‘Pakistan's moment in Washington'
New Delhi's unrelenting purchase of Russian oil—now exceeding 1.5 million barrels a day—and acquisition of Russian arms has provided Moscow with critical liquidity to sustain its war effort against Ukraine.
Arms deals alone totaled over $5 billion in 2024, undermining Western sanctions. Trump and senior Republicans like Marco Rubio publicly criticized this stance, framing it as opportunism detrimental to US and NATO interests. In this context, Pakistan's alignment with US priorities, however cautious, has not gone unnoticed.
On Palestine, Pakistan has walked a fine line. Publicly and diplomatically, Islamabad has been vociferous in condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, echoing global outrage at what many now call a 'slaughterhouse.'
Yet, unlike Iran or other Muslim-majority states, Pakistan has avoided providing material or military support to Palestinian resistance factions, preventing open friction with Washington or Tel Aviv. This careful positioning has kept Pakistan in the good books of the US administration while still satisfying domestic demands for moral solidarity with Palestine.
Another critical factor shaping this newfound goodwill is Pakistan's willingness to open its mineral-rich landscape to US investment.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Gaza civil defence says 18 killed across territory
GAZA STRIP: Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 18 people were killed across the Palestinian territory on Saturday, including civilians who were waiting to collect aid. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that at least six people were killed and 30 wounded after Israeli troops targeted civilians assembling near an aid point in central Gaza. The spokesman said strikes hit areas elsewhere in central Gaza, resulting in multiple casualties. He later added that a drone attack near the southern city of Khan Yunis killed at least three people and injured several others. Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence and the Israeli military. Israel approves plan to take control of Gaza City Thousands of Palestinians congregate daily near food distribution points in Gaza, including four managed by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Since launching in late May, its operations have been marred by almost-daily reports of Israeli forces firing on those waiting to collect aid. Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies into Gaza since the start of the war nearly two years ago have led to shortages of food and essential supplies, including medicine and fuel, which hospitals require to power their generators. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure a ceasefire to bring the territory's more than two million people back from the brink of famine and free the hostages held by Palestinians. But early Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved plans to launch major operations to seize Gaza City, triggering a wave of outrage across the globe. Despite the backlash and rumours of dissent from Israeli military top brass, Netanyahu has remained defiant over the decision. In a post on social media late Friday, he said 'we are not going to occupy Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas'. Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry, figures the UN says are reliable. Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Anti-graft drive gains pace as NAB recovers record Rs456b in Q2
Listen to article The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) posted record-breaking figures for the second quarter of 2025, recovering Rs456.3 billion — nearly five times more than the Rs91 billion recovered in the first quarter — marking a significant leap in its anti-corruption efforts, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Saturday. With this, total recoveries for the first half of the year have reached Rs547.31 billion. A NAB spokesperson stated that a substantial portion of this amount — assets worth over Rs532 billion — has been handed over to government. 'Beyond just statistics, these recoveries reflect real progress in holding corrupt elements accountable and returning wealth to the state,' the spokesperson said. 'Thousands of victims who were defrauded in various scams have also been compensated.' Also Read: Security forces kill 14 more terrorists in sanitization operation near Afghan border According to a NAB press release, movable and immovable properties worth Rs532.33 billion have been disbursed among federal and provincial government institutions, as well as financial bodies. So far, more than 12,000 individuals affected by public fraud schemes have received financial restitution. The Bureau's total recoveries over the past two years now stand at Rs5.85 trillion — over seven times the amount it had recovered since its inception in 1999. 'This is not just a number. It represents the extraordinary effort of our teams across the country,' the spokesperson added. 'We are determined to continue this momentum.' Among high-profile recoveries, NAB Rawalpindi retrieved state land worth Rs29 billion in Islamabad's Sector E-11, which was handed over to the Capital Development Authority. In the B4U scam, Rs3 billion was recovered and is set to be distributed among more than 17,000 affectees, with an additional Rs4 billion expected in the current quarter. NAB also facilitated the transfer of land under a housing scheme to ensure long-awaited compensation for investors. In another case, NAB Sukkur reclaimed land worth over Rs25 billion previously held by private entities, marking a significant success in efforts to recover public assets. Read: Defence minister urges Trump to broker peace deal for Palestine The Bureau reported that forest land valued at Rs384 billion was recovered in the second quarter alone, bringing the total value of such recoveries to over Rs1.48 trillion. In Lahore, Rs3.2 billion was disbursed to nearly 12,000 victims in the Eden Housing case. In the Pak Arab case, eight properties worth Rs3.9 billion were surrendered and are currently being processed for transfer. Separately, a plea bargain amounting to Rs2.18 billion is under negotiation with the owners of Elite Town Housing Society. The proceeds are intended for distribution among approximately 1,800 affectees. Looking ahead, NAB has shifted its focus to the recovery of encroached state land. In collaboration with provincial revenue departments, the Bureau has identified illegally occupied properties estimated to be worth nearly Rs5 trillion. 'NAB is unwavering in its mission to recover every last rupee of national wealth and to bring justice to those who have looted public funds,' the spokesperson said. 'Our actions speak for themselves, and the numbers reflect a broader drive for accountability and reform.' The Bureau has called on all stakeholders, including public institutions and civil society, to support its efforts for transparency and good governance.
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Iran arrests 20 suspected Mossad operatives, vows harsh punishment
A 3D printed miniature model of U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel and Iran flags are seen in this illustration taken June 18, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Iran has arrested 20 people it alleges are operatives of Israel's Mossad spy agency in recent months, the judiciary said on Saturday, warning that they will face no leniency and will be made an example of. On Wednesday, Iran executed a nuclear scientist named Rouzbeh Vadi, who was convicted of spying for Israel and passing on information on another nuclear scientist killed in Israel's air strikes on Iran in June, state media reported. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangiri told reporters in Tehran on Saturday that charges against some of the 20 suspects arrested had been dropped and they were released. He did not give a number. Read More: Iran holds US accountable for attacks on nuclear sites "The judiciary will show no leniency toward spies and agents of the Zionist regime, and with firm rulings, will make an example of them all," Jahangiri was quoted as saying by Iranian media. He said full details would be made public once investigations were complete. Executions of Iranians convicted of spying for Israel have significantly increased this year, with at least eight death sentences carried out in recent months. Also Read: Israel faces backlash over Gaza plan Israel carried out 12 days of air strikes on Iran in June, targeting Iran's top generals, nuclear scientists, nuclear installations, as well as residential neighbourhoods. Iran responded with barrages of missiles and drones on Israel. Rights group HRANA reported 1,190 Iranian deaths during the 12-day Israeli attacks, including 436 civilians and 435 security personnel. Israel said 28 were killed in Iran's retaliatory attack.
