
US designates group that claimed IIOJK attack as terrorists
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement announcing the designations, described The Resistance Group as a 'front and proxy' of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group based in Pakistan.

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Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
President Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on USCENTCOM chief Gen Kurilla
President Asif Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on US USCENTCOM Commander General Michael E Kurilla in Islamabad on July 26, 2025. Photo: ISPR Listen to article President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) award on General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his contributions to regional security and the strengthening of bilateral military ties, the military's media wing said. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Zardari presented the honour during a formal investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday. General Kurilla was recognised for his 'exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation' between Pakistan and the United States. 'General Kurilla's visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and USCENTCOM,' the statement read. The Government of Pakistan has conferred the prestigious award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military… — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 26, 2025 The award reflects Pakistan's appreciation of General Kurilla's 'unwavering support' and highlights the growing depth of the military partnership between the two nations. During his visit, General Kurilla met with senior Pakistani leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Discussions focused on regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint counterterrorism efforts, the statement added. Upon arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla was presented with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. The visit and high-level recognition underscore the strategic nature of Pakistan-US defence relations and reaffirm both countries' commitment to regional stability. Pakistan also hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, bringing together senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in what is being hailed as a significant step toward strengthening regional security cooperation and military diplomacy. Read More: President Zardari honors Chinese General Li Qiaoming Organised under the theme 'Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,' the high-profile gathering aimed at reinforcing security collaboration, enhancing joint training initiatives, and sharing best practices in counterterrorism and other defence-related areas, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, formally welcomed the delegations and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional stability.


Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan fully committed to working with allies to build secure regional environment: COAS
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) said on Saturday Pakistan was committed to working with partner nations to build a secure and prosperous regional environment. Pakistan hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Islamabad, convening senior military leadership from the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The multilateral engagement marked a 'significant stride toward advancing regional security cooperation, military diplomacy, and strategic dialogue among participating nations', a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Pakistan's nuclear programme fully secure: DG ISPR Field Marshal Munir welcomed the defence delegations and reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and constructive engagement across the region. 'In an era defined by transnational threats and complex hybrid challenges, the imperative for deeper military-to-military cooperation, strategic dialogue, and mutual trust is paramount. Pakistan remains fully committed to working with partner nations to build a secure and prosperous regional environment,' COAS was quoted as saying in the statement. Held under the theme 'Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace', the conference sought to reinforce security collaborations, enhance training initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in counterterrorism and other defence and security endeavours. According to the ISPR, the high-level dialogue featured comprehensive exchanges on regional security dynamics, the evolving strategic environment in Central and South Asia, and the necessity of joint training initiatives, counter-terrorism cooperation, and coordinated humanitarian responses during crises. 'Delegates collectively reaffirmed their shared resolve to uphold peace, respect, national sovereignty, and confront common security threats including terrorism, cyber insecurity, and violent extremism among others. 'Participants commended Pakistan's leadership, hospitality, and initiative in fostering such inclusive and forward-looking defence diplomacy.' The military media wing said the convergence had reflected Pakistan's enduring commitment to a 'secure, interconnected, and cooperative region, anchored in shared security interests and regional solidarity'. President Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz upon US General Kurilla Meanwhile, the Government of Pakistan conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his 'exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation between Pakistan and the United States', a separate ISPR statement read. In a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the decoration upon General Kurilla. 'General Kurilla's visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and USCENTCOM. His consistent engagement reflects a profound respect for Pakistan's central role in promoting peace and stability across the region,' ISPR statement said. During his visit, General Kurilla held detailed meetings with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including the President of Pakistan and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff. 'Discussions encompassed regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint efforts to combat terrorism and emerging transnational threats.'


Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
India's Modi renews ties with Maldives
MALÉ: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a visit to the Maldives on Saturday, renewing ties by offering infrastructure projects and vital financial assistance to the cash-strapped Indian Ocean nation. Regional powerhouse India had been concerned that its small, yet strategically located neighbour was drifting towards the orbit of its rival China following the 2023 election of President Mohamed Muizzu on an anti-India platform. Since coming to office, Muizzu has secured the withdrawal of a small contingent of Indian military personnel who operated search-and-rescue aircraft in the archipelago. But he has since toned down his anti-India rhetoric, and on Friday he touted the two nations' collaboration on security and trade. Modi announces $565-million credit line for debt-plagued Maldives 'India has long stood as the Maldives' closest and most trusted partner,' Muizzu said in a banquet speech alongside Modi, whom he met with twice last year. 'We deeply value the friendship of India and are grateful for the timely assistance your country has extended to us in moments of need,' Muizzu added. Shortly after his arrival on Friday, Modi unveiled a $565 million credit line for the Maldives, which is facing a severe foreign exchange shortage despite its thriving tourism industry. India also reduced annual repayments of an earlier credit line from $51 million to $29 million, and the two sides discussed a potential free-trade agreement. Muizzu said the new credit line would bolster the Maldives' security forces, and improve healthcare, housing and education. During his two-day trip, Modi also inaugurated a new defence ministry headquarters and several India-funded infrastructure projects, including roads and a 4,000-unit housing scheme. Modi's visit had set 'a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations', Muizzu wrote on X on Saturday as the Indian leader left the capital Male after 60th Independence Day celebrations. 'Our relationship continues to grow, shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors,' Modi wrote in his own post on X. 'India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people.' Known for its luxury tourism and pristine beaches, the Maldives is also a geopolitical hotspot, with key global shipping lanes passing through its 1,192 islands, stretching across 800 kilometres (500 miles) of the equator. China and India are the Maldives' two largest bilateral lenders.