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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan comes out in support of Iran after Israel's attack, urges Muslim countries to unite
Pakistan on Saturday came out in support of Iran after Israel launched a series of blistering attacks on the Middle Eastern country's nuclear program and its armed forces. Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Asif, said that all Muslim countries must unite against 'Israeli aggression', according to Dunya News. Follow LIVE updates here. 'In this time of trial, we stand by Iran in every way. We will protect Iranian interests. Iranians are our brothers, and their grief and pain are shared,' Asif said. Asif said that Israel is targeting not just Iran, but also Yemen and Palestine, adding that unity in the Muslim world is crucial. 'If we remain silent and disunited today, then everyone will be targeted eventually,' he said. Also Read | How Israeli airstrikes landed a heavy blow on Iran's nuclear ambitions Asif also demanded that a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should be called on Israel's move against Iran, reported He further said that non-Muslim populations in the West are protesting against Israel. 'Their conscience has awakened—unlike the Muslim world,' he said, according to Dunya News. Israel on Friday launched strikes targeting Iran's nuclear and military facilities, reportedly killing several Iranian generals and much of the senior leadership of the Revolutionary Guards' aerospace division. According to Iran's UN ambassador, the attacks killed 78 people and wounded more than 320. Also Read | Israel, Iran exchanging blows brings Middle East on edge of war: Here's what is happening In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel the following night, significantly escalating regional tensions. Israel said dozens of missiles were launched toward Tel Aviv and other cities on Saturday night. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as the military urged residents to take shelter. While many missiles were intercepted, some breached Israel's air defenses, causing damage in parts of the country. Israel has defended its actions, claiming intelligence indicated Iran's nuclear programme was nearing the 'point of no return.'
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
PM Shehbaz Sharif claims credit for Asif Muneer's elevation as Pakistan's field marshal
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said he personally decided to elevate army chief general Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal for his role in the recent conflict with India. The announcement followed a cabinet meeting chaired by Shehbaz on Tuesday, where the decision to promote Munir was finalised. Asim Munir is the first Pakistani army officer since general Ayub Khan to be promoted to the rank of field marshal, a title last conferred in 1959. Speaking to a select group of journalists, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the recent four-day conflict with India along with other key issues, Geo News reported. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the decision to promote the army chief was his own, though he consults his elder brother and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on key matters. Shehbaz stressed that war brings victory to one side and loss to the other, adding, 'Only lasting peace can guarantee a secure future.' India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities on May 10 after four days of intense drone and missile exchanges across the border. Regarding talks between Islamabad and New Delhi, Shehbaz said that whenever discussions on terrorism take place, they will be held by the national security advisers of both countries. He said India is not willing to involve any third country in the dialogue process. India has always maintained that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter with Pakistan, and there is no space for any third party. Prime Minister Shehbaz also said that Pakistan will raise four key points in any future dialogue with India, Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism. He suggested that holding talks in a third country could be a good decision. He also claimed that Israel 'extensively supported India' during the conflict with Pakistan. In the same interaction, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that a return to peace between Pakistan and India followed an understanding reached by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, according to Dunya News. He credited US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for playing a crucial role in brokering the ceasefire. Shehbaz also noted that China, Turkey, and other allied nations had extended firm support to Pakistan during the crisis. He went on to allege that Indian intelligence agencies had been backing the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), but did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim. With PTI inputs
United News of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
State Bank of Pakistan receives 2nd tranche of $1 bln from IMF
Islamabad, May 14 (UNI) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has received the second tranche of 1.023 billion dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. 'SBP has received the second tranche of SDR 760 million (USD 1,023 billion) from the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility programme,' the central bank announced in a statement, according to Dunya News. The amount will be recorded in the SBP's foreign exchange reserves for the week ending May 16, 2025. The IMF's Executive Board had formally approved a one billion dollars disbursement last week for Pakistan under the EFF, marking a significant step in the country's ongoing economic stabilisation efforts. The disbursement of funds follows the IMF Executive Board's completion of the first review of Pakistan's reform programme, which cleared the release of the funds. This brings the total disbursements under the seven billion dollars EFF arrangement to approximately 2.1 billion dollars (SDR 1.52 billion). The immediate release of funds is expected to provide a crucial support to Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, ease fiscal pressure, and help maintain economic momentum amid ongoing global financial uncertainty. Alongside this approval, the IMF Board also sanctioned a new agreement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), granting Pakistan access to an additional 1.4 billion dollars (SDR 1 billion). The RSF is designed to help Pakistan strengthen its resilience against climate-related vulnerabilities and natural disasters, reports Pakistan Today. Meanwhile, budget talks between the global lender and Pakistan's government are set to begin today. Originally scheduled to be held in-person, the talks will now take place virtually as the IMF delegation could not reach Pakistan as planned. As per Dunya News, the online negotiations will focus on budget preparation, with proposals to be shared with the IMF during these discussions. The economic team from Pakistan has completed its briefing preparations, and officials from the Ministry of Finance and FBR will lead the virtual talks, which will continue until May 16. The talks will focus on income and expenditure, with Pakistan briefing the IMF on tax and non-tax revenues. Special sessions will be held to persuade the IMF to ease the tax burden on the already strained salaried class. UNI ANV SS
United News of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
US calls on India, Pakistan for immediate de-escalation, backs direct dialogue between the two sides
Washington/New Delhi/Islamabad, May 8 (UNI) The US today called on India and Pakistan to immediately de-escalate the situation and backed direct dialogue between the two sides and efforts to improve communication. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today conveyed this when speaking with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif. US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement said: 'Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. 'He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. 'The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism.' EAM Jaishankar, in a post on X, said: 'Spoke with US @SecRubiothis evening. 'Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. 'Underlined India's targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. 'Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.' In his phone call with the Pakistani PM, Rubio 'emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.' 'The Secretary expressed sorrow for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict. 'He reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.' According to Dunya News, the Pakistani PM told the US Secretary of State that 'India's attacks had violated Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while gravely jeopardizing peace and stability in the South Asia region.' He also 'reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, and stressed that Pakistan reserved the right to act in self-defence'. UNI RN
United News of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Flood alerts issued in POK as India suddenly discharges water from Jhelum River
Islamabad/New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) Flood alerts have been issued in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, as India suddenly released waters from the Jhelum River without informing Pakistani authorities, causing mass panic among citizens. The sudden discharge of water on Saturday engulfed the region in chaos, with Pakistani authorities announcing a water emergency in the Hattian Bala district of POK, as increased water levels were sighted in the area of Muzaffarabad, according to Dunya News. The water, which entered from Kashmir's Anantnag and rose through the Chakothi area of POK, forced residents along the river bank to flee to safer grounds. Islamabad condemned the move, calling it a 'complete violation of international rules and water agreements", and said that it will retaliate against the so-called "Indian aggression". While New Delhi did not issue any comment, the move has escalated tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists were gunned down. In response to the April 22 terror attack, India quickly suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, declared all Pakistani military advisors to its High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata and expelled them, recalled its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, told all Pakistani nationals to leave India, and thinned its diplomatic mission in Pakistan.
