Author: Saifullah

Ishaq Dar briefed members of the Diplomatic Corps on the first anniversary of #MarkaEHaq, describing it as a symbol of national unity, resilience, and the resolve of Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said Pakistan’s response during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was measured, lawful, and aligned with the UN Charter, emphasizing that military action was limited to targeting specific installations. He also warned of the dangers of escalation, particularly risks to civilians and broader regional stability. Dar reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a core issue driving regional tensions, calling for its resolution under…

The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that its air defence systems are actively intercepting incoming missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats amid rising regional tensions. In an official statement, the UAE defence ministry said that air defence units are currently engaged in operations to counter missiles and drone attacks. It added that the sounds heard across the country are linked to ongoing interception activities. “Sounds heard across the country are the result of ongoing engaging operations of missiles and UAVs,” the ministry stated. The announcement comes as the wider Gulf region experiences heightened security concerns, with repeated reports of…

Ishaq Dar has warned that any attempt to weaponise water will be treated as an act of aggression against Pakistan, stating that the country reserves the right to defend its national interests under international law. Speaking on regional and global developments, the deputy prime minister said recent tensions in South Asia and beyond have underscored the importance of coordinated diplomatic engagement to preserve stability. Dar also referred to past regional hostilities, saying that India’s military response following the 2019 Pulwama incident was unlawful. He further pointed to ongoing concerns regarding threats linked to the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any…

Lebanon’s health ministry has reported a sharp rise in casualties, stating that at least 2,702 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since fighting resumed on March 2. The ministry further said that 8,311 individuals have been wounded during the same period, reflecting the growing human toll of the renewed escalation. The figures underscore the continuing intensity of cross-border hostilities involving Israel and armed groups operating in Lebanon, with civilian infrastructure and populated areas reportedly among the worst affected. The conflict has further strained an already fragile humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where emergency services and medical facilities continue to operate…

Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Idrees, a well-known religious figure and former Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan-Fazl (JUI-F) MPA, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, according to police officials. Authorities said the incident took place in the Utmanzai area when the cleric was traveling from his home to his madrassa. Unidentified assailants on motorcycles opened fire on his vehicle, killing him on the spot. District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Waqas confirmed that two police personnel assigned for his security were also injured in the attack and shifted to Peshawar for medical treatment. Police said the…

The United States has signaled that its forces remain fully prepared to resume large-scale combat operations against Iran if ordered, amid ongoing tensions in the region. According to AFP, citing remarks from the top US military leadership, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said that US Central Command and the broader joint force are maintaining full operational readiness. He emphasized that current restraint should not be misinterpreted as weakness, warning that US forces are capable of rapidly escalating operations if directed by political leadership. “US Central Command and the rest of the joint force remain ready to…

Pakistan on Tuesday marked what it described as a victory in the “Marka-e-Haq” operation, which it says was launched in response to India’s alleged “policy-driven false flag operation” in May 2025. A formal ceremony was held in the federal capital to commemorate the first anniversary of the operation, during which a book titled “The Battle of Truth” was also launched. The event was attended by senior civil and military leadership. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar represented the civilian government, while retired military leadership, including Aamer Riaz, participated alongside other officials. Speakers at the ceremony presented what…

US intelligence assessments suggest that the ongoing conflict has not significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to sources familiar with the analysis cited by Reuters. Officials believe that despite months of military escalation, Iran’s estimated timeline to develop a nuclear weapon remains largely unchanged from previous evaluations, approximately nine months to one year, should Tehran choose to pursue that path. The war, initiated under US President Donald Trump with the stated aim of curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, has primarily focused on conventional military infrastructure rather than direct destruction of nuclear assets. While Israeli strikes have targeted selected nuclear-related facilities, US…

Saudi Arabia has called for restraint amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, throwing its support behind Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to prevent the crisis from spiraling further. In an official statement, the Saudi foreign ministry voiced concern over the intensifying military situation in the Gulf, urging all sides to avoid escalation and prioritize a political resolution. The Kingdom explicitly endorsed Pakistan’s mediation, signaling growing regional backing for Islamabad’s role in de-escalation. Saudi officials emphasized the urgency of calming the situation, warning that continued confrontation risks undermining both regional security and global stability. A key concern highlighted by Riyadh…

Pakistan’s external trade imbalance has deepened significantly, with the country’s merchandise trade deficit widening by nearly 20 per cent to $32 billion during the first ten months of the current fiscal year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Between July and April FY2026, imports climbed to $57.2 billion, reflecting a growth of almost 7 per cent, while exports declined by more than 6 per cent to $25.2 billion. This widening gap underscores a persistent structural challenge, where import demand continues to outpace export performance. The pressure remained evident in April, when the monthly trade deficit rose…