Protests continued to rage in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as the Joint Awami Action Committee called for a shutter-down strike. As per this civil society group, 3 more protesters were killed as Asim Munir's forces opened fire on people who hit the streets. On the other hand, the internal chaos in Pakistan escalated with TTP attacking a checkpost and abducting 8 paramilitary personnel.


Pak-occupied Kashmir in Raging Chaos, TTP Abducts 8 Pak Paramilitary Men

Chabahar Port, located in Iran, is a key strategic gateway for India’s trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
It allows India to bypass Pakistan, which restricts direct land access to Afghan markets.


Chabahar Port: Why Chabahar Port Is Crucial For India’s Afghanistan Trade Route 

Pakistan is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring towards 47 degrees celsius in several regions. The extreme conditions are raising health concerns, disrupting daily life and highlighting the growing impact of climate change on one of the world's most vulnerable countries.

Pakistan Heatwave: Extreme Heatwave Grips Karachi, Temperatures Soar Towards 47 Degrees 

India has accused Pakistan of denying transit access to Afghan traders, escalating diplomatic tensions over regional trade routes and cross-border movement. Officials claim that the restrictions are impacting Afghanistan’s trade flow and broader connectivity in South Asia, raising concerns about economic disruption for landlocked Afghanistan.

India Accuses Pakistan of Denying Transit Access to Afghan Traders 

Pakistan is bracing for an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to SOAR well above seasonal averages across large parts of the country this week. The Pakistan meteorological department has issued a nationwide alert, warning that some areas could see temperatures touching a scorching 51 degrees celsius over the next several days.


Pakistan Heatwave: Pakistan Braces For Severe Heatwave; Nationwide Alert Issued 

India has strongly criticised Pakistan’s reported plans to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, reiterating that the region is an integral part of India. New Delhi condemned the move and accused Islamabad of attempting to alter the status of territories under its illegal occupation. The development adds fresh strain to already tense India-Pakistan relations over Jammu and Kashmir.


India Slams Pak's Election Plans in Gilgit-Baltistan 

Pakistan’s fragile economy is facing a fresh setback. A new IPSOS survey shows public confidence in the country's direction has fallen sharply to 22 percent, down from a peak of 40 percent earlier this year.


Pakistan's Economy Faces a Confidence Crisis

Pakistani security forces have reportedly killed suspected militants believed to be responsible for a deadly train bombing that shocked the country. The operation was carried out amid heightened security measures as authorities continue efforts to dismantle militant networks linked to recent attacks. Officials say investigations are ongoing, while concerns over terrorism and regional security remain high following the incident.


Pakistan Kills Suspected Militants Responsible for Train Bombing 

A westerly weather system is set to shake up pakistan's weather pattern this week, bringing thunderstorms, dust storms, hail and heavy rain to large parts of the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department says the system will affect upper regions of the country from June 2 to June 5, triggering scattered thunderstorms.


Pakistan Meteorological Department Warns of Hail, Heavy Downpours

Pakistan has reintroduced mandatory 8PM market closing hours as part of a renewed push to reduce energy consumption amid mounting pressure on power supplies. The move is part of a broader austerity drive aimed at easing the country's energy burden and cutting costs. While officials say the restrictions are necessary to manage resources more efficiently, many business owners worry about the impact on sales and livelihoods. The decision highlights the ongoing challenges facing Pakistan's economy and energy sector.


Pakistan Reimposes 8PM Market Shutdown as Energy Crisis Deepens

An overloaded truck carrying Afghan refugee families returning from neighbouring Pakistan overturned on a highway in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 22 people and injuring about 36 others, most of them women and children, said local Afghan officials.&nbsp;Emergency responders transported the wounded passengers to nearby medical facilities in Nangarhar Province, where several passengers remain in critical condition.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-storey-building-collapses-in-south-delhi-s-mehrauli-area-many-feared-trapped-1780156292174">Five-storey building collapses in South Delhi’s Mehrauli area, many feared trapped</a>&nbsp;The accident occurred near the Surkhakan intersection in the Qarghayi district of Laghman Province on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway, a key route linking the Afghan capital with the Torkham border crossing into Pakistan.The earlier death toll of 18 has risen to 22 after several victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, said Nangarhar’s provincial public health director Mawlawi Aminullah Sharif.&nbsp;The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which is pursuing a crackdown on migrants from across the border. The dead included 12 children and five women.&nbsp;The truck fell into a ditch after the driver fell asleep.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/locals-hurl-eggs-and-stones-at-abhishek-banerjee-manhandle-him-in-sonarpur-tmc-cries-foul-1780150286900">Locals hurl eggs and stones at Abhishek Banerjee, manhandle him in Sonarpur; TMC cries foul</a>&nbsp;The passengers were among thousands of Afghans who recently returned from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave.&nbsp;Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghan migrants around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home from the two countries, including many who were born in Pakistan and had lived and worked there.&nbsp;In a separate accident, a car fell off the road into a river in the eastern province of Nuristan on Friday night, injuring the driver and leaving four passengers missing, the governor’s office said Saturday. Rescue crews were searching for the missing four passengers, the office said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dk-shivakumar-elected-clp-leader-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-on-june-3-1780144118342">DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3</a>&nbsp;Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a post on X that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and offered prayers “for the swift recovery of the injured.”&nbsp;According to figures from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, more than 447,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since the start of 2026.The returning refugees often travel in overcrowded commercial trucks due to a lack of affordable transport options.

The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave. Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghans around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home.

An overloaded truck carrying Afghan refugee families returning from neighbouring Pakistan overturned on a highway in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 22 people and injuring about 36 others, most of them women and children, said local Afghan officials. Emergency responders transported the wounded passengers to nearby medical facilities in Nangarhar Province, where several passengers remain in critical condition. Also Read: Five-storey building collapses in South Delhi’s Mehrauli area, many feared trapped The accident occurred near the Surkhakan intersection in the Qarghayi district of Laghman Province on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway, a key route linking the Afghan capital with the Torkham border crossing into Pakistan. The earlier death toll of 18 has risen to 22 after several victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, said Nangarhar’s provincial public health director Mawlawi Aminullah Sharif. The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which is pursuing a crackdown on migrants from across the border. The dead included 12 children and five women. The truck fell into a ditch after the driver fell asleep. Also Read: Locals hurl eggs and stones at Abhishek Banerjee, manhandle him in Sonarpur; TMC cries foul The passengers were among thousands of Afghans who recently returned from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave. Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghan migrants around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home from the two countries, including many who were born in Pakistan and had lived and worked there. In a separate accident, a car fell off the road into a river in the eastern province of Nuristan on Friday night, injuring the driver and leaving four passengers missing, the governor’s office said Saturday. Rescue crews were searching for the missing four passengers, the office said. Also Read: DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3 Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a post on X that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and offered prayers “for the swift recovery of the injured.” According to figures from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, more than 447,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since the start of 2026. The returning refugees often travel in overcrowded commercial trucks due to a lack of affordable transport options.

The passengers were among thousands of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured many to leave. Iran also intensified expulsion of Afghans around the same time. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned home.

22 Afghans killed, 36 injured as truck carrying refugees returning from Pakistan crashes in Afghanistan

India's Army Chief has delivered a strong message on the future of Operation Sindoor, stating that the current situation should be viewed as a temporary cessation of hostilities rather than a permanent end to tensions. Emphasising the preparedness of the armed forces, he said India remains ready to launch Operation Sindoor 2.0 if circumstances demand. The remarks underline New Delhi's focus on military readiness and its determination to respond swiftly to any emerging security challenge.


Indian Army Chief Warns India Will Resume Operation Sindoor if Needed 

Pakistan is reeling under a brutal heatwave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous extremes across parts of the country. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Sindh’s Dadu recorded a blistering 51.5 °C, setting a new maximum temperature record for the area.


Pakistan Heatwave: Dadu Bakes Under Record 51.5°C 

Pakistan is facing mounting economic pressure. Foreign exchange reserves are under severe strain from rising debt repayments and growing capital flight.

Pakistan Economy Under Pressure Amid Debt, Capital Flight Fears

US Senator Lindsey Graham has cited Pakistan’s stance and “animosity towards Israel” while commenting on its potential role in Middle East diplomacy. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions over ceasefire efforts and regional mediation involving Iran, the US, and other global players. The statement has sparked debate over Pakistan’s diplomatic positioning and its impact on broader peace negotiations in West Asia.


Lindsey Graham Cites Pakistan's Animosity Towards Israel

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

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

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

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

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

Donald Trump wants more Muslim nations including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and even Iran to normalise ties with Israel under an expanded Abraham Accords framework. But with the Gaza war raging and anger against Israel rising across the Muslim world, can “Abraham Accords 2.0” really succeed? Is this a peace push, a diplomatic diversion, or part of a larger Netanyahu strategy? 


Trump Pushes Abraham Accords 2.0 but Saudi & Pakistan Draw Red Lines

The United States is reportedly pushing for broader regional alignment through the Abraham Accords framework, with suggestions that Pakistan could be encouraged to join future agreements. However, questions remain over whether Pakistan’s military leadership, including General Asim Munir, would agree to such a move given current geopolitical realities and domestic considerations.


US President Trump Wants Arab Nations, Pak To Sign Abraham Accords

Pakistan's Khawaja Asif has rejected Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords, reaffirming it will not recognize Israel until an independent Palestinian state is established. Islamabad’s stance comes amid renewed US efforts to expand Arab-Israel normalization agreements.


Pakistan's Khawaja Asif has rejected Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords, reaffirming it will not recognize Israel until an independent Palestinian state is established. Islamabad’s stance comes amid renewed US efforts to expand Arab-Israel normalization agreements.

Trump, Asim Munir and Abraham Accords: What is Pakistan’s position on Israel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The United States is reportedly pushing for broader regional alignment through the Abraham Accords framework, with suggestions that Pakistan could be encouraged to join future agreements. However, questions remain over whether Pakistan’s military leadership, including General Asim Munir, would agree to such a move given current geopolitical realities and domestic considerations.

Trump Wants Pakistan To Join Abraham Accord, But Will Munir Agree?

The deadly Quetta railway station bomb attack has pushed the death toll to 47, exposing the catastrophic failure of the Pakistani military apparatus. While General Asim Munir downplayed the protests as a minor threat, coordinated strikes by Balochistan Liberation Army are tearing the region apart. Watch how systemic deprivation and controversial CPEC projects have pushed Balochistan into total revolt.

How Pakistan Completely Lost Its Grip on Balochistan, Munir Faces Internal Fury

At least 24 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack that targeted a train carrying military personnel in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The blast caused multiple train coaches to derail and catch fire, leaving dozens injured and several in critical condition. Emergency teams rushed to the site as authorities launched an investigation into the deadly attack.

Quetta Train Explosion: Baloch Crisis Deepens After Deadly Blast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan: Quetta Train Explosion Death Toll Rises To 47

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday said India is always “concerned” about Pakistan but has not raised any concerns over Islamabad’s role as a mediator.


US Secretary of State on Pakistan's Mediator Role in Iran-US War

At least 24 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack that targeted a train carrying military personnel in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The blast caused multiple train coaches to derail and catch fire, leaving dozens injured and several in critical condition. Emergency teams rushed to the site as authorities launched an investigation into the deadly attack.


Pak Train Bomb Blast: BLA Takes Responsibility For Attack, At Least 27 Killed

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday (May 23, 2026) departed for Hangzhou, China, in the first phase of his four-day visit to promote ties with Beijing and celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.


Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif on a 4-Day Visit To China; Pays Tribute To Xi Jinping During Talks

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to travel to China for high-level talks, even as escalating tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over a wider regional conflict involving Iran. The visit is expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, economic ties, and strategic coordination, while global geopolitics add urgency to the discussions amid growing instability in the region.


Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Heads to China Amid War Clouds On Iran

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has arrived in Iran as diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict gather momentum. His visit comes amid intensified mediation initiatives aimed at securing a ceasefire and advancing negotiations between key stakeholders.

Asim Munir Visits Iran as Mediation Drive to End Conflict Accelerates

Asik Munir in Iran As Diplomatic Efforts to End War Picks Up Pace 

pakistan

Pakistan, News on Pakistan, stories on Pakistan, articles on Pakistan, Pakistan stories at Wion, Pakistan news, Pakistan latest news