Amid ongoing and violent civil unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), fresh international diplomatic strain has emerged following reports that a British national, 38-year-old Waqas Arif from Nottingham, has been arbitrarily detained in Mirpur prison for over two months.


PoK protest: Another UK citizen held in Mirpur prison amid PoJK protest

Pakistan’s internal security crisis is deepening as armed attacks intensify across Balochistan, while unrest and instability also persist in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The escalation has made 2025 and 2026 among the deadliest periods in the decades-long Balochistan conflict.


Baloch separatists call for Aug 11 Independence Day flag hoisting

Pakistan has refused to intervene militarily following recent Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, exposing immediate cracks in a newly formed trilateral alliance. Despite signing a landmark Mecca joint defence agreement alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey just days ago—which includes a NATO-style collective defence clause—Islamabad has refrained from deploying its army into active combat against the Yemeni rebel group.

Pak runs away from Houthi battlefield, refrains from deploying army against Houthis 

Pakistan: clashes between Pak forces and Baloch rebels intensify 

UN Chief Antonio Guterres has backed calls for a prompt, impartial inquiry into the recent killings of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

UN warns Pak over crackdown on peaceful protesters

<p>Polling in Poonch and Palandri districts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will not take place on August 10 as scheduled, with the region's election commission citing security concerns.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The third phase of the elections covers seven of the 11 seats. The decision to postpone voting in the two districts came after the first two phases, held on July 27 and August 2, were marred by violent protests.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"A new date and revised schedule will be announced after reviewing the situation," the election commission said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The postponement comes amid continuing unrest over demands to scrap 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for people who migrated from the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-ready-to-talk-jharkhand-cm-hemant-soren-reaches-out-to-protesting-students-1786108876131"><strong>‘We are ready to talk’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reaches out to protesting students</strong></a></p><h3>India rejects PoK polls</h3><p>India maintained that Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country and rejected the electoral exercise in PoK. New Delhi said Pakistan is in "illegal and forcible occupation" of parts of these Union Territories.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the polls were an attempt to legitimise Pakistan's occupation of the region and conceal the ongoing human rights violations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The current cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region. As we have stated earlier, the ongoing mass protest in PoJK, of which you are aware, is the direct consequence of economic exploitation, its denial of fundamental rights to the people and its administrative operations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has led the protest movement. The Pakistan government later banned the group under anti-terrorism laws.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan's government also directed international media organisations to seek permission before reporting from areas outside major cities. The move followed coverage of protests and elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir by foreign news organisations.</p><h3>JAAC claims hundreds killed</h3><p>The JAAC claimed that more than 40 people were killed during the first phase of polling on July 27. It further claimed that around 400 protesters had been killed since the first week of June.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The first phase of voting resulted in a victory for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which won nine of the 13 seats in PoK, according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The JAAC also claimed that at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.</p>

Pakistan has postponed the third phase of PoK elections in Poonch and Palandri over security concerns as continuing unrest and violent protests disrupt the contested electoral process.

Polling in Poonch and Palandri districts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will not take place on August 10 as scheduled, with the region's election commission citing security concerns. The third phase of the elections covers seven of the 11 seats. The decision to postpone voting in the two districts came after the first two phases, held on July 27 and August 2, were marred by violent protests. "A new date and revised schedule will be announced after reviewing the situation," the election commission said. The postponement comes amid continuing unrest over demands to scrap 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for people who migrated from the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir. Also Read: ‘We are ready to talk’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reaches out to protesting students India rejects PoK polls India maintained that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country and rejected the electoral exercise in PoK. New Delhi said Pakistan is in "illegal and forcible occupation" of parts of these Union Territories. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the polls were an attempt to legitimise Pakistan's occupation of the region and conceal the ongoing human rights violations. "The current cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region. As we have stated earlier, the ongoing mass protest in PoJK, of which you are aware, is the direct consequence of economic exploitation, its denial of fundamental rights to the people and its administrative operations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has led the protest movement. The Pakistan government later banned the group under anti-terrorism laws. Pakistan's government also directed international media organisations to seek permission before reporting from areas outside major cities. The move followed coverage of protests and elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir by foreign news organisations. JAAC claims hundreds killed The JAAC claimed that more than 40 people were killed during the first phase of polling on July 27. It further claimed that around 400 protesters had been killed since the first week of June. The first phase of voting resulted in a victory for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which won nine of the 13 seats in PoK, according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday. The JAAC also claimed that at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.

<p>Pakistan has postponed the third phase of PoK elections in Poonch and Palandri over security concerns as continuing unrest and violent protests disrupt the contested electoral process.</p>

PoK polls: Pakistan postpones third phase voting amid ongoing unrest

Pakistan is staring down a perfect storm of crises.
From escalating protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to a rapidly deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pressure is mounting on the Shehbaz Sharif government. Is the Shehbaz Sharif government losing its grip and can it contain the political, economic and security crises threatening to overwhelm Pakistan?

Protests, Security Crisis & Political Turmoil Rock Pakistan

<p>Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a landmark trilateral defence agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, August 7. The historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The defence agreement comes in the backdrop of the US-Iran war and Israeli aggression in the region, which had entangled the entire Gulf region and disrupted the shipping traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;</p><p>In a statement, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all. It further provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three States." It claimed that the agreement was founded on the countries' longstanding historical ties, Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests, and enduring defence cooperation and reflects their shared commitment to strengthening collective security while promoting “peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond, in pursuit of a secure and prosperous future.”</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shakib-al-hasan-house-attacked-after-sheikh-hasina-press-conference-1785951743958"> <strong>Shakib Al Hasan's house attacked after joining Sheikh Hasina's virtual press conference</strong></a></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">🔈 PR No. 2️⃣0️⃣4️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣<br><br>Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence<br><br>🔗⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/mIzASADmau">pic.twitter.com/mIzASADmau</a></p>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2085675356862960111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why is the defence agreement happening now?</h2><p>The three nations are unified by similar concerns about the Shia revolutionary ideology of Iran, Israeli Zionist expansionism and failure of the US to contain the regional conflict. This is significant as Turkey has the second largest military in NATO, Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters, is home to two of the holiest sites of Islam, Mecca and Medina, and Pakistan is the only Islamic country armed with nuclear power.</p><p>The pact follows a year of negotiation as Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan ​Fidan said that it favoured a broader regional agreement. It is a build-up on the Saudi-Pakistani pact, which treats an attack on either as an attack on both and encompasses “all military means”. Officials emphasise that this new platform is strictly defensive, intended to stabilise the region, and will not alter or undermine the prior international alliance commitments of any participant.</p>

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, pledging collective defence and enhanced military cooperation.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a landmark trilateral defence agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, August 7. The historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The defence agreement comes in the backdrop of the US-Iran war and Israeli aggression in the region, which had entangled the entire Gulf region and disrupted the shipping traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all. It further provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three States." It claimed that the agreement was founded on the countries' longstanding historical ties, Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests, and enduring defence cooperation and reflects their shared commitment to strengthening collective security while promoting “peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond, in pursuit of a secure and prosperous future.” Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan's house attacked after joining Sheikh Hasina's virtual press conference

<p>Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, pledging collective defence and enhanced military cooperation.</p>

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan seal landmark Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

A new round of defence discussions in Jeddah is drawing attention across the region, with analysts assessing the potential impact on Middle East security dynamics and regional military cooperation. The talks have sparked debate over whether emerging defence arrangements could influence the roles of Pakistan and Türkiye in future regional contingencies.

India is closely monitoring developments as shifting alliances, security partnerships, and strategic calculations reshape the geopolitical landscape. The outcome of these discussions could have implications for regional stability, defence cooperation, and broader power dynamics stretching from the Gulf to South Asia.

India watches Jeddah defence talks: Will new deal draw Pak, Turkiye into war? 

Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia are set to strengthen defence cooperation with a proposed trilateral defence pact aimed at expanding military coordination and strategic ties. The agreement comes amid growing security challenges in the region and shifting alliances across the Middle East and South Asia.


Trilateral alliance builds on Pakistan-Saudi defence pact

Pakistan grabbed their first away test win in three years by beating the West Indies by eight wickets in Trinidad. Pakistan had lost their last eight away test matches.

Pakistan Beat West Indies To Win First Away Test In 3 years | Wion Sports 

Pakistan Police launched a crackdown on PTI protesters as political tensions intensified. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to disperse demonstrators. The protest comes amid ongoing political unrest involving Imran Khan's party.

PTI protest faces police crackdown in Pakistan amid heavy security 

Pakistan's ex-Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Shabbar Zaidi blamed China for his country's economic crisis. This comes amid reports that only 38 out of 90 projects envisaged under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have been completed so far. China remains Pakistan's biggest creditor.

Ex-Top Pak Official Blames Economic Woes on China: Here's How CPEC Has Been a Failure

<p>The Pakistan Army has directed its officers and personnel to stop using US-based Meta-owned WhatsApp for all official and operational communications, citing fears of electronic surveillance, interception, and data breaches, and told them to switch to Chinese messaging platform WeChat.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan’s military leadership issued the directive following internal assessments that Meta’s messaging platform exposes sensitive defence conversations to elevated risks of electronic surveillance, interception, and data breaches.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The decision reflects growing concerns in Pakistan’s military over the security of communications carried over Western technology platforms. It is notable that Meta is based in the US, with which Islamabad had been displaying a lot of bonhomie in President Donald Trump’s second term.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The move also brings Pakistan’s military digital infrastructure closer to that of China. It comes amid deepening strategic and defence ties between Pakistan and China, with growing cooperation not only in military hardware but also in digital infrastructure, cyber capabilities, communications and intelligence sharing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Interestingly, WeChat was banned and blocked by the India government in June 2020, citing concerns over national security, data privacy and sovereignty.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munir-protege-mohsin-naqvi-s-claim-of-unearthing-huge-scam-triggers-tremors-in-pakistan-s-power-corridors-1785869067161"><strong>Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan’s move exhibits its growing dependence on China and the WeChat shift aligns with the deepening defence relationship between Beijing and Islamabad.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan’s decision of adopting WeChat is aimed at having a shared communication medium with China for streamlining operational coordination during bilateral exercises, border dialogues, and tactical military exchanges.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Why did India ban WeChat?</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New Delhi banned WeChat along with along with 59 other Chinese apps in June 2020, citing national security concerns and alleging that user data was being transmitted outside the country.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While India excluded WeChat over espionage risks, Islamabad is making the same Chinese app its primary medium for internal military communications.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-pakistan-ex-us-general-says-pak-qatar-compromised-mediators-1785852825375"><strong>Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army has grown exponentially in recent years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan’s relationship with China earlier centred on defence acquisitions, including fighter jets, naval frigates and air defence systems.</p><p>The decision of moving its military communications from WhatsApp to WeChat shows Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Beijing and expanding defence cooperation more closely with its strategic partner.</p>

Pakistan military’s decision reflects growing concerns over the security of communications carried over Western technology platforms. It is notable that Meta is based in the US, with which Islamabad had been displaying a lot of bonhomie in President Donald Trump’s second term. 

The Pakistan Army has directed its officers and personnel to stop using US-based Meta-owned WhatsApp for all official and operational communications, citing fears of electronic surveillance, interception, and data breaches, and told them to switch to Chinese messaging platform WeChat. Pakistan’s military leadership issued the directive following internal assessments that Meta’s messaging platform exposes sensitive defence conversations to elevated risks of electronic surveillance, interception, and data breaches. The decision reflects growing concerns in Pakistan’s military over the security of communications carried over Western technology platforms. It is notable that Meta is based in the US, with which Islamabad had been displaying a lot of bonhomie in President Donald Trump’s second term. The move also brings Pakistan’s military digital infrastructure closer to that of China. It comes amid deepening strategic and defence ties between Pakistan and China, with growing cooperation not only in military hardware but also in digital infrastructure, cyber capabilities, communications and intelligence sharing. Interestingly, WeChat was banned and blocked by the India government in June 2020, citing concerns over national security, data privacy and sovereignty. Also Read: Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors Pakistan’s move exhibits its growing dependence on China and the WeChat shift aligns with the deepening defence relationship between Beijing and Islamabad. Pakistan’s decision of adopting WeChat is aimed at having a shared communication medium with China for streamlining operational coordination during bilateral exercises, border dialogues, and tactical military exchanges. Why did India ban WeChat? New Delhi banned WeChat along with along with 59 other Chinese apps in June 2020, citing national security concerns and alleging that user data was being transmitted outside the country. While India excluded WeChat over espionage risks, Islamabad is making the same Chinese app its primary medium for internal military communications. Also Read: Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators The cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army has grown exponentially in recent years. Pakistan’s relationship with China earlier centred on defence acquisitions, including fighter jets, naval frigates and air defence systems. The decision of moving its military communications from WhatsApp to WeChat shows Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Beijing and expanding defence cooperation more closely with its strategic partner.

<p>Pakistan military’s decision reflects growing concerns over the security of communications carried over Western technology platforms. It is notable that Meta is based in the US, with which Islamabad had been displaying a lot of bonhomie in President Donald Trump’s second term.&nbsp;</p>

Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat

Pakistan is facing fresh allegations of digital censorship after reports claimed that access to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera was restricted inside the country following its extensive coverage of protests and election-related tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Users reportedly found the broadcaster’s website inaccessible, while Pakistan’s Information Ministry publicly criticised Al Jazeera’s coverage as selective and biased.


Is Al Jazeera also run by kafirs? What is Pakistan trying to hide?

<p>US President Donald Trump seemed to have snubbed Pakistan, as he notably left it out while naming countries facilitating the US-Iran talks, unlike previously when he used to laud Pakistani leadership and its role in brokering ceasefire. Trump paused the plans for a major strike on Iran to pursue diplomacy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar,” Trump said without naming Pakistan.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, there was more embarrassment in store for Islamabad as retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran “at the expense of the US.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Keane criticised Pakistan and Qatar and described them as “compromised” intermediaries that favour Iran over the United States.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-signs-deal-to-boost-production-of-patriot-thaad-missile-interceptor-systems-1785769944181"><strong>US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Keane, who supports Trump and serves as chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, told Fox News that relying on the two countries for diplomacy has weakened Washington’s position in negotiations with Iran.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“It is well known in the Middle East region by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favour Iran at the expense of the United States,” Keane said.&nbsp;</p><p>“This is historical; this is not new. And yet they’re the mediators.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gen. Jack Keane just dropped a truth bomb this morning on FOX:<br><br>Our intelligence services know the Pakistani and Qatari mediators “are compromised because they favor Iran at the expense of the United States.” They have misled the Trump administration about Tehran’s real… <a href="https://t.co/fGuDOo7V4n">pic.twitter.com/fGuDOo7V4n</a></p>&mdash; Gerald Posner (@geraldposner) <a href="https://x.com/geraldposner/status/2084315447722201225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Keane’s comments come after US President Donald Trump decided to pursue diplomatic engagement with Iran instead of launching a planned “massive” military strike.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Keane questioned whether Pakistan and Qatar, involved in facilitating communication between Tehran and Washington in a bid to prevent a broader regional conflict, could act as impartial mediators since they have close ties with Iran.</p><p>He added that using such intermediaries risks giving Washington an inaccurate picture of Iran’s intentions and weakens US leverage during negotiations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-on-right-now-trump-says-he-wants-to-give-iran-every-last-chance-before-decapitation-1785783992389"><strong>‘Talks on right now’: Trump says he wants to give Iran ‘every last chance before decapitation’</strong></a></p><h2>Ex-general also criticises Saudi Arabia</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Keane also criticised Saudi Arabia, claiming the kingdom encouraged the US to continue negotiations with Iran instead of taking military action.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He claimed Saudi Arabia denied the US access to its airbases and airspace for potential US strikes during discussions over possible operations and instead encouraged diplomatic negotiations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said Riyadh chose to protect its own territory and energy infrastructure while depending on the US and Israel for regional security.</p><p>“The Saudis are not willing to sacrifice to rid the Middle East region of Iran’s aggression,” Keane said, calling the approach “shameful” given the longstanding security relationship between Washington and Riyadh.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“They’re willing for us to make that sacrifice, for sure. They’re willing for Israel to make that sacrifice, for sure,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-oil-firms-made-too-much-money-off-high-prices-during-iran-conflict-1785788623578"><strong>Trump says US oil firms made ‘too much money’ off high prices during Iran conflict</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The retired general’s comments assume significance as a debate is on within US policy and defence circles over the best approach to dealing with Iran, with some favouring diplomacy and others suggesting stronger military action.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump on Monday described his latest offer of talks as Iran’s “last chance” after shelving what he called a major attack on the country.</p><p>“I want to give them every last chance before decapitation,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.</p>

Retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran at the expense of the US. Use of such intermediaries risks giving an inaccurate picture of Iran’s intentions and weakens US leverage during negotiations, he added.

US President Donald Trump seemed to have snubbed Pakistan, as he notably left it out while naming countries facilitating the US-Iran talks, unlike previously when he used to laud Pakistani leadership and its role in brokering ceasefire. Trump paused the plans for a major strike on Iran to pursue diplomacy. “We’re talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar,” Trump said without naming Pakistan. Moreover, there was more embarrassment in store for Islamabad as retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran “at the expense of the US.” Keane criticised Pakistan and Qatar and described them as “compromised” intermediaries that favour Iran over the United States. Also Read: US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems Keane, who supports Trump and serves as chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, told Fox News that relying on the two countries for diplomacy has weakened Washington’s position in negotiations with Iran. “It is well known in the Middle East region by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favour Iran at the expense of the United States,” Keane said. “This is historical; this is not new. And yet they’re the mediators.”

<p>Retired US General Jack Keane accused Pakistan and Qatar of being “compromised” as mediators and favouring Iran at the expense of the US. Use of such intermediaries risks giving an inaccurate picture of Iran’s intentions and weakens US leverage during negotiations, he added.</p>

Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators

A major political rift has erupted within Pakistan's political landscape. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi declared that Pakistan's current governance system has "collapsed," leading the military establishment and top officials to advocate for creating new administrative provinces.

However, the proposal faces stern pushback. Ruling coalition partners PML-N and PPP have voiced strong opposition to restructuring the country's provincial map, exposing deep cracks within the Field Marshal Asim Munir-led hybrid setup. Meanwhile, widespread turmoil escalates in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) alongside a deadly wave of suicide attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Chaos escalates in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, suicide bombing in KP 

Pakistan's military has lashed out at remarks by Afghan Taliban Agriculture Minister Mawlawi Attaullah Omari, who said Afghanistan and India share the same DNA. Responding from Rawalpindi, military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry rejected the claim, questioned the comparison on religious grounds, and described India-Taliban ties as a "master and slave" relationship.

Pak army's bizarre reaction to 'Same DNA' remarks

<p>Rattled by the India-Afghanistan ties, Pakistan Army’s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry invoked Quranic verses and said that “Muslims should not befriend kaafirs.” He reportedly made the remarks during an official press conference in Rawalpindi when he was asked to respond over Afghan Taliban minister's views on India-Afghanistan ties. The Afghan minister, during a visit to India, had remarked that Afghanistan and India “share the same DNA." Chaudhry also said that relationship between the Taliban regime of Afghanistan and India's ruling establishment as that of “master and slave.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-7-killed-in-suicide-attack-in-pakistan-during-peace-rally-1785685185930">At least 14 killed in suicide attack in Pakistan during peace rally</a></p><h2>What Pak Army DG said?</h2><p>Responding to the statement, Chaudhry chose to being in a Quranic verse stating: “Allah Almighty has made it very clear — do not take the disbelievers (kafirs) as your friends/protectors. If you do so, then you are no longer among the Muslims." The video of his statement went viral on social media. The remarks came as Chaudhry was addressing the media on Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations, the security situation in Balochistan, ties with Afghanistan. In the same presser, the Pak Army general was asked about about the relations between India's ruling BJP and its parent body RSS, and the Taliban regime that claims to represent Islamic best practices of governance. A angry Chaudhry responded: “Does this Taliban regime have any conduct that reflects Islamic values? What they do to women, what they do to children, issuing fatwas while sitting comfortably and declaring the bloodshed of any Muslim permissible — what connection does this have with Islam? It has no connection with Islam whatsoever."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-eroded-india-s-faith-bit-by-bit-indian-envoy-defends-putting-indus-waters-treaty-in-abeyance-1785679387240">‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy</a></p><p><br>He also chose to differentiate between Afghan people and Taliban saying: “I am not talking about the Afghan people; I am talking about the Afghan Taliban regime. We have to be very careful in understanding whose DNA is actually the same. The DNA is not the same as that of the ordinary Afghan people. The common Afghan people are being crushed under the oppression of this Taliban regime. Their DNA is not the same as theirs.”</p><h2>What was Afghan minister's remark?</h2><p>The Afghanistan's Taliban regime's minister of agriculture Mawlawi (or Maulvi) Ataullah Omari, who had visited India around a month ago had said in an event in New Delhi, “From the very first day I landed in India, I received a warm welcome from the Indian government, the Minister of External Affairs, and everyone I met. It feels as if I am among my own people. It feels like our own country. Our DNA is one."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry sparked controversy over his remarks on India-Afghanistan ties, citing a Quranic verse on Muslims and non-believers. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also accused India of a proxy war, allegations New Delhi has rejected.

Rattled by the India-Afghanistan ties, Pakistan Army’s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry invoked Quranic verses and said that “Muslims should not befriend kaafirs.” He reportedly made the remarks during an official press conference in Rawalpindi when he was asked to respond over Afghan Taliban minister's views on India-Afghanistan ties. The Afghan minister, during a visit to India, had remarked that Afghanistan and India “share the same DNA." Chaudhry also said that relationship between the Taliban regime of Afghanistan and India's ruling establishment as that of “master and slave.” Also Read: At least 14 killed in suicide attack in Pakistan during peace rally What Pak Army DG said? Responding to the statement, Chaudhry chose to being in a Quranic verse stating: “Allah Almighty has made it very clear — do not take the disbelievers (kafirs) as your friends/protectors. If you do so, then you are no longer among the Muslims." The video of his statement went viral on social media. The remarks came as Chaudhry was addressing the media on Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations, the security situation in Balochistan, ties with Afghanistan. In the same presser, the Pak Army general was asked about about the relations between India's ruling BJP and its parent body RSS, and the Taliban regime that claims to represent Islamic best practices of governance. A angry Chaudhry responded: “Does this Taliban regime have any conduct that reflects Islamic values? What they do to women, what they do to children, issuing fatwas while sitting comfortably and declaring the bloodshed of any Muslim permissible — what connection does this have with Islam? It has no connection with Islam whatsoever." Also Read: ‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy He also chose to differentiate between Afghan people and Taliban saying: “I am not talking about the Afghan people; I am talking about the Afghan Taliban regime. We have to be very careful in understanding whose DNA is actually the same. The DNA is not the same as that of the ordinary Afghan people. The common Afghan people are being crushed under the oppression of this Taliban regime. Their DNA is not the same as theirs.” What was Afghan minister's remark? The Afghanistan's Taliban regime's minister of agriculture Mawlawi (or Maulvi) Ataullah Omari, who had visited India around a month ago had said in an event in New Delhi, “From the very first day I landed in India, I received a warm welcome from the Indian government, the Minister of External Affairs, and everyone I met. It feels as if I am among my own people. It feels like our own country. Our DNA is one."

<p>Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry sparked controversy over his remarks on India-Afghanistan ties, citing a Quranic verse on Muslims and non-believers. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also accused India of a proxy war, allegations New Delhi has rejected.</p>

'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'

<p>India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has strongly defended the decision of putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, saying that Pakistan eroded India’s faith bit by bit and ‘destroyed’ the spirit of the agreement long before India took the step.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In an opinion piece in the US-based weekly magazine Newsweek, Kwatra wrote that the treaty was founded on “goodwill and friendship” as mentioned in its preamble, but Pakistan continuously kept dismantling those principles through its actions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘IWT abeyance merely acknowledges what Pak already destroyed’&nbsp;</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Pakistan spent half a century dismantling that goodwill and friendship. The abeyance merely acknowledges what Pakistan’s conduct had already destroyed,” Kwatra said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The ambassador’s remarks came weeks after Pakistan reportedly organised a conference in Islamabad to protest India’s decision to suspend the treaty.</p><p>Referring to the event, Kwatra wrote, “At that gathering, a former foreign minister threatened war against India if Pakistan’s demands on the Indus River system go unmet.”</p><p>He pointed out that threatening war against India has become a standard tactic of Islamabad to attention distract from its internal problems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2026-lovlina-borgohain-flags-missing-northeast-india-map-glasgow-restaurant-1785674559145"><strong>CWG 2026: Lovlina Borgohain flags missing Northeast on India map at Glasgow eatery</strong></a></p><h2>‘New Delhi honoured the treaty for decades despite imbalance’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The envoy recalled that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty divided the six rivers of the Indus basin between the two countries, giving India control over the three eastern rivers and Pakistan control over the three western rivers.</p><p>He said though the arrangement gave Pakistan access to nearly 80 per cent of the basin’s waters and limited India’s share to just 20 per cent, New Delhi still honoured the agreement for decades despite the imbalance.</p><p>Kwatra further highlighted that Pakistan repeatedly blocked India’s attempts to modernise or renegotiate the treaty to reflect technological changes and allow greater hydropower development.</p><p>“Bit by bit, Pakistan eroded India’s faith that it could exercise its rights under the treaty, or hope for a better one suited to today’s realities,” he wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, repeated attacks on Indian project sites, including the 2012 terrorist attack on the Tulbul Navigation Project, prevented India from exercising its rights under the treaty, he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The ambassador recalled Pakistan’s persistent hostility as it launched wars against India in 1965, 1971 and in 1999; and promoted cross-border terrorism leading to an attack on India’s Parliament in 2001, Mumbai terror carnage in 2008, Uri and Pathankot attacks in 2016, the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the Pahalgam attack in 2025.&nbsp;</p><p>“Over 40,000 civilians in India have been killed in India due to Pakistan’s persistent terror campaign,” he asserted.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-eroded-india-s-faith-bit-by-bit-indian-envoy-defends-putting-indus-waters-treaty-in-abeyance-1785679387240"><strong>Mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body recovered from Broad Peak three days after avalanche</strong></a></p><h2>‘Pak’s water shortages result of its poor management’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Replying to recurrent calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan, Kwatra said past experience showed such engagement had failed to produce results.</p><p>“Those advocating talks between India and Pakistan have not taken note of the history of these talks in the past or they must believe that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is not insanity.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly voiced India’s stand today, ‘Terror and talks cannot go together... Terror and trade cannot go together…. Water and blood cannot flow together.’,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The ambassador also rejected Islamabad’s allegations that India was acting as a “water aggressor” and said Pakistan’s water shortages are a result of its poor domestic management and not India’s actions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Only around 40 per cent of the water Pakistan receives reaches its farms, while more than 30 per cent is lost in transit and the remainder flows unused into the sea,” he specified.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New Delhi decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance a day after the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which Pakistan-origin terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen. The attack was linked to the designated terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.</p><p>The terrorists were later killed by Indian security forces in an operation.</p>

India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra writes in an opinion piece in the US-based weekly magazine Newsweek, that the Indus Waters Treaty was founded on “goodwill and friendship” as mentioned in its preamble, but Pakistan kept dismantling those principles through its actions.

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has strongly defended the decision of putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, saying that Pakistan eroded India’s faith bit by bit and ‘destroyed’ the spirit of the agreement long before India took the step. In an opinion piece in the US-based weekly magazine Newsweek, Kwatra wrote that the treaty was founded on “goodwill and friendship” as mentioned in its preamble, but Pakistan continuously kept dismantling those principles through its actions. ‘IWT abeyance merely acknowledges what Pak already destroyed’ “Pakistan spent half a century dismantling that goodwill and friendship. The abeyance merely acknowledges what Pakistan’s conduct had already destroyed,” Kwatra said. The ambassador’s remarks came weeks after Pakistan reportedly organised a conference in Islamabad to protest India’s decision to suspend the treaty. Referring to the event, Kwatra wrote, “At that gathering, a former foreign minister threatened war against India if Pakistan’s demands on the Indus River system go unmet.” He pointed out that threatening war against India has become a standard tactic of Islamabad to attention distract from its internal problems. Also Read: CWG 2026: Lovlina Borgohain flags missing Northeast on India map at Glasgow eatery ‘New Delhi honoured the treaty for decades despite imbalance’ The envoy recalled that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty divided the six rivers of the Indus basin between the two countries, giving India control over the three eastern rivers and Pakistan control over the three western rivers. He said though the arrangement gave Pakistan access to nearly 80 per cent of the basin’s waters and limited India’s share to just 20 per cent, New Delhi still honoured the agreement for decades despite the imbalance. Kwatra further highlighted that Pakistan repeatedly blocked India’s attempts to modernise or renegotiate the treaty to reflect technological changes and allow greater hydropower development. “Bit by bit, Pakistan eroded India’s faith that it could exercise its rights under the treaty, or hope for a better one suited to today’s realities,” he wrote. Moreover, repeated attacks on Indian project sites, including the 2012 terrorist attack on the Tulbul Navigation Project, prevented India from exercising its rights under the treaty, he added. The ambassador recalled Pakistan’s persistent hostility as it launched wars against India in 1965, 1971 and in 1999; and promoted cross-border terrorism leading to an attack on India’s Parliament in 2001, Mumbai terror carnage in 2008, Uri and Pathankot attacks in 2016, the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the Pahalgam attack in 2025. “Over 40,000 civilians in India have been killed in India due to Pakistan’s persistent terror campaign,” he asserted. Also Read: Mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body recovered from Broad Peak three days after avalanche ‘Pak’s water shortages result of its poor management’ Replying to recurrent calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan, Kwatra said past experience showed such engagement had failed to produce results. “Those advocating talks between India and Pakistan have not taken note of the history of these talks in the past or they must believe that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is not insanity.” “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly voiced India’s stand today, ‘Terror and talks cannot go together... Terror and trade cannot go together…. Water and blood cannot flow together.’,” he said. The ambassador also rejected Islamabad’s allegations that India was acting as a “water aggressor” and said Pakistan’s water shortages are a result of its poor domestic management and not India’s actions. “Only around 40 per cent of the water Pakistan receives reaches its farms, while more than 30 per cent is lost in transit and the remainder flows unused into the sea,” he specified. New Delhi decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance a day after the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which Pakistan-origin terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen. The attack was linked to the designated terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. The terrorists were later killed by Indian security forces in an operation.

<p>India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra writes in an opinion piece in the US-based weekly magazine Newsweek, that the Indus Waters Treaty was founded on “goodwill and friendship” as mentioned in its preamble, but Pakistan kept dismantling those principles through its actions.</p>

‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance

Pakistan witnessed its deadliest month of 2026 as militant attacks, bombings, and counterterrorism operations intensified across the country.

According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 606 people were killed and 232 injured during terror attacks and security operations in July 2026. The report highlights a sharp escalation in violence across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militants reportedly used IEDs and quadcopter attacks to target infrastructure.

Pakistan's Deadliest Month of 2026 | Terror Attacks Surge Across Balochistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

<p>At least 34 workers died after a methane gas explosion struck a coal mine in southern Pakistan, the provincial disaster management authority said on Friday. Rescue teams continued efforts to locate other miners who may remain trapped underground.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The blast occurred on Thursday near the capital of Balochistan, a resource-rich province. The explosion sparked an overnight rescue operation as teams worked to reach those affected.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"According to information received from the deployed teams, 34 dead bodies have been recovered," southern Balochistan's provincial disaster management authority said in a statement in the early hours of Friday.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 NEW VIDEO: Locals and rescue workers carry the bodies of miners recovered from the collapsed coal mine in Pakistan&#39;s southwestern Balochistan province.<br> The death toll has risen to 34 as rescue teams continue searching for any remaining trapped miners following the methane gas… <a href="https://t.co/hzZ2G3SNIs">pic.twitter.com/hzZ2G3SNIs</a></p>&mdash; Sajjad Tarakzai (@SajjadTarakzai) <a href="https://x.com/SajjadTarakzai/status/2083084137355936216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>"The joint rescue operation is still underway to locate and recover the remaining trapped miners," it added. The authority did not reveal how many workers were inside when the incident occurred.</p><p>The blast also caused severe damage to another mine close to the main site, where 12 workers were present at the time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/60-000-migrants-flood-spain-s-ceuta-eu-calls-it-unacceptable-trump-warns-us-1785507085760"><strong>60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mining engineers and workers opened alternative routes to reach the affected areas. However, high levels of methane gas and flames created serious obstacles, making it difficult to access the bodies and workers trapped deep below the surface.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mining accidents frequently occur in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. The country's poorest province and largest by land area lags behind other regions in several areas, including education, employment and economic development.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The latest tragedy follows other mining-related accidents in the province. In June, three people suffered injuries when explosive material used for mining accidentally detonated in the Khanuzai area of Quetta division.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Three coal miners also died in a separate accident in Bolan in April.</p>

A deadly coal mine explosion in Balochistan claimed 34 lives and left rescue workers searching for other miners feared trapped deep underground.

At least 34 workers died after a methane gas explosion struck a coal mine in southern Pakistan, the provincial disaster management authority said on Friday. Rescue teams continued efforts to locate other miners who may remain trapped underground. The blast occurred on Thursday near the capital of Balochistan, a resource-rich province. The explosion sparked an overnight rescue operation as teams worked to reach those affected. "According to information received from the deployed teams, 34 dead bodies have been recovered," southern Balochistan's provincial disaster management authority said in a statement in the early hours of Friday.

<p>A deadly coal mine explosion in Balochistan claimed 34 lives and left rescue workers searching for other miners feared trapped deep underground.</p>

34 workers killed in methane blast at coal mine in Pakistan's Balochistan | Video

A deadly coal mine explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province has claimed at least 34 lives, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate workers who remain trapped beneath the debris. Authorities believe a methane gas explosion triggered the collapse at the mine near the provincial capital, leading to one of the deadliest mining disasters in the region in recent years. Rescue operations have continued through the night, while officials warn that the death toll could rise further.

Pakistan Coal Mine Explosion Kills 34 | Rescue Teams Race to Find Trapped Miners

Protests and outrage are intensifying as youth in Islamabad strongly condemn the brutal crackdown and violence unleashed by Pakistani security forces against demonstrators in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).


PoK violence: Islamabad youth slams violence by Pakistan forces in PoK

Hundreds of members of Pakistan's transgender (Khwaja Sira) community and their supporters gathered in Karachi to protest against soaring inflation, rising fuel prices, expensive food, and the increasing cost of living.

The demonstrators carried placards demanding urgent government action, better employment opportunities, and financial relief for vulnerable communities. Protesters said the rapid increase in the prices of essential goods, housing, and transportation has made survival increasingly difficult, especially for transgender Pakistanis who continue to face discrimination and limited access to formal employment.

Pakistan's Transgender Community Protests Rising Inflation and Cost of Living in Karachi

A devastating checkpoint attack in northwestern Pakistan leaves 24 people dead, including security personnel and civilians, following a massive escalation in militant violence. Security forces face a dramatic surge in coordinated assaults as counter-terrorism operations intensify across the region.


Pakistan: Deadly checkpoint attack leaves 24 dead as militant operations surge

At least 30 people have been reported killed in clashes between police and protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The unrest erupted amid demonstrations, with authorities facing mounting pressure as tensions continue to rise over the demands and grievances raised by protesters.


Bloodshed continues in PoK as Pakistan army kills protesters

At least 19 people have been reported killed in clashes between police and protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The unrest erupted amid demonstrations, with authorities facing mounting pressure as tensions continue to rise over the demands and grievances raised by protesters.


Pakistani forces open fire on peaceful protesters, 30 killed in 2 days

Pakistani security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Mirpur and other parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in multiple casualties during intense anti-government protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).


Pakistani forces open fire on protesters in Mirpur & Rawalakot, 14 killed in 24 hours

Elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have faced a major boycott and large protest marches. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected the vote, demanding the removal of special refugee seats and better local rights.


PoK: Polls amid protests, police crackdown, and restrictions

As China continues to expand the world's largest navy and Pakistan strengthens its underwater warfare capabilities with advanced Chinese-built submarines, New Delhi is responding with a clear strategic objective: a 200-ship Indian Navy by 2035.   

India aims for 200-ship navy by 2035 to counter China & Pakistan 

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