In a recent development that underscores the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian took to social media to express his profound disappointment with the EU’s Sanctions on Iran. Amir-Abdollahian lamented the EU’s hasty decision, characterizing it as an unjustifiable move against Iran merely for exercising its right to self-defense in response to what he termed as “reckless aggression” from Israel. The Iranian diplomat’s remarks come in the wake of the EU foreign ministers’ unanimous agreement to expand sanctions on Iran following its retaliatory military action against Israel earlier this month. Critically, Amir-Abdollahian urged the EU not…
Author: Muhammad Idrees
In a significant development, Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, revealed plans on Tuesday to establish a parliamentary committee aimed at addressing the persistent violence and insurgency plaguing the region. With a sense of urgency, Bugti outlined the committee’s objectives, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to find lasting solutions to these complex challenges. According to Bugti, the committee’s primary task will be to formulate a consensus roadmap for the government to effectively combat insurgency and terrorism in Balochistan. Additionally, it will seek to engage with dissident groups, offering them an opportunity to renounce violence and participate constructively in…
A new report from the World Bank says Afghanistan’s economy is in big trouble. The report says that Afghanistan’s economy is getting worse. It’s bad news for the people. Last year’s cataclysmic blow to Afghanistan’s gross domestic product (GDP), plummeting by a staggering 26%, has sent shockwaves rippling through the nation’s economic foundation. This precipitous drop not only signifies a severe setback but also casts a dark shadow over the prospects of economic stability for Afghanistan, leaving its future hanging in uncertainty. The repercussions of this economic freefall have been acutely felt, especially by the backbone of Afghanistan’s agrarian society—the…
In a delicate balancing act of diplomacy and military strategy, Israel executed a calculated strike on Iran on Friday, April 19, 2024. Initially planned to be more expansive, the strike was reined in under intense pressure from foreign allies, particularly the United States, Britain, and Germany. Initially, Israeli officials had contemplated a sweeping counterstrike against Iran, targeting multiple military sites, potentially escalating tensions in the region. The prospect of such a significant assault raised fears of a devastating Iranian retaliation, threatening to plunge the Middle East into a full-blown conflict. However, diplomatic intervention, spearheaded by President Biden and other foreign…
Taliban Recognition has been a topic of great concern for USA after their escape from the war-torn country. However, In a resounding declaration, the US State Department reaffirmed that the Taliban’s legitimacy hinges upon the active inclusion of women in both societal and economic realms. Speaking passionately during a press conference, Vedant Patel, the deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, emphasized that the promotion of equal rights for Afghan women and girls stands as a cornerstone of Washington’s approach to Kabul. A Pivotal Principle Patel underscored, “Ensuring equal rights for Afghan women and girls remains a pivotal tenet…
The Iranian President Raisi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan have pledged joint efforts to combat terrorism. The gathering, as reported by National Media, underscores a significant stride in bilateral relations, marking the first such official visit by a head of state following Pakistan’s general elections on February 8. Strengthening Bilateral Relations The discussions between President Raisi and PM Shehbaz in Islamabad didn’t just focus on security matters; they also delved into strategies to boost trade and foster closer communication ties between their nations. This multifaceted approach highlights a commitment to not only address immediate security concerns but also…
The SAARC Chamber has made a fervent plea to the Afghan Taliban, urging them to honor the commitments they made in Doha. The commitments, aimed at fostering peace in the region, especially between Pakistan and Afghanistan, were deemed vital by trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik. Speaking with a delegation of traders, led by Muslim Khan Buneri, Malik emphasized the significance of stability and cooperation among Muslim nations. The Doha agreement, signed back in February 2020 between the United States and the Taliban, laid out various obligations for both parties. Central to this agreement was the Taliban’s pledge to prevent Afghan…
In a perplexing turn of events, Israel purportedly launched an attack on Isfahan, a key city in central Iran, amidst rising tensions between the two nations. The assault, shrouded in ambiguity, seemed to be a response to an Iranian incursion targeting Israel. However, analysts viewed this as an unspoken agreement to avoid further conflict, steering away from the brink of war. Despite the absence of official Israeli statements regarding the attack, reports from Israeli media hinted at their involvement, while Tehran downplayed its significance. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian dismissed the assault’s impact, highlighting the failure of small drones to…
In a startling turn of events, FC Balochistan (North), in a coordinated effort with other organizations, has launched a sweeping anti-smuggling operation in the Mastung district of Balochistan. The operation, spurred by insider information, led authorities to a clandestine warehouse harboring a trove of illicit goods. The seized items, spanning a wide range from cigarettes to solar panels, bear an eye-watering estimated value of approximately ten billion rupees. This colossal confiscation marks a watershed moment in the annals of anti-trafficking endeavors, dwarfing previous seizures which amounted to a mere fraction of this magnitude. In a logistical feat, the authorities swiftly…
In this episode of GroundZero, senior journalist Rasheed Khan Safi joins us to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing political crisis. From economic woes to security concerns, Pakistan is facing a range of challenges that are impacting its stability and prosperity. Through our conversation, we delve into the root causes of these crises and explore possible solutions to address them. With years of experience covering Pakistani politics and society, Rasheed Safi provides unique insights into the complexities of the situation and sheds light on potential paths forward. Join us for this informative and thought-provoking discussion.