam terrorist attack Note : On May -28, Pak politician Malik Ahmed Khan shared the stage with Talha <a href="https://t.co/99oVQOXAg7">pic.twitter.com/99oVQOXAg7</a>&mdash; Naren Mukherjee (@NMukherjee6) <a href="https://twitter.com/NMukherjee6/status/1929353527937089714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> Lashkar e Taiba US designated terrorist Muzammil Hashmi spews hatred against Hindus, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Modi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Modi</a> at Pak Markazi Muslim League (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeT</a> political front) organized rally yesterday in Gujranwala for Pak nukes anniversary. US terror list link: <a href="https://t.co/U7bfRFzFz5">https://t.co/U7bfRFzFz5</a> <a href="https://t.co/IfSa2zjEUI">pic.twitter.com/IfSa2zjEUI</a>&mdash; Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) <a href="https://twitter.com/TahaSSiddiqui/status/1927998024363516092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pakistan is in the dock for fostering cross-border terrorism, and both its administration and military are accused of having links with terrorists who move around freely and attend crowded functions with impunity.

A prominent Pakistani politician was recently spotted sharing the dais with the Pahalgam attack mastermind Saifullah Khalid, who is Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief, and Talha Saeed, son of LeT chief and 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, at a rally in Pakistan, further providing evidence of how the nation continues to foster and support cross-border terrorism. Pakistan is in the dock for fostering cross-border terrorism, and both its administration and military are accused of having links with terrorists who move around freely and attend crowded functions with impunity. The incident happened in Pakistan’s Punjab province, where the speaker of the state assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, was seen attending a rally with LeT deputy chief Saifullah Khalid, also known as “Kasuri”, who is one of the masterminds of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and a US-designated terrorist. Talha Saeed, who is the de facto head of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, was also on the stage. The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly even defended the presence of Kasuri at the rally, and said that the LeT deputy chief “should not be seen as an accused in the Pahalgam terror attack case without an investigation.” “It was a political rally, and politicians from all walks of life were present there. Because I have a personal connection with the place (Kasur—the town where the May 28 rally took place), organisers also called me and I went,” he said. Another clip showed Kasuri calling India an enemy state (dushman) and claimed he was ‘wrongfully’ accused as the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack. He even boasted of becoming more famous after India’s charges. The Indian authorities are closely watching the developments, as the LeT is a banned terror organisation but continues to operate openly in Pakistan, often holding public gatherings under the guise of charity or nationalist causes. The presence of high-profile politicians at such gatherings raises questions about Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism. The rally was organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) to mark Youm-e-Takbeer and also featured food minister Malik Rasheed Ahmad Khan and close associates of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz. The presence of top LeT operatives at the rally attracted attention from foreign policy observers, especially after some of them boasted publicly about having avenged Pakistan’s 1971 defeat to India.

Pakistan is in the dock for fostering cross-border terrorism, and both its administration and military are accused of having links with terrorists who move around freely and attend crowded functions with impunity.

Pak politician defends Pahalgam attack mastermind, shares stage with LeT chief’s son

Traders on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan have been protesting for the fourth consecutive day over the levying of taxes by the Pakistan Government. They argue that Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region, even though Pakistan can administer it, they can't impose taxes.Protestors have been demanding the clearance of over 240 consignments stuck at Sost Dry port for the past seven months.&nbsp;Ashfaq Ahmed, President of Gilgit Baltistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says that employment of 20 thousand traders are associated with this port and these traders are being impacted by the implementation of the port.&nbsp;

According to a report by BBC Urdu, the 24-hour sit-in protest has greatly impacted tourism. Tourists have been stranded on both sides due to the closure of the Karakoram Highway.It had been four days since the protest started, till Monday, and the traders have warned of extended action if the demands are not met. The protest was called by the Pak-China Traders Action Committee: an alliance between the Gilgit-Baltistan Importer and Exporter Association, Gilgit Nagar Chamber of Commerce, and small trade Associations from Nagar, Hunza and Gilgit.&nbsp;The traders say that the Gilgit-Baltistan region has no major source of income, and the Khunjerab Pass between China and Pakistan was the biggest source of income for the locals.Pakistan and China have a border agreement of 1985 that permits permanent residents of Gilgit-Baltistan to exchange goods across the border using traditional barter methods.&nbsp;The traders say that policies of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Customs collectorate are not allowing the domiciles of the GB region with a border pass to trade with Xinjiang of China. Despite the disputed status of the region Pakistan Revenue Department, through a notification, established a check post for sales tax.&nbsp;"Small traders have been exploited for the last five years with various excuses, which we strongly condemn," read a press release from the Gilgit Baltistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.&nbsp;The traders demand full exemption from all illegal taxes, instead of customs duty. They also want a Special Trade Facilitation Package because of the special status of the region.The traders' associations have warned that they will approach the Pakistani Supreme Court and international forums such as the International Court of Justice if their demands are not met.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Protesters Shut Down the China-Pakistan Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan for four consecutive days. Trade and tourism came to a halt as local traders protested federal taxes, calling them unconstitutional in the disputed region.

Traders on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan have been protesting for the fourth consecutive day over the levying of taxes by the Pakistan Government. They argue that Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region, even though Pakistan can administer it, they can't impose taxes. Protestors have been demanding the clearance of over 240 consignments stuck at Sost Dry port for the past seven months. Ashfaq Ahmed, President of Gilgit Baltistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says that employment of 20 thousand traders are associated with this port and these traders are being impacted by the implementation of the port.

Protesters shut down the China-Pakistan Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan for four consecutive days. Trade and tourism came to a halt as local traders protested federal taxes, calling them unconstitutional in the disputed region.

Gilgit-Baltistan protesters block CPEC route over tax dispute

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised China for supporting Pakistan in removing a key terror reference at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He called out Beijing’s actions for helping shield the Lashkar-e-Taiba-supported ‘Resistance Front’ from being named in a press statement.Tharoor, who is part of an all-party Indian delegation currently visiting Brazil, expressed his concern during a discussion with Brazilian diplomat Ambassador Celso Amorim. He pointed out that India had repeatedly raised the Resistance Front with the UN Sanctions Committee, but China’s support to Pakistan blocked any reference to the group.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/-sudden-decrease-in-river-chenab-pakistan-s-faces-water-crisis-as-indus-waters-treaty-remains-in-abeyance-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-1748886326305">'Sudden decrease in river Chenab': Pakistan faces water crisis as Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance after Pahalgam terror attack</a>“We have been reporting about RF to UN Sanctions Committee, time after time and when India encouraged our friends on the Security Council to mention the Resistance Front in the press statement that the Security Council issued,” he said.“Pakistan government, I am sorry to say that with the support of your friend in China, took out the name, so there is not even a reference,” Tharoor added.<h2>A pointed dig at both Pakistan and China</h2>Taking a clear swipe at both Islamabad and Beijing, Tharoor said, “We are not on the Security Council, and neither are you. We have to change that situation. Both of us should be on the Council together.”His comments underline the difficulties India faces in addressing cross-border terrorism, particularly when major powers within the UNSC use their influence to shield certain actors.The Indian MPs’ delegation in Brazil was welcomed at the airport in Brasilia by Sandeep Kumar Kujur, Charge d’Affaires of the Indian Embassy.<h2>Tharoor reacts to Colorado terror attack</h2>In a separate post on X, Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. “Members of the Indian MPs’ delegation learnt with concern about the terror attack in Colorado and were relieved that there was no loss of life,” he said.

Taking a clear swipe at both Islamabad and Beijing, Tharoor said, “We are not on the Security Council, and neither are you. We have to change that situation. Both of us should be on the Council together.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised China for supporting Pakistan in removing a key terror reference at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He called out Beijing’s actions for helping shield the Lashkar-e-Taiba-supported ‘Resistance Front’ from being named in a press statement. Tharoor, who is part of an all-party Indian delegation currently visiting Brazil, expressed his concern during a discussion with Brazilian diplomat Ambassador Celso Amorim. He pointed out that India had repeatedly raised the Resistance Front with the UN Sanctions Committee, but China’s support to Pakistan blocked any reference to the group. Also read: 'Sudden decrease in river Chenab': Pakistan faces water crisis as Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance after Pahalgam terror attack “We have been reporting about RF to UN Sanctions Committee, time after time and when India encouraged our friends on the Security Council to mention the Resistance Front in the press statement that the Security Council issued,” he said. “Pakistan government, I am sorry to say that with the support of your friend in China, took out the name, so there is not even a reference,” Tharoor added. A pointed dig at both Pakistan and China Taking a clear swipe at both Islamabad and Beijing, Tharoor said, “We are not on the Security Council, and neither are you. We have to change that situation. Both of us should be on the Council together.” His comments underline the difficulties India faces in addressing cross-border terrorism, particularly when major powers within the UNSC use their influence to shield certain actors. The Indian MPs’ delegation in Brazil was welcomed at the airport in Brasilia by Sandeep Kumar Kujur, Charge d’Affaires of the Indian Embassy. Tharoor reacts to Colorado terror attack In a separate post on X, Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. “Members of the Indian MPs’ delegation learnt with concern about the terror attack in Colorado and were relieved that there was no loss of life,” he said.

Taking a clear swipe at both Islamabad and Beijing, Tharoor said, “We are not on the Security Council, and neither are you. We have to change that situation. Both of us should be on the Council together.”

'Support of your friend in China...': Shashi Tharoor slams Pakistan, China for shielding LeT-backed terror group ‘Resistance Front’ at UNSC

May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted six underground nuclear tests in Chagai, Balochistan, that altered the strategic dynamics of South Asia forever. Pakistan became the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first Muslim nation to hold Nuclear Power. Pakistan commemorates May 28 as "Youm-e-Takbir", which translates to “Day of God’s Greatness” or "The Day of Greatness". The journey, however, was a mixture of resilience, scientific brilliance, fear, insecurity and existential threat.&nbsp;<h2>Where it all started&nbsp;</h2>“If India builds the bomb, we will eat grass, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own,” said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1965, not in Parliament or closed doors, but to international media.This statement is emblematic of the logic of Pakistan's nuclearisation.There was domestic turmoil in India over nuclearisation. The wounds from the war with China in 1962 were fresh. In 1964, China detonated its first nuclear bomb at Lop Nor. India started contemplating its own nuclear program. Amid great internal resistance and pressure from the international community over non-nuclear proliferation in 1974, India detonated its first Nuclear Bomb, code-named ‘Smiling Buddha’, deep in the deserts of Pokhran. Across the border, Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto saw it not just as a threat, but as a warning. The scars of the independence of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan, were deep.<h2>The spy who built the bomb</h2>While the whole world was busy with the noise of the Cold War and the Soviet-Afghanistan conflict, Pakistan was silently developing its nuclear program with assistance from China. Abdul Qadeer Khan, born in India, a nuclear physicist, metallurgical engineer, was the father of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. It is opined that he borrowed classified nuclear centrifuge designs from the Dutch company URENCO, where he was working.&nbsp;He was later convicted by a Dutch court of nuclear espionage, selling nuclear secrets to North Korea, Iran, and Libya, making nuclear proliferation a global phenomenon. But many believed he was just the face of the program sponsored by the Pakistani state.&nbsp;Former CIA director George Tenet called Khan ‘at least as dangerous as Osama-bin-laden’.Either way, by 1980, he was working in a lab in Kahuta on the uranium enrichment of Pakistan. The town became synonymous with nuclear secrecy. It was deep, secretive, and hidden under layers of deception; scientists maintained code names, shipments were disguised, and carried around in a ghostly manner.<h2>The tensions, sanctions, and sabotage&nbsp;</h2>“India has acquired nuclear weapons at very great cost, very great risk and at very great sacrifice to intimidate and blackmail Pakistan. . . To extract political concessions, to establish domination over the sub-continent, to exercise hegemony over the neighbouring states,” said Bhutto, reacting to the &nbsp;1974 tests of India.&nbsp;Deterrence was the sole motto, according to Bhutto, for some time in Pakistan's nuclear programme. The second was self-reliance. The limitations of the Mutual Defence Alliance of 1953 and its membership of SEATO and CENTO were already exposed. Pakistan argued that it had been facing an arms embargo from the United States; India was supposed to face the same, but since India was not using US weaponry, that embargo only worked with Pakistan. Post 1965 Soviet Union started pouring India with weapons. This made Pakistan extremely uncomfortable and changed the dynamic of the military balance.&nbsp;In the 1980s, the CIA started monitoring Pakistan through its satellites. The Pressler Amendment of 1990 threatened to impose various sanctions on Pakistan if it ever crossed the nuclear threshold.&nbsp;“We had Mossad plans to hit Kahuta. The risk of a nuclear Pakistan was too high,” &nbsp;said a retired Israeli Air Force officer, as quoted in Haaretz.&nbsp;Pakistan continued to deny it and built its nuclear capacity in silence. By the early 1990s, everyone knew it had it, but never tested it.By May 11 and 13 of 1998, India conducted five nuclear detonations. Immediately, Pakistan faced numerous pressures to exercise restraint. Bill Clinton personally connected with the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and advised, “Don’t test. If you do, you’ll trigger a dangerous arms race”However, Pakistan was boiling internally; they wanted to test their mettle. People in Islamabad and Karachi urged not to let go of this chance. &nbsp;After the test of May 13 in India, the rhetoric was such that the nuclear weapon was being corroborated with religion, and the question was about parity between Hindu and Muslim. Indian nuclear tests were considered as the ‘Hindu Bomb’; Pakistan's tests were needed for a ‘Muslim Bomb’.<h2>Youm-e-Takbir</h2>May 28, 1998, Pakistan detonated its first nuclear weapon in Chagai, Balochistan. Sanctions followed immediately, but Pakistan had shown its dedication and perseverance."Today, we have restored the balance of power in South Asia,” said Nawaz Sharif in a statement. The West was outraged, but Pakistan was jubilant. It had achieved what it had set out to do: parity with India.More than a decade later, how has it fared?The most inseparable or unsaid part of Pakistan's nuclear doctrine was its foreign policy ambition to attain its objectives in the Kashmir valley. The nuclear capability has deterred India on numerous occasions from pursuing military actions against Pakistan. Since 1998, Pakistan have been propagating Kashmir as a nuclear flash point.Muslim religious leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed, in September 1994, urged the Bhutto government: “Let us wage jihad for Kashmir. A nuclear armed Pakistan would deter India from a wider conflict”. &nbsp;However, the recent developments have shown that Pakistan can not continue supporting terrorism in Kashmir, flexing its nuclear muscle. It has to manage deterrence, and at the same time, avoid a conventional conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

As Pakistan commemorates the 27th anniversary of its nuclear tests on Youm-e-Takbir. Let us look at the journey that altered the strategic dynamics of South Asia forever. 

May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted six underground nuclear tests in Chagai, Balochistan, that altered the strategic dynamics of South Asia forever. Pakistan became the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first Muslim nation to hold Nuclear Power. Pakistan commemorates May 28 as "Youm-e-Takbir", which translates to “Day of God’s Greatness” or "The Day of Greatness". The journey, however, was a mixture of resilience, scientific brilliance, fear, insecurity and existential threat. Where it all started “If India builds the bomb, we will eat grass, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own,” said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1965, not in Parliament or closed doors, but to international media. This statement is emblematic of the logic of Pakistan's nuclearisation. There was domestic turmoil in India over nuclearisation. The wounds from the war with China in 1962 were fresh. In 1964, China detonated its first nuclear bomb at Lop Nor. India started contemplating its own nuclear program. Amid great internal resistance and pressure from the international community over non-nuclear proliferation in 1974, India detonated its first Nuclear Bomb, code-named ‘Smiling Buddha’, deep in the deserts of Pokhran. Across the border, Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto saw it not just as a threat, but as a warning. The scars of the independence of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan, were deep. The spy who built the bomb While the whole world was busy with the noise of the Cold War and the Soviet-Afghanistan conflict, Pakistan was silently developing its nuclear program with assistance from China. Abdul Qadeer Khan, born in India, a nuclear physicist, metallurgical engineer, was the father of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. It is opined that he borrowed classified nuclear centrifuge designs from the Dutch company URENCO, where he was working. He was later convicted by a Dutch court of nuclear espionage, selling nuclear secrets to North Korea, Iran, and Libya, making nuclear proliferation a global phenomenon. But many believed he was just the face of the program sponsored by the Pakistani state. Former CIA director George Tenet called Khan ‘at least as dangerous as Osama-bin-laden’. Either way, by 1980, he was working in a lab in Kahuta on the uranium enrichment of Pakistan. The town became synonymous with nuclear secrecy. It was deep, secretive, and hidden under layers of deception; scientists maintained code names, shipments were disguised, and carried around in a ghostly manner. The tensions, sanctions, and sabotage “India has acquired nuclear weapons at very great cost, very great risk and at very great sacrifice to intimidate and blackmail Pakistan. . . To extract political concessions, to establish domination over the sub-continent, to exercise hegemony over the neighbouring states,” said Bhutto, reacting to the 1974 tests of India. Deterrence was the sole motto, according to Bhutto, for some time in Pakistan's nuclear programme. The second was self-reliance. The limitations of the Mutual Defence Alliance of 1953 and its membership of SEATO and CENTO were already exposed. Pakistan argued that it had been facing an arms embargo from the United States; India was supposed to face the same, but since India was not using US weaponry, that embargo only worked with Pakistan. Post 1965 Soviet Union started pouring India with weapons. This made Pakistan extremely uncomfortable and changed the dynamic of the military balance. In the 1980s, the CIA started monitoring Pakistan through its satellites. The Pressler Amendment of 1990 threatened to impose various sanctions on Pakistan if it ever crossed the nuclear threshold. “We had Mossad plans to hit Kahuta. The risk of a nuclear Pakistan was too high,” said a retired Israeli Air Force officer, as quoted in Haaretz. Pakistan continued to deny it and built its nuclear capacity in silence. By the early 1990s, everyone knew it had it, but never tested it. By May 11 and 13 of 1998, India conducted five nuclear detonations. Immediately, Pakistan faced numerous pressures to exercise restraint. Bill Clinton personally connected with the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and advised, “Don’t test. If you do, you’ll trigger a dangerous arms race” However, Pakistan was boiling internally; they wanted to test their mettle. People in Islamabad and Karachi urged not to let go of this chance. After the test of May 13 in India, the rhetoric was such that the nuclear weapon was being corroborated with religion, and the question was about parity between Hindu and Muslim. Indian nuclear tests were considered as the ‘Hindu Bomb’; Pakistan's tests were needed for a ‘Muslim Bomb’. Youm-e-Takbir May 28, 1998, Pakistan detonated its first nuclear weapon in Chagai, Balochistan. Sanctions followed immediately, but Pakistan had shown its dedication and perseverance. "Today, we have restored the balance of power in South Asia,” said Nawaz Sharif in a statement. The West was outraged, but Pakistan was jubilant. It had achieved what it had set out to do: parity with India. More than a decade later, how has it fared? The most inseparable or unsaid part of Pakistan's nuclear doctrine was its foreign policy ambition to attain its objectives in the Kashmir valley. The nuclear capability has deterred India on numerous occasions from pursuing military actions against Pakistan. Since 1998, Pakistan have been propagating Kashmir as a nuclear flash point. Muslim religious leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed, in September 1994, urged the Bhutto government: “Let us wage jihad for Kashmir. A nuclear armed Pakistan would deter India from a wider conflict”. However, the recent developments have shown that Pakistan can not continue supporting terrorism in Kashmir, flexing its nuclear muscle. It has to manage deterrence, and at the same time, avoid a conventional conflict.

As Pakistan commemorates the 27th anniversary of its nuclear tests on Youm-e-Takbir. Let us look at the journey that altered the strategic dynamics of South Asia forever.&nbsp;

Youm-e-Takbir: How Pakistan became a nuclear power

As the probe continued, it was revealed that Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, was aware that she was interacting with officials from Pakistan's spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).Data had been recovered from three phones belonging to Jyoti Malhotra, which revealed her chat records, call logs, video footage and financial transactions connecting her to four Pakistani operatives, according to Indian media Hindustan Times.Police said that Jyoti was aware of the positions held by the operatives who approached her."The forensic report reveals that she was in direct contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence operatives, and she received special treatment during her trips to Pakistan. We are examining recovered digital data,” an earlier report quoted the official.Malhotra, after getting arrested, confessed that she was in contact with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyoti-malhotra-police-custody-ends-to-appear-in-court-today-spying-for-pakistan-1748240626253">Also read: Jyoti Malhotra spying case: YouTuber appears in Hisar court after police custody ends</a>&nbsp;"She confessed to her direct communication with Danish. She was also in contact with several other YouTube influencers. Her three mobile phones and laptop, along with two phones belonging to Harkirat Singh, the IT in-charge of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), have been sent for forensic examination,” police spokesperson Vikas Kumar said.Moreover, the data is now being investigated for more leads in the case.Jyoti, 33, was among the 12 individuals arrested this month from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in northern India.The 33-year-old has travelled to Pakistan several times and made vlogs highlighting the food, culture and locations there. She also praised the hospitality she received during her visit to Pakistan.She had also visited Pahalgam just three months before terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 civilians in a dastardly terror attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyoti-malhotra-s-new-video-with-gunmen-in-pakistan-surfaces-1748250636405">Also read: Jyoti Malhotra's new video with gunmen in Pakistan surfaces</a>

Data had been recovered from three phones belonging to Jyoti Malhotra, which revealed her chat records, call logs, video footage and financial transactions

As the probe continued, it was revealed that Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, was aware that she was interacting with officials from Pakistan's spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Data had been recovered from three phones belonging to Jyoti Malhotra, which revealed her chat records, call logs, video footage and financial transactions connecting her to four Pakistani operatives, according to Indian media Hindustan Times. Police said that Jyoti was aware of the positions held by the operatives who approached her. "The forensic report reveals that she was in direct contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence operatives, and she received special treatment during her trips to Pakistan. We are examining recovered digital data,” an earlier report quoted the official. Malhotra, after getting arrested, confessed that she was in contact with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish. Also read: Jyoti Malhotra spying case: YouTuber appears in Hisar court after police custody ends "She confessed to her direct communication with Danish. She was also in contact with several other YouTube influencers. Her three mobile phones and laptop, along with two phones belonging to Harkirat Singh, the IT in-charge of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), have been sent for forensic examination,” police spokesperson Vikas Kumar said. Moreover, the data is now being investigated for more leads in the case. Jyoti, 33, was among the 12 individuals arrested this month from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in northern India. The 33-year-old has travelled to Pakistan several times and made vlogs highlighting the food, culture and locations there. She also praised the hospitality she received during her visit to Pakistan. She had also visited Pahalgam just three months before terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 civilians in a dastardly terror attack. Also read: Jyoti Malhotra's new video with gunmen in Pakistan surfaces

Data had been recovered from three phones belonging to Jyoti Malhotra, which revealed her chat records, call logs, video footage and financial transactions.

Did Youtuber Jyoti Malhotra know her Pakistani friends were from ISI? Here's what her phone data revealed

Weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army released a report on the operation, revealing some key details of how India attacked Pakistan's terror infrastructures, and who were behind the mission.One of the biggest revelations is that India segregated the targets before hitting the sites. Out of nine terror infrastructure sites, the Indian Army targeted seven sites, while the remaining two were hit by the Air Force.The Indian Army regions in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, include Sawai Nala, Syedna Bilal, Kotli Abbas, Kotli Gulpur and Bhimber. While in Pakistan, it targeted Sarjal and Mehmoona Joya.Now comes the other two sites. The Indian Air Force carried out operations in Muridke, the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Bahawalpur, Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters, as these were the key terror sites.The Indian Air Force successfully hit these terror sites, destroying the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.Notably, The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 26 tourists on April 22.Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif did confirm that the country had been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba in the 'past'. He said, "Lashkar-e-Taiba doesn't exist in Pakistan anymore; it is extinct."The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—two Pakistan-based terror outfits that have been behind some of the deadliest attacks on Indian soil for the past three decades.Bahawalpur was significant for India, as the targeted Subhan Allah campus functioned as the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Spread across 18 acres, the campus housed a mosque and served as the ideological and operational hub for terror recruitment, indoctrination, and fundraising.The Indian Army also shared a map in the report, showing the sites attacked by India under Operation Sindoor.It further showed images of Indian Army planning and executing Operation Sindoor, praising the armed forces.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-10-of-masood-azhars-family-killed-in-operation-sindoor-sources-9045459">WATCH | Breaking | 10 of Masood Azhar's family killed in operation Sindoor: Sources</a>

The Indian Air Force carried out operations in Muridke, the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Bahawalpur, Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters, as these were the key terror sites.

Weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army released a report on the operation, revealing some key details of how India attacked Pakistan's terror infrastructures, and who were behind the mission. One of the biggest revelations is that India segregated the targets before hitting the sites. Out of nine terror infrastructure sites, the Indian Army targeted seven sites, while the remaining two were hit by the Air Force. The Indian Army regions in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, include Sawai Nala, Syedna Bilal, Kotli Abbas, Kotli Gulpur and Bhimber. While in Pakistan, it targeted Sarjal and Mehmoona Joya. Now comes the other two sites. The Indian Air Force carried out operations in Muridke, the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Bahawalpur, Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters, as these were the key terror sites. The Indian Air Force successfully hit these terror sites, destroying the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. Notably, The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 26 tourists on April 22. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif did confirm that the country had been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba in the 'past'. He said, "Lashkar-e-Taiba doesn't exist in Pakistan anymore; it is extinct." The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—two Pakistan-based terror outfits that have been behind some of the deadliest attacks on Indian soil for the past three decades. Bahawalpur was significant for India, as the targeted Subhan Allah campus functioned as the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Spread across 18 acres, the campus housed a mosque and served as the ideological and operational hub for terror recruitment, indoctrination, and fundraising. The Indian Army also shared a map in the report, showing the sites attacked by India under Operation Sindoor. It further showed images of Indian Army planning and executing Operation Sindoor, praising the armed forces. WATCH | Breaking | 10 of Masood Azhar's family killed in operation Sindoor: Sources

The Indian Air Force carried out operations in Muridke, the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Bahawalpur, Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters, as these were the key terror sites.

Operation Sindoor: India hit as ONE - Army attacked 7 terror sites, Air Force focused on JeM, LeT headquarters

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday warned Pakistan, saying that they have been put "on notice", adding that if it resorts to any misadventure in the future, the Indian armed forces will make sure to destroy the "terrorist state".During an address, Sinha assured people that there would be no discrimination between terrorists and their supporters."Their actions will be met with similar punishments," the lieutenant governor said while addressing the All J-K Jat Sabha.He further highlighted the valour of the armed forces and reaffirmed the government's resolve to completely rid Jammu and Kashmir of terrorism.“Pakistan is on notice. If it resorts to any misadventure in the future, our armed forces will make sure to destroy this terrorist state. I assure the people that there will be no discrimination between armed terrorists and their supporters and sympathisers. Their actions will be met with similar punishments,” he said.Sinha urged the Jat community and all other sections of society to strengthen their resolve and unite in the fight against the divisive forces threatening peace and social fabric in the country.“In these challenging times, your responsibility to uphold national unity is more crucial than ever,” Sinha said."I am proud that your devotion to the motherland has deepened the spirit of nationalism in the society," he added.This comes as Pakistan-backed terror group killed 26 people in Pahalgam on April 22. Following this, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 7, hitting nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.Sinha also paid homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and those killed in Pakistani shelling between May 7 and 10 after India's Operation Sindoor.“The Government of India is committed to proper rehabilitation of the affected families,” he said.“We must celebrate our diversity and foster unity to defeat the adversary's nefarious designs. Our brave armed forces scripted a new saga of valour with Operation Sindoor," Sinha added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During an address, Sinha assured people that there would be no discrimination between terrorists and their supporters.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday warned Pakistan, saying that they have been put "on notice", adding that if it resorts to any misadventure in the future, the Indian armed forces will make sure to destroy the "terrorist state". During an address, Sinha assured people that there would be no discrimination between terrorists and their supporters. "Their actions will be met with similar punishments," the lieutenant governor said while addressing the All J-K Jat Sabha. He further highlighted the valour of the armed forces and reaffirmed the government's resolve to completely rid Jammu and Kashmir of terrorism. “Pakistan is on notice. If it resorts to any misadventure in the future, our armed forces will make sure to destroy this terrorist state. I assure the people that there will be no discrimination between armed terrorists and their supporters and sympathisers. Their actions will be met with similar punishments,” he said. Sinha urged the Jat community and all other sections of society to strengthen their resolve and unite in the fight against the divisive forces threatening peace and social fabric in the country. “In these challenging times, your responsibility to uphold national unity is more crucial than ever,” Sinha said. "I am proud that your devotion to the motherland has deepened the spirit of nationalism in the society," he added. This comes as Pakistan-backed terror group killed 26 people in Pahalgam on April 22. Following this, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 7, hitting nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Sinha also paid homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and those killed in Pakistani shelling between May 7 and 10 after India's Operation Sindoor. “The Government of India is committed to proper rehabilitation of the affected families,” he said. “We must celebrate our diversity and foster unity to defeat the adversary's nefarious designs. Our brave armed forces scripted a new saga of valour with Operation Sindoor," Sinha added.

During an address, Sinha assured people that there would be no discrimination between terrorists and their supporters.

'Pakistan on notice, will destroy terror state if...': J&K LG Manoj Sinha warns Islamabad of 'similar punishments'

In a big statement, Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday (May 24) said that it is pointless to hold talks with the “puppet” PML-N government, adding that he is ready to negotiate with the military establishment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Khan, who is currently jailed at the high-security Adiala Jail, is the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and faces multiple cases which were launched after his government was toppled in April 2022. Khan claimed that the baseless political cases against him and other PTI members, forced abductions, and coerced press conferences are designed to make members publicly disassociate from the party. &nbsp;"Engaging in any talks with the puppet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government is pointless. This illegitimate Form-47 installed government has already wasted two months. Its only objective is to cling to false authority. It holds no real power," Imran Khan posted on X.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asim-munir-should-have-crowned-himself-king-not-field-marshal-says-former-pak-pm-imran-khan-1747984716942">Asim Munir should have crowned himself 'King' not Field Marshal, says former Pak PM Imran Khan</a>&nbsp;"Talks will only be held with those who actually hold power (military establishment), and only in the national interest. I do not fear hardship as my resolve remains strong," Khan added. He also said that the baseless trials related to the events of May 9, 2023 have resumed once again. "May 9th was a false flag operation. No CCTV footage has been presented to this day, and the past two years have made it abundantly clear that its sole objective was to crush PTI. The truth will be evident to all if the CCTV footage of that day is made public," added Khan. &nbsp;The PTI supremo denied that any one from the military or else approached him to cut a deal. "No one has approached me for any negotiations. News claiming otherwise is entirely false," he declared. Khan also claimed that he is not allowed to speak to his children, meetings with his family are arbitrarily delayed for days and "even my personal physician is not permitted to see me. Despite this, I will continue to stand firm for the sake of my nation," he said.&nbsp;This comes after Khan opined that Gen Asim Munir should have crowned himself 'King' instead of Field Marshal. Last week, Gen Asim Munir was officially elevated to the rank of Field Marshal — the highest military designation in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan former prime minister Imran Khan said that he is ready to negotiate with the military establishment. 

In a big statement, Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday (May 24) said that it is pointless to hold talks with the “puppet” PML-N government, adding that he is ready to negotiate with the military establishment. Khan, who is currently jailed at the high-security Adiala Jail, is the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and faces multiple cases which were launched after his government was toppled in April 2022. Khan claimed that the baseless political cases against him and other PTI members, forced abductions, and coerced press conferences are designed to make members publicly disassociate from the party. "Engaging in any talks with the puppet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government is pointless. This illegitimate Form-47 installed government has already wasted two months. Its only objective is to cling to false authority. It holds no real power," Imran Khan posted on X. Read More | Asim Munir should have crowned himself 'King' not Field Marshal, says former Pak PM Imran Khan "Talks will only be held with those who actually hold power (military establishment), and only in the national interest. I do not fear hardship as my resolve remains strong," Khan added. He also said that the baseless trials related to the events of May 9, 2023 have resumed once again. "May 9th was a false flag operation. No CCTV footage has been presented to this day, and the past two years have made it abundantly clear that its sole objective was to crush PTI. The truth will be evident to all if the CCTV footage of that day is made public," added Khan. The PTI supremo denied that any one from the military or else approached him to cut a deal. "No one has approached me for any negotiations. News claiming otherwise is entirely false," he declared. Khan also claimed that he is not allowed to speak to his children, meetings with his family are arbitrarily delayed for days and "even my personal physician is not permitted to see me. Despite this, I will continue to stand firm for the sake of my nation," he said. This comes after Khan opined that Gen Asim Munir should have crowned himself 'King' instead of Field Marshal. Last week, Gen Asim Munir was officially elevated to the rank of Field Marshal — the highest military designation in Pakistan.

In a big statement, Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday (May 24) said that it is pointless to hold talks with the “puppet” PML-N government, adding that he is ready to negotiate with the military establishment.&nbsp;

'Holds no real power': Imran Khan wants to negotiate with military in Pakistan, calls Shehbaz Sharif government a 'puppet'

Days after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was fact-checked by his country's local media on misinformation regarding India, a new video of his has surfaced on the internet in which he is seen saying that America wants countries to fight so that it can earn money. He claimed that the US plays both sides in conflicts to fuel its military-industrial complex, which he describes as an "established industry" that thrives on global instability.&nbsp;In an undated video, Khawaja Asif says, “Everywhere in the world…Americans may generating wars - may be for the last 100 years. They have fought 260 wars, China has fought 3. They [US] still make money...The military industry is a major portion of their GDP...therefore they have to be involved in war...they make countries fight...sometimes here, sometimes there...they earn when countries fight. They have done this in Palestine, Syria, Egypt and Libya...these were rich countries...they are bankrupt now due to war and America has earned.”&nbsp;WION does not independently verify the authenticity of the video. <a href="https://x.com/erbmjha/status/1926216351808708898">CLICK here to watch the video</a>&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-says-either-we-will-live-or-no-one-does-issues-warning-9054550"> Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says 'either we will live or no one does', issues warning</a>&nbsp;A few days ago, in an interview with CNN, Asif claimed that he would submit “complete evidence” to prove India's alleged involvement in the attack on a school bus in Balochistan's Khuzdar district. The bomb blast in Khuzdar on Quetta-Karachi highway reportedly killed six people, including three schoolgirls while 40 others were injured.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-war-indo-pak-war-news-khwaja-asif-defence-minister-funny-embarassing-remarks-loose-tongue-9051349">Khwaja Asif, defence minister with a foot in mouth disorder: Gems from his loose talk are embarrassing Pakistan amid India-Pak war</a>&nbsp;"India rejects the baseless allegations made by Pakistan regarding Indian involvement with the incident in Khuzdar," Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs had said on Asif's claims.&nbsp;During Operation Sindoor, when India hit terror targets in Pakistan, Asif on live TV claimed that the proof of Pakistan downing five Indian jets, including a Rafale was “all over social media.”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

A new video of Pakistan minister Khawaja Asif has surfaced on the internet in which he says that America wants countries to fight so that it can earn money

Days after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was fact-checked by his country's local media on misinformation regarding India, a new video of his has surfaced on the internet in which he is seen saying that America wants countries to fight so that it can earn money. He claimed that the US plays both sides in conflicts to fuel its military-industrial complex, which he describes as an "established industry" that thrives on global instability. In an undated video, Khawaja Asif says, “Everywhere in the world…Americans may generating wars - may be for the last 100 years. They have fought 260 wars, China has fought 3. They [US] still make money...The military industry is a major portion of their GDP...therefore they have to be involved in war...they make countries fight...sometimes here, sometimes there...they earn when countries fight. They have done this in Palestine, Syria, Egypt and Libya...these were rich countries...they are bankrupt now due to war and America has earned.” WION does not independently verify the authenticity of the video. CLICK here to watch the video Read More | Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says 'either we will live or no one does', issues warning A few days ago, in an interview with CNN, Asif claimed that he would submit “complete evidence” to prove India's alleged involvement in the attack on a school bus in Balochistan's Khuzdar district. The bomb blast in Khuzdar on Quetta-Karachi highway reportedly killed six people, including three schoolgirls while 40 others were injured. Read More | Khwaja Asif, defence minister with a foot in mouth disorder: Gems from his loose talk are embarrassing Pakistan amid India-Pak war "India rejects the baseless allegations made by Pakistan regarding Indian involvement with the incident in Khuzdar," Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs had said on Asif's claims. During Operation Sindoor, when India hit terror targets in Pakistan, Asif on live TV claimed that the proof of Pakistan downing five Indian jets, including a Rafale was “all over social media.”

A new video of Pakistan minister Khawaja Asif has surfaced on the internet in which he says that America wants countries to fight so that it can earn money

'America earns from wars': Pakistan minister Khawaja Asif blames US for global conflicts in viral video | Watch

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