Pakistan News Archives - Page 6 of 54

Pakistan Army pledges continued cross-border counterterrorism operations

July 6, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presided over the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

The forum offered fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and innocent civilians, reaffirming that their sacrifices remain the foundation of Pakistan’s security, unity and resilience.

The Forum reviewed prevailing security environment, expressing satisfaction over the operational preparedness, professionalism, and combat readiness of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

The forum expressed serious concerns over the continued use of territory under control of Afghan Taliban regime by Indian sponsored terrorist groups including Fitna al Khawarij (FAK) and Fitna al Hindustan (FAH) to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan.

The forum affirmed that lasting peace and stability in the region is contingent upon preventing use of Afghan Taliban controlled territory by Indian terrorist proxies for which Afghan Taliban regime is directly responsible.

Pakistan has unequivocal right to defend its people from terrorism and the Armed Forces shall continue Intelligence Based Operations against terrorism emanating from Afghan Taliban controlled territory under the ambit of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.

In addition to the kinetic actions, Forum underscored immediate need for putting in place robust governance structures in restive areas which are directed towards public service and welfare as well as to break the nefarious terror-crime nexus thriving under vested political patronage.

The forum noted that post comprehensive defeat inflicted in Mark-e-Haq, there is increased reliance on an evolving pattern of externally supported hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns to cause unrest.

The forum condemned all such forms of state supported financing, facilitation or sponsorship of proxies and underscored that any attempts to use hybrid means to destabilize Pakistan would continue to be countered with strategic clarity and firm resolve.

Reviewing the evolving regional landscape, the Forum appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability.

It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for international law and enhanced regional cooperation to address shared security challenges.

The forum, taking note of Indian rhetoric surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirmed the guidance given in National Security Committee (NSC) directive of 24 April 2025.

The forum expressed resolute commitment to undertake all measures necessary to ensure availability of Pakistan’s rightful share of water as per the directives of the Government and inspirations of the people of Pakistan.

The forum rejected and strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations and unilateral demographic engineering in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), declaring that Kashmir remains the jugular vein of Pakistan.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unyielding diplomatic, political and moral support to Kashmir cause, the Forum emphasized that true regional stability hinges entirely on granting the Kashmiri people their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In his concluding remarks, the COAS & CDF directed commanders to follow up expeditiously on the multi-domain transformation plan in line with evolving character of war.

He also called upon the commanders to maintain highest standards of vigilance, operational readiness and professional excellence emphasizing integrated responses to conventional, sub-conventional and hybrid threats while safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests at all cost.

President Zardari invites President Trump to visit Islamabad

July 4, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has invited US President Donald Trump to visit Pakistan, while extending congratulations to the American people on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

In a letter to Trump, Zardari said the United States continues to progress on the strength of its traditions of innovation, democracy and commitment to equality of opportunity.

He said the achievements of the American people over the past two and a half centuries have played an important role in promoting development and prosperity around the world.

Zardari added that Pakistan and the United States share long-standing relations based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity.

The Pakistani president invited Trump to visit Islamabad at his earliest convenience, saying it would be an honor for the people of Pakistan to host him.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to U.S. President Donald Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

In a statement, Sharif said Pakistan stands with the United States in celebrating enduring democratic values, noting that the two countries share a partnership spanning more than seven decades.

He said the Pakistani-American community has played an important role in further strengthening ties between the two nations.

Sharif added that Pakistan and the United States have consistently stood together in addressing global peace and security challenges.

The prime minister also acknowledged Trump’s role in efforts toward peace in South Asia, saying his actions helped prevent a potentially catastrophic conflict and saved millions of lives.

He said both countries are moving toward a brighter and more hopeful future and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the United States.

Erdogan, Sharif pledge enduring Pakistan-Türkiye partnership

July 4, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye and Pakistan will “always stand by each other” during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Friday, as both leaders pledged deeper cooperation in trade, investment and regional affairs.

Welcoming Sharif and his delegation, Erdogan said the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues, expressing satisfaction with the current pace of ties between Ankara and Islamabad.

“We always stand by each other,” Erdogan said, adding that discussions also focused on expanding trade, investment and broader economic cooperation, including coordination on special economic zones between relevant ministries.

He said Türkiye would continue supporting efforts aimed at peace and prosperity and described an “Islamabad memorandum” as important for global stability. Erdogan also praised Pakistan’s initiatives for peace, development and regional cooperation.

During the briefing, Erdogan also accused Israel of attempting to undermine a U.S.-Iran understanding, warning that such actions threaten regional security.

Sharif, in his remarks, thanked Erdogan for the warm welcome and said Pakistan and Türkiye share a deep emotional and historic bond.

He noted that Türkiye had consistently supported Pakistan during wars and natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes.

The Pakistani prime minister also expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s assistance in disaster-hit areas of Pakistan and said both countries are committed to expanding trade to a target of $5 billion.

Sharif said discussions also covered investment opportunities in special economic zones and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Türkiye’s position on Cyprus while acknowledging Ankara’s support on the Kashmir issue.

40 killed, eight injured after passenger bus plunges into ravine in Zhob

July 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

QUETTA: At least 40 people, including women and children, were killed and eight others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in Pakistan’s southwestern Zhob district, officials said Friday.

The crash occurred near the Dana Sar area on the Zhob-Sherani highway. Police said the bus apparently veered off the road after suffering a brake failure.

The injured, including women and children, were transported to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

Shahid Rind, media adviser to the Balochistan chief minister, confirmed the death toll and said rescue operations were carried out jointly by authorities from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa because the crash occurred near the provincial border.

He said personnel from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the Health Department, the Frontier Corps, and other agencies responded to the scene.

According to preliminary findings, the bus was carrying more passengers than its capacity. Officials also said some passengers from another bus that had broken down earlier had boarded the vehicle before the crash.

Authorities are working to identify those killed and provide medical treatment to the injured. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the tragedy, offered condolences to the victims’ families and directed relevant authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care. He said the nation stood with the bereaved families during their time of grief.

A survivor of the deadly bus crash in Pakistan’s southwestern Zhob district has alleged that the driver intentionally drove the passenger coach into a ravine following an argument with passengers, a claim that authorities have not independently verified.

In a video statement released after the crash, the injured passenger alleged that the driver had been transporting containers of Iranian diesel to Peshawar and that the fuel containers were confiscated at a checkpoint in Sherani.

The survivor claimed the confiscation led to a heated exchange between the driver and passengers. According to the passenger, the driver then deliberately steered the coach into the ravine.

The allegations have not been confirmed by authorities.

The crash, which occurred near Sherani in Zhob district, killed 40 people, including women and children, after the bus plunged into a ravine.

Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan, has ordered an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Authorities have not announced an official cause of the accident, and the investigation remains underway.

PM departs for Türkiye after attending condolence ceremony in Tehran

July 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Türkiye on Friday after attending a condolence ceremony in Tehran honoring Iran’s late Supreme Leader.

Sharif led a high-level Pakistani delegation at the memorial gathering, where he offered condolences and paid tribute to the late Iranian leader.

The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with other senior officials.

The prime minister, the field marshal and members of the delegation offered prayers for the deceased during the ceremony.

Sharif praised the late Iranian Supreme Leader’s leadership, saying he guided the Iranian nation with vision, wisdom and foresight over several decades.

He later departed Tehran for an official visit to Türkiye.

Bilawal says peace key to advancing Pakistan-Iran energy project

June 24, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project would be completed once regional conditions improve, stressing that peace would help reduce the economic burden on Pakistan.

Speaking in a statement, Bilawal said the conflict between the United States and Iran had increased economic pressures on Pakistan and expressed hope that lasting peace would bring relief to the country’s citizens.

Addressing the National Assembly earlier, Bilawal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was trying to steer the country through difficult circumstances with a constructive approach, but some federal ministers were creating additional challenges for the government.

He urged the prime minister to exercise greater control over his cabinet, saying certain ministers were aggravating political tensions rather than helping resolve them.

Bilawal also criticized remarks made by a federal minister regarding Kashmir, describing the comments as inflammatory and questioning why the minister remained in office.

He said statements suggesting that residents of Rawalakot were not Kashmiris had complicated efforts to present a united political stance and noted that the minister had not apologized for the remarks.

The PPP chairman said political disputes should be resolved through dialogue and proposed that Fazlur Rehman be allowed to play a role in helping address the issue.

Bilawal reiterated that regional peace and political dialogue were essential for economic stability and the successful completion of strategic projects, including the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline.

Pakistan, China reaffirm support for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue

June 24, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter and pledged to continue close cooperation in support of dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and promoting lasting peace.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which he congratulated China on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The two leaders discussed the Iran-U.S. peace process, including the first round of high-level talks held in the Swiss city of Bürgenstock with the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar.

Dar briefed Wang on the outcomes of the talks, saying that a high-level committee had been established in Islamabad to oversee the mediation process under a recently signed memorandum of understanding.

He said three working groups had also been formed to address issues related to the nuclear program, sanctions, monitoring mechanisms and dispute resolution, with the goal of facilitating a final agreement between the parties within 60 days.

Dar praised China’s continued support for the peace process and highlighted the importance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal and the joint Pakistan-China five-point peace initiative.

Wang congratulated Pakistan on the successful facilitation of the talks and the signing of the memorandum of understanding, commending Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, mediation role and continued engagement in support of regional peace and stability.

Reaffirming China’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, Wang said disputes must be resolved peacefully in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Both ministers pledged to maintain close coordination in encouraging a negotiated settlement between the parties, with the aim of achieving a lasting reduction in tensions, sustainable peace, shared development and mutual prosperity.

Pakistan, Iran hold high-level talks in Islamabad

June 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held separate meetings with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the two sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional peace.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Zardari and Pezeshkian discussed bilateral relations, regional connectivity and economic cooperation. The leaders reiterated their resolve to deepen Pakistan-Iran relations and work jointly for peace and stability in the region.

Welcoming Pezeshkian on his first visit to Pakistan following the recent conflict, Zardari said the trip reflected the two countries’ commitment to standing by each other in times of both joy and adversity. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Zardari congratulated the Iranian president on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and expressed hope that technical-level negotiations would lead to lasting peace. He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently opposed unilateral actions and supported dialogue as a means of resolving regional and global challenges.

The Pakistani president also stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim world and underscored the significance of maintaining strong brotherly relations with Gulf countries.

According to the statement, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its positive and constructive efforts to promote peace and dialogue and appreciated Islamabad’s support during recent difficult circumstances.

The Iranian president said Tehran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and seeks to expand cooperation in political, economic, security and regional affairs.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with Pezeshkian, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the meeting, while delegation-level talks between the two countries were also scheduled.

Pakistan and Iran pledge closer cooperation on regional issues

June 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, with the two leaders discussing regional developments and peace initiatives, according to Pakistan’s military.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the meeting focused on efforts to promote regional stability and reduce tensions.

President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role” in fostering dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability. He also acknowledged Islamabad’s continued efforts to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes and promote understanding among regional stakeholders.

Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to peace and stability in the region, the statement said.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of promoting peace, prosperity and stability across the region.

The meeting took place during Pezeshkian’s one-day visit to Pakistan.

The Iranian president was received at Nur Khan Air Base by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

Govt scraps fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, farmers and public transport

June 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has ended fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, small farmers and public transport operators, officials said following a meeting of a national steering committee on energy pricing.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and approved the decision to withdraw subsidies previously provided across all provinces, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to an official statement, subsidies had been provided on petrol and diesel to support motorcycle and rickshaw users, small farmers, and transport operators to help keep fares and agricultural costs lower.

Under the previous scheme, motorcycle, rickshaw and small vehicle owners received subsidies ranging from 50 to 100 rupees per litre, while public and freight transport operators were receiving monthly support of 70,000 to 100,000 rupees.

Small farmers were also being given diesel subsidies of around 100 rupees per litre, the statement said.

Officials said the decision was taken after noting a decline in global fuel prices and the earlier transfer of benefits to consumers. The committee approved the move with the consent of the prime minister.

The withdrawal of subsidies is expected to affect transport costs and agricultural expenses across the country.