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Arab News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
India, Pakistan accuse each other of violating ceasefire hours after reaching deal
ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan accused each other of violating a ceasefire deal made hours earlier Saturday after US-led talks to end the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said late Saturday that 'there had been repeated violations of the understanding arrived between the two countries' on ceasing fire and accused Pakistan of breaching the agreement. 'We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility,' he said at a news conference in New Delhi. Misri said the Indian army was 'retaliating' for what he called a 'border intrusion.' Within hours of the truce announcement, violations were reported from the main cities of Indian-administered Kashmir, as well as in Azad Kashmir on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides the disputed Kashmir region between India and Pakistan. The reports came after Islamabad and India both announced a sudden stop to a conflict that had seemed to be spiraling alarmingly. The US said they had also agreed to hold talks on a broad range of issues at a neutral site. Pakistani Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told Arab News, 'the response would be harsh' if India defied the ceasefire agreement. The deal had been expected to bring a swift end to weeks of escalating clashes, including missile and drone strikes, triggered by the massacre of tourists by gunmen last month that India blames on Pakistan, which denies the charge. Dozens of civilians have been killed on both sides since then. But multiple explosions were heard in two large cities of India-controlled Kashmir hours after the countries agreed to the deal. The first word of the truce came from US President Donald Trump, who posted on his Truth Social platform that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire: 'Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the truce on Geo News, saying that Saudi Arabia and Turkiye played an important role in facilitating the deal. Misri said the head of military operations from both countries spoke Saturday afternoon and top military leaders will speak again Monday. 'It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding,' he said. Hours after the agreement, explosions heard by residents in Srinagar and Jammu in India-controlled Kashmir were followed by blackouts in the two cities. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Omar Abdullah, the region's top elected official, said in a post on social media: 'What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!' Working toward a broader agreement Conflict between India and Pakistan is not rare, with the two countries having periodically engaged in wars, clashes and skirmishes since gaining independence from British India in 1947. The ceasefire in the latest hostilities came after the countries fired volleys of cross-border missile strikes Saturday, when India said it targeted Pakistani air bases after Islamabad fired several high-speed missiles at military and civilian infrastructure in Punjab state. Pakistan said it responded with retaliatory strikes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and Vice President JD Vance had engaged with senior officials from both countries over the past 48 hours. They included Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. Rubio said the two governments agreed to 'start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.' Though Pakistanis had initially celebrated their army's retaliation, they were later jubilant about the truce, saying it was a moment of national pride and relief after days of tension. In Islamabad, Zubaida Bibi expressed her joy at the restoration of peace with India. 'War brings nothing but suffering,' she said. 'We are happy that calm is returning. It feels like Eid to me. We have won.' Indian strikes hit Pakistani air bases Tensions have soared since the attack at a popular tourist site in India-controlled Kashmir left 26 civilians dead, mostly Indian Hindu tourists, on April 22. Earlier Saturday, India's military held a press briefing in New Delhi, saying Pakistan had targeted health facilities and schools at its three air bases in Kashmir. 'Befitting reply has been given to Pakistani actions,' Indian Col. Sofiya Qureshi said. Indian missiles targeted Nur Khan air base in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad, Murid air base in Chakwal city and Rafiqui air base in the Jhang district of eastern Punjab province, according to Pakistan's military spokesman. There were no immediate reports of the strike or its aftermath from residents in the densely populated Rawalpindi. Pakistan's military had said it used medium-range Fateh missiles to hit an Indian missile storage facility and air bases in the cities of Pathankot and Udhampur. Army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif said the country's air force assets were safe after the Indian assault. The Associated Press could not independently verify all the actions attributed to Pakistan or India. Explosions in India-controlled Kashmir After the announcement of Pakistani retaliation, residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir said they heard loud explosions at multiple places, including the large cities of Srinagar and Jammu and the garrison town of Udhampur. 'Explosions that we are hearing today are different from the ones we heard the last two nights during drone attacks,' said Shesh Paul Vaid, the region's former top police official and Jammu resident. 'It looks like a war here.' Vaid said explosions were heard from areas with military bases, adding it appeared that army sites were targeted. Residents living near Srinagar's airport, which is also an air base, said they were rattled by the explosions and booming sound of jets. 'I was already awake, but the explosions jolted my kids out of their sleep. They started crying,' said Srinagar resident Mohammed Yasin. Omar Abdullah, Indian-controlled Kashmir's top elected official, welcomed the ceasefire. But he said had it happened two or three days earlier 'we might have avoided the bloodshed and the loss of precious lives.'
Business Recorder
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indian misadventure to receive forceful response: minister
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, has strongly condemned India's actions following the Pahalgam incident, warning that any Indian misadventure would receive a forceful response from Pakistan. In a video message, Talal Chaudhry said India's alleged false flag operation has not only exposed New Delhi's intentions but also revealed the ground reality to the international community. He accused the Indian government of using the incident as a pretext to demolish Muslim homes and carry out fake encounters of already disappeared Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The minister further criticized the Modi government for facilitating the transfer of Muslim-owned properties to Hindus, calling it a systematic effort to alter the region's demographic composition. Raising serious concerns, he questioned how Indian authorities were able to identify the alleged perpetrators within just ten minutes of the Pahalgam incident, suggesting a pre-planned narrative. Chaudhry also took aim at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of using religious extremism and anti-Muslim sentiment as political tools. He claimed the timing of the false flag operation was aimed at garnering political support ahead of elections in two Indian states. Reaffirming the relevance of the two-nation theory, he said the continued oppression of Muslims in India under the Modi regime validates its premise. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt targets Afghans with Pakistani CNICs
As part of a crackdown on Afghan nationals who have illegally obtained Pakistani Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC), records have been solicited from the secretaries of 15 union councils in Peshawar. Official sources told The Express Tribune that the scope of the investigation into the issuance of CNICs to refugees has been further expanded. Authorities have also identified Pakistani citizens who have added these refugees to their family records. Lists are being finalized of Afghan refugees residing in various areas of the city, including Khyber Bazar, Gunj, Namak Mandi, Jinnah Park Road, Dir Colony, Zargarabad, Peepal Mandi, Hayatabad, and Afghan Colony, as well as those running businesses in local markets. Legal action is expected to follow. Sources revealed that the secretaries of various union councils of Peshawar have been summoned for investigation along with records, while investigations are also being initiated regarding the identity of some government employees. It may be recalled that the government has reaffirmed April 30 as the final deadline for all foreign nationals residing in the country without valid visas to leave, with the Interior Ministry intensifying its crackdown under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan. The move particularly targets undocumented Afghan nationals, with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announcing the renewed push at a press conference in Islamabad on Friday. "Pakistan has shown unmatched hospitality for decades, but time has come to strictly enforce our immigration laws," Chaudhry said. His statement came ahead of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Kabul, where a high-level Pakistani delegation held talks with the Afghan government. The government had initially set a March 31 deadline for Afghan citizens lacking legal documents or holding Afghan Citizen Cards to voluntarily return. That deadline was later extended to April 30. Since the start of April, over 84,800 Afghan nationals have been repatriated, according to Chaudhry. He said the process is being handled in a "lawful, organised, and humane manner," with coordination from Afghan authorities to ensure a smooth transition. Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the past 40 years, but currently over 2.1 million remain, mostly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces. Officials cite rising national security threats as the reason behind the crackdown. More than 1,600 people were killed in attacks last year, nearly half of them security personnel. Chaudhry also warned of strict action against Pakistanis providing housing, jobs, or other services to undocumented foreigners. "If anyone gives a shop, house, or any kind of space to an illegal foreigner, they will be held accountable under the law," he said. He further revealed intelligence suggesting some weapons left by US forces in Afghanistan have ended up in the hands of terrorists, posing a grave regional threat. "Our policy is not driven by hostility but by the need to uphold the law, ensure public safety, and protect national interests," he said.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt slams vandalising fast-food outlets
Listen to article Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Saturday said around 160 people have been arrested after mobs carried out 20 separate attacks on an international fast-food chain, with one employee shot dead, which is both regrettable and unacceptable. The American-founded fast food chain has become a target of protest and boycott calls by religiopolitical parties since the start of the war in Gaza, linking the brand to US support for Israel. "A total of 20 incidents occurred across Pakistan with one fatality reported. The man was a staff member at the fast-food chain," the state minister told a news conference, describing the chain as "under attack". He called the tragic loss of a life in Sheikhupura a deeply saddening incident. Chaudhry said that 145 people were arrested in Punjab and 15 in Islamabad over the spate of attacks. "These restaurants source everything locally and employ Pakistani staff, and their earnings remain within the country," he said. The minister vowed that the government would deal with the attackers strictly. "The state has a responsibility to protect the lives and properties, whether they are of Pakistani businesses or foreigners investing here." The minister of state also welcomed that "all political parties, especially religio-political parties, distanced themselves from this incident". "Some party's worker might have been present in his personal capacity, but no political party connected itself to this. In fact, religious and other political parties have distanced themselves," he added. Responding to a question, he said: "These [attackers] were interrogated after arrests, and I am saying this with full responsibility that no political or religious party of Pakistan was behind this in a coordinated manner. "No political or religious party announced any such event," Chaudhry added, thanking those parties for distancing themselves from the vandalism.
Khaleej Times
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
'KFC under attack': Pakistan police arrest 160 amid protests linking fast food chain to Gaza war
Around 160 people have been arrested after mobs carried out 20 separate attacks on KFC restaurants, with one employee shot dead, the government said on Saturday. The American-founded fast food chain has become a target of protest and boycott calls by Islamist parties since the start of the war in Gaza, linking the brand to US support for Israel. Crowds have protested outside KFC repeatedly this month, breaking windows, setting fires and threatening staff. "A total of 20 incidents occurred across Pakistan with one fatality reported. The man was a staff member at KFC," deputy interior minister Talal Chaudhry told a news conference on Saturday, describing KFC as "under attack". The KFC employee was shot dead at a branch on the outskirts of Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, on Sunday. A police official told AFP that it was unclear what the motive for the shooting was or whether it was linked to the recent protests. Chaudhry said that 145 people were arrested in Punjab province and 15 in the national capital Islamabad over the spate of attacks. "These restaurants source everything locally and employ Pakistani staff, and their earnings remain within the country," he said. A KFC restaurant in the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir was set on fire in March last year as protesters chanted "Free Palestine".
