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Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan slams Modi's speech as dangerous and hate-driven
Listen to article Pakistan condemned on Tuesday recent comments by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "reckless provocation" and a threat to regional peace. Delivering a speech in Gujarat a day prior, Modi had said, "The people of Pakistan must come forward to rid their country of terrorism. Their youth will have to come forward'. "Live a life of peace, eat your bread or [choose my] bullet," he added. Modi then about India's progress, saying the country has passed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy. He then attacked Pakistan, saying, 'India believes in tourism, but Pakistan sees terrorism as tourism. That's dangerous for the world'. #WATCH | Bhuj, Gujarat: "... sukh chain ki zindagi jiyo, roti khao, warna meri goli to hai hi...," says PM Narendra Modi. He further says, "The people of Pakistan need to come forward to get their country rid of terrorism. Their youth will have to come forward...'" — ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025 Modi further claimed that Indian forces had destroyed Pakistani air bases after attacks in the past and when Pakistan targetted civilians in May, India answered with double the force. Reacting to the remarks, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed regret over the "continued erosion of maturity and decorum in Indian statecraft". Modi's speech was 'delivered in Gujarat with the theatrical flourish of a campaign rally rather than the sobriety expected of the leader of a nuclear-armed state," noted the Foreign Office in its statement. 'The hate-driven invocation of violence in his remarks is deeply disturbing, not only for its content but for the dangerous precedent it sets in region already burdened by volatility,' the FO added. 🔊PR NO.1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Recent Remarks by the Prime Minister of India. — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 26, 2025 'These remarks violate the principles of the United Nations Charter,' the FO noted further. 'Member states are obligated to resolve disputes peacefully and to refrain from the threat or use of force.' Moreover, Modi's comments are an attempt to distract from what it described as ongoing human rights abuses and demographic changes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), added the statement. READ: Pakistan's military dismisses Indian water threat as 'insane thinking' Pakistan's contributions to UN peacekeeping and global counter-terrorism efforts 'speak louder than any hostile soundbite,' the FO maintained, accusing the Indian government of promoting extremism through 'majoritarianism, religious intolerance, and the systematic disenfranchisement of minorities'. Reiterating its commitment to peace and sovereign equality, Islamabad warned that any threat to its security would be met with a 'firm and proportionate' response, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter. Islamabad urged the international community to take note of what it described as India's 'escalating rhetoric', which it said undermines regional stability and the prospect of lasting peace. India-Pakistan conflict The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, when an attack in the IIOJK resort town of Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident, despite providing no public evidence. In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies. Pakistan strongly rejected the accusation, calling it unsubstantiated, but took reciprocal measures through its National Security Committee (NSC). These included halting trade with India, closing Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft, and other countersteps. Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. In a swift military response, Pakistan's armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets, widely regarded as a key asset of the Indian Air Force. Over the following two days, India launched waves of Israeli-made drones, which were also neutralised by Pakistan's military. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets. By Saturday evening, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary. But despite the military ceasefire the war of narratives has waged on. While Pakistan publicly credited US President Donald Trump — along with China and Gulf states — for playing a vital role in defusing tensions, India downplayed foreign involvement. Indian officials have insisted the truce was the result of direct bilateral talks. Trump, has however, reiterated his stance twice following the initial announcement.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Indian YouTuber who documented her travel to Pakistan arrested for allegedly spying
Indian police have arrested a travel vlogger on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, as tensions between the two countries simmer following a dayslong conflict between the two neighbors. Jyoti Malhotra, an influencer from the northern state of Haryana, has been accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan, a senior police official told reporters Sunday. Arrests in India and Pakistan on suspicion of espionage are not uncommon, but Malhotra's case has sparked widespread interest as it comes just days after the two countries fought their most intense conflict in decades, raising fears of an all-out war. Police allege Malhotra was in touch with a Pakistani intelligence operative who groomed her to become an 'asset' for Islamabad. Malhotra remained in touch with the operative during the deadly four-day battle earlier this month, police allege. 'She was a travel blogger, and during interrogation, it has emerged that in the pursuit of views, followers, and viral content, she fell into a trap,' said superintendent Shashank Kumar Sawan. Sawan also claimed that Malhotra used to go to Pakistan on 'sponsored trips,' and that she was in touch with other YouTube influencers who had also been in touch with Pakistani intelligence operatives. She did not have direct access to defense and military information, police said. CNN has contacted the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has attempted to contact Malhotra for a response. She has not been formally charged with any crime. Malhotra's father told reporters he wasn't aware of his daughter's travels and that she used to make small videos at home. Earlier, he told reporters she went to Pakistan after acquiring necessary permissions. Prior to this month's conflict, Pakistanis and Indians were able to travel to each other's countries, but it has long been very difficult to obtain visas due to government bureaucracy and historical mistrust. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared in the aftermath of the April tourist massacre in India-administered Kashmir, when gunmen shot dead 26 tourists in the town of Pahalgam, spurring India's military operation on Pakistani territory. India blames Pakistan for the attack, a claim Islamabad denies. For four days, the two neighbors traded missiles, drones, and artillery shelling - killing dozens on each side - before a ceasefire was reached. Both sides have since claimed victory and, in the febrile aftermath of the short conflict, media coverage in India and Pakistan has seen high levels of nationalist vitriol and hyperbole. Malhotra has posted travel videos to her YouTube channel, which boasts nearly 400,000 subscribers. Several videos posted in March depict her travel to Pakistan, where she can be seen taking public transport, exploring local markets and visiting the Muslim-majority country's largest Hindu temple. Malhotra describes herself on YouTube as a 'nomadic wanderer' and had posted videos of her trips to Bali in Indonesia and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, among other overseas destinations. Speaking to reporters, police questioned how Malhotra was funding her travel. 'We are analyzing her financial details… Her travel details defy her source of income,' Sawan alleged. Her arrest is one of several recent cases where Indians have been suspected of spying on behalf of Pakistan. Police in the northern state of Punjab on Monday also arrested two people for allegedly 'leaking sensitive military information' to Pakistan. The two men have been accused of 'sharing classified details' related to India's military operation in Pakistan, including troop movements and sharing 'strategic locations' in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and India-administered Kashmir, police said in a statement on X. Police are investigating whether the individuals have violated India's Official Secrets Act, which penalizes 'helping an enemy state.' If found guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
CNN
20-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Indian YouTuber who documented her travel to Pakistan arrested for allegedly spying
Indian police have arrested a travel vlogger on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, as tensions between the two countries simmer following a dayslong conflict between the two neighbors. Jyoti Malhotra, an influencer from the northern state of Haryana, has been accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan, a senior police official told reporters Sunday. Arrests in India and Pakistan on suspicion of espionage are not uncommon, but Malhotra's case has sparked widespread interest as it comes just days after the two countries fought their most intense conflict in decades, raising fears of an all-out war. Police allege Malhotra was in touch with a Pakistani intelligence operative who groomed her to become an 'asset' for Islamabad. Malhotra remained in touch with the operative during the deadly four-day battle earlier this month, police allege. 'She was a travel blogger, and during interrogation, it has emerged that in the pursuit of views, followers, and viral content, she fell into a trap,' said superintendent Shashank Kumar Sawan. Sawan also claimed that Malhotra used to go to Pakistan on 'sponsored trips,' and that she was in touch with other YouTube influencers who had also been in touch with Pakistani intelligence operatives. She did not have direct access to defense and military information, police said. CNN has contacted the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has attempted to contact Malhotra for a response. She has not been formally charged with any crime. Malhotra's father told reporters he wasn't aware of his daughter's travels and that she used to make small videos at home. Earlier, he told reporters she went to Pakistan after acquiring necessary permissions. Prior to this month's conflict, Pakistanis and Indians were able to travel to each other's countries, but it has long been very difficult to obtain visas due to government bureaucracy and historical mistrust. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared in the aftermath of the April tourist massacre in India-administered Kashmir, when gunmen shot dead 26 tourists in the town of Pahalgam, spurring India's military operation on Pakistani territory. India blames Pakistan for the attack, a claim Islamabad denies. For four days, the two neighbors traded missiles, drones, and artillery shelling - killing dozens on each side - before a ceasefire was reached. Both sides have since claimed victory and, in the febrile aftermath of the short conflict, media coverage in India and Pakistan has seen high levels of nationalist vitriol and hyperbole. Malhotra has posted travel videos to her YouTube channel, which boasts nearly 400,000 subscribers. Several videos posted in March depict her travel to Pakistan, where she can be seen taking public transport, exploring local markets and visiting the Muslim-majority country's largest Hindu temple. Malhotra describes herself on YouTube as a 'nomadic wanderer' and had posted videos of her trips to Bali in Indonesia and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, among other overseas destinations. Speaking to reporters, police questioned how Malhotra was funding her travel. 'We are analyzing her financial details… Her travel details defy her source of income,' Sawan alleged. Her arrest is one of several recent cases where Indians have been suspected of spying on behalf of Pakistan. Police in the northern state of Punjab on Monday also arrested two people for allegedly 'leaking sensitive military information' to Pakistan. The two men have been accused of 'sharing classified details' related to India's military operation in Pakistan, including troop movements and sharing 'strategic locations' in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and India-administered Kashmir, police said in a statement on X. Police are investigating whether the individuals have violated India's Official Secrets Act, which penalizes 'helping an enemy state.' If found guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The Print
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
NATO member Türkiye expresses solidarity with Pakistan against ‘India's unprovoked aggression'
'He (Hakan Fidan) expressed concern over the deteriorating regional security situation. Both leaders agreed to remain in close coordination on the evolving situation,' the statement read. 'FM of Türkiye @HakanFidan called DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 to express Türkiye's solidarity with Pakistan against India's unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan's sovereignty and killing innocent civilians,' the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Wednesday morning. New Delhi: Türkiye is the first nation to come out in solidarity with Islamabad, following the precision strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ankara has been one of the few steadfast allies of Islamabad, with a Turkish naval vessel making a port of call in Karachi in the last few days after the 22 April terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. According to reports apart from the lone naval vessel, at least one Turkish Air Force plane landed in Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack, in which at least 26 were killed. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, was in Türkiye when the Pahalgam terrorist attack had occurred, and had met with Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan just hours after the attack. Sharif thanked the Turkish president's support to Pakistan on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Ankara, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, has been a strategic partner of Pakistan for years, and has maintained close defence ties with Islamabad. Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, is the first to speak with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, following Operation Sindoor. In the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian armed forces launched a precision strike against nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, two weeks after the Pahalgam attack. The Ministry of Defence in a statement called the strikes 'focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature'. Pakistan has vowed retaliation. India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a conversation with his American counterpart and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, briefing him on the strike. Senior Indian officials have also briefed their counterparts in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Russia and the UK, according to sources. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Pakistan NSA briefs US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after India carries out Operation Sindoor
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Iran FM Araghchi to visit Pakistan, India this week, days after offering to mediate to reduce tensions
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will arrive in Islamabad on Monday (May 5, 2025), ahead of a visit to Delhi later this week, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced in Tehran on Sunday. The visit by Mr. Araghchi to India had been planned several weeks ago. Now, coupled with the visit to Pakistan, it takes on an added mission, after he offered to mediate between the two 'brotherly neighbours of Iran'. Mr. Araghchi will travel back to Tehran after his talks in Islamabad on May 5, and then travel to Delhi on May 7-8, so as to avoid 'hyphenating' the two visits, sources said. Both India and Pakistan have closed their airspaces to aircraft owned or operated by the other side, although the measures do not technically affect aircraft operated by a third country. In Islamabad, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit reflects 'the deep-rooted and strong relationship between Pakistan and the brotherly nation of Iran', but did not refer to talks on the tensions with Delhi after the Pahalgam terror attack. During his visit, Mr. Araghchi will meet Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and call on Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the MoFA statement said. Also read: Iranian President condemns Pahalgam terror attack, calls for regional unity against terrorism On April 25, Mr. Araghchi had said in a post on X that Tehran stood 'ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time', and quoted a 13th-century Persian poem, calling for empathy in a time of 'pain'. Mr. Araghchi has spoken on the telephone to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Mr. Dar in the past week, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack and express condolences, and spoke to Mr. Sharif about India-Pakistan tensions. Also read: More Gulf nations call for lowering tensions between India, Pakistan The MEA has, thus far, not responded to calls for mediation or de-escalation of tensions, saying only that India appreciates the messages of solidarity and condemnation of the terror attack that it has received. India has always rejected calls for third-party mediation on bilateral issues, although India-Pakistan back-channel talks have been facilitated by a number of countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the agenda During his visit on Thursday (May 8, 2025), Mr. Araghchi will hold talks with Mr. Jaishankar, and both Ministers will chair the 'Joint Commission Meeting' (JCM) that focuses on economic cooperation. India and Iran have several pending issues, particularly on trade payments and banking arrangements to circumvent U.S. sanctions, as well as the development of Chabahar port according to the 10-year agreement signed by them in May 2024. U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order in February to review Iranian entities, including Chabahar port, for violating America's 'maximum pressure' campaign to enforce the U.S. sanctions is also likely to come up for discussions. The visits to the region by Mr. Araghchi come even as Iran and the U.S. have postponed their next round of talks over nuclear issues, and tensions are rising over the U.S.'s bombardment of Yemen and attacks by the Houthi militia, which the U.S. accuses Iran of funding and arming.
