Trump praises PM Shehbaz as ‘terrific man’, recalls India-Pakistan mediation at UNGA

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday again claimed credit for helping avert a full-fledged war between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, while calling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a “terrific man” during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Addressing the opening session of the 81st UN General Assembly, Trump highlighted what he described as his diplomatic achievements over the past year, saying he had helped settle eight wars, including the conflict between India and Pakistan. “Since I took office, it has been my great honour to settle eight wars and in so doing, become friendly with the leaders of many of those countries,” he said. Trump says Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif is 'a terrific man' pic.twitter.com/73iihZ4IDY — Pakistan TV Digital (@PakistanTVcom) September 22, 2026 “It was a great honour to do it,” Trump told the gathering of world leaders, including PM Shehbaz, who arrived in New York on Monday to attend the UNGA session, adding that he had used his “very relationships” to help reach the settlements. “Very special relationships to this day, very, very special trade, the use of tariffs and the threat of tariffs and various other reasons depending on the country,” he said. Trump specifically highlighted his role in the India-Pakistan conflict while also referring to other settlements involving Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the war in Gaza. PM Sharif arrives at UN headquarters to attend the UNGA session pic.twitter.com/dUqSGvtygv — Pakistan TV Digital (@PakistanTVcom) September 22, 2026 He said “almost every one” of the countries involved had written him a letter of thanks, singling out PM Shehbaz, whom he described as a “terrific man”. “The prime minister of Pakistan, terrific man, said that Donald Trump was responsible for saving 30 million lives, and probably many more than that,” Trump said. This is not the first time President Trump has publicly praised the premier; he previously commended PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, calling them “two fantastic people”. At the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, he also praised PM Shehbaz’s leadership while recalling Pakistan’s role in halting regional escalation with India. Trump has on other occasions praised Field Marshal Munir, describing him as a “highly respected general”, a “great fighter” and “my favourite”. Shehbaz, meanwhile, has previously described Trump as a “man of peace” and praised his efforts to end conflicts around the world. Thanking Trump for his role in mediating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following their four-day military conflict in May, the prime minister had said the US president helped “avert a major catastrophe in South Asia”. Read More: 'Two fantastic people': Trump all praise again for PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir after Hormuz breakthrough The Pakistan-US relationship experienced a significant thaw in 2025–2026, transitioning from a cold period to warm, strategic, and pragmatic engagement during Trump's second term. This shift was largely driven by a major reset in relations following President Trump's intervention in regional conflicts, particularly his role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025. The first thaw in Pakistan-US relations came via secret counterterrorism exchanges, signalling substantive cooperation. In March last year, Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts during a national address, prompting a policy shift. The short but intense May skirmish with India in May 2025 became a decisive turning point, showcasing Pakistan’s military discipline, strategic focus, and asymmetric capabilities — qualities that reportedly surprised Trump. Despite India’s repeated denials, PM Shehbaz continued to praise President Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying his intervention had helped save millions of lives. The praise was reciprocated, with Trump commending the premier and also lauding CDF Munir, as he reiterated claims that he had helped avert a war between Pakistan and India in May 2025. Ties between the countries took a further turn when Trump invited CDF Munir to a luncheon — the first such meeting for a Pakistani military chief — followed by a red-carpet visit to US Central Command headquarters for high-level talks. Following a ceasefire after the prolonged war in Gaza, Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” that included Pakistan, again singling out PM Shehbaz for praise during its inaugural summit. Read: Trump lavishes praise on CDF Munir Addressing the event, Trump said, “I like this guy,” referring to the premier, as he recounted efforts that led to last year’s ceasefire between Pakistan and India. He also praised CDF Munir during his remarks. In June this year, President Trump credited Pakistan with “really helping” the United States secure a peace deal with Iran while especially praising Field Marshal Munir and PM Shehbaz. “In Pakistan, you have Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is great, and you have the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and they just get along great,” he said during an interview with Axios.

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Pakistan and US target Afghan-origin narcotics network, seize 463kg meth

Pakistan and the United States have seized approximately 463 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, valued at $21 million, in a coordinated operation targeting an illicit narcotics network originating in Afghanistan, the US Embassy in Islamabad said on Tuesday. In a statement, the embassy said the seizure took place on August 30 after its Drug Enforcement Administration office in Islamabad (DEA Islamabad) coordinated with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), in cooperation with Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau and the DEA’s New Delhi office. “Between August 14-29, ANF’s Karachi-based Port Control Unit identified containers scheduled for transport from Pakistan to Colombo, which ANF suspected to be carrying illicit narcotics that originated in Afghanistan,” the statement said. Read: ANF says Afghan drug network disrupted, 671kg of meth seized The identification of the containers prompted the ANF to alert DEA Islamabad, which worked with authorities across the countries involved to seize the narcotics and arrest several suspects, including those of Pakistani origin, according to the embassy. The embassy said the US government had provided foreign assistance to sustain training for Pakistan’s ANF, enabling it to serve as a key partner in advancing US priorities in counternarcotics interdiction. “The Trump administration has made halting the flow of illicit narcotics a key component of helping make America more secure,” it said. The United States remained committed to working with Pakistan to dismantle transnational criminal organisations to protect US citizens from the dangers of narcotrafficking, the statement added.

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Altercation results in passenger's arrest

An alleged altercation and resistance occurred between a passenger travelling to France and ASF personnel over baggage checking at New Islamabad International Airport. The passenger allegedly spat at staff and was taken into custody by ASF personnel before being handed over to airport police. A case was registered. According to police, the case was registered at Airport police station on the complaint of ASF Inspector Habibur Rehman. The complaint stated that briefing for PIA's Paris-bound flight PK-750 was under way and passenger Anwar Maqsood was also travelling on the flight. When the passenger reached the International Hold Package Search Counter for baggage screening, the machine operator declared his luggage suspicious and referred him to the joint search counter. During the search, the passenger used abusive language. The passenger was subsequently taken into custody for allegedly attempting to attack ASF staff.

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PM Shehbaz arrives in New York to attend 81st UNGA session amid Middle East crisis

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York on Monday to represent Pakistan at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), amid the Middle East crisis that threatens to embroil more countries. The high-level segment of the 81st UNGA will be held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28, with this year's general debate theme set by the newly elected president as 'Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all'. The PM Office said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi would also accompany the premier during the visit. Read: FM Dar arrives in New York for United Nations General Assembly session The prime minister will address the UNGA on September 25. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrives in New York to attend the 81st session of United Nations General Assembly. New York, 21 September, 2026. pic.twitter.com/6Z8t111KEf — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 21, 2026 In his address, the premier will present Pakistan's stance on the evolving regional and global security landscape, emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. PM Shehbaz will highlight Pakistan's active diplomatic and mediation efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and promote peace and stability, while also outlining the country's priorities regarding key global issues such as sustainable development, climate change, the fight against terrorism, Islamophobia, and global economic challenges. Read More: PM trims UN delegation under austerity The premier will also draw the international community's attention to the issues of long-standing occupation and the denial of the right to self-determination in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. Prime Minister @CMShehbaz arrives in New York to attend the 81st session of United Nations General Assembly@ForeignOfficePk @PakPMO@UN#UNGA #RadioPakistan pic.twitter.com/WpDzFIeFMM — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 21, 2026 On the sidelines of the UNGA session, the prime minister will participate in various high-level meetings concerning development, climate action, and other significant matters, where he will present Pakistan's position. He will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN secretary-general. The Pakistani delegation was significantly streamlined as part of the government's austerity measures, and several federal ministers who had initially been expected to travel had been dropped from the trip, according to sources at the country's UN mission. Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Climate Change and Environment Dr Musadik Malik and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal were among those not attending, the sources added. US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are among the leaders set to address the General Assembly on the opening day. According to the UN's programme, the opening session will begin at 9am on September 22. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will be the first speaker, followed by President Trump. Nearly 130 heads of state will meet in New York as the post-World War Two order comes under strain, and the UN struggles to remain relevant while weathering attacks from Trump, who has long expressed disdain ​for the institution and has slashed US funding for many of its agencies.

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Mir Raza commission warns businessman over media interviews

The judicial commission probing the Mir Raza Ali murder case warned businessman Ahmed on Monday over his media interviews, terming them an apparent attempt to undermine the commission’s proceedings, while the doctor who conducted the first post-mortem stood by his findings that the bullet entered the body from the front and exited through the back. The commission issued its written order for Monday’s proceedings, stating that the statements of Umer Khan, Ali Shaz, Kazim Hussain, Ahmed Hassan Sheikh and Health Services Director General Pervez Ahmed Sheikh were recorded. DG Sheikh also submitted documents relating to the formation and replacement of the medical board. According to the order, Ahmed was allowed to answer questions raised by Mir Raza’s family and provide relevant information. However, he could not provide anything beyond the statements he had already made before the commission. The commission observed that Ahmed’s social media interviews apparently appeared aimed at undermining its proceedings and warned him against such conduct in future. It also noted that he had failed to use an opportunity to provide information through an affidavit. During the proceedings, a lawyer who had taken a journalist’s mobile phone apologised, which was accepted by the journalist. Read More: Mir Raza commission summons first IO Mir Raza’s fiancée also contacted the commission and informed it about the confiscation of the mobile phone and the alleged transfer of data by the investigating officer. The commission said it would question DSP Siraj Lashari when his statement is recorded. Dr Usama also appeared before the commission and later spoke to the media. “I stand by my first post-mortem report,” he said, adding that the bullet had entered from the front and exited through the back. Dr Usama said he personally conducted the post-mortem on July 29 and that no other person had performed the examination. He said he had not known Mir Raza and had shared his findings with Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, adding that he had acted on her instructions. He said the physical copy of the report was submitted on August 3 and had been prepared to the best of his professional ability based on his findings from July 29. Dr Usama also clarified that he did not intend to declare Mir Raza’s death a suicide, saying he wanted to explain his position regarding the bullet wound to the chest. Regarding his observations about hydrochloric acid and decomposition, he said acid could cause certain changes to a body, including reddening of the face, while decomposition could appear differently on different parts of the body. He said he had informed Dr Summaiya about the matter at around 5 pm and maintained that if acid had been used, its effects would not necessarily have appeared uniformly across the entire body. However, the commission observed that Dr Usama’s further statement appeared aimed at levelling allegations against Dr Summaiya and the Sindh chief minister. It said the commission should not become a forum for allegations and that it had sufficient information to establish the facts of the case and determine whether any negligence had occurred. Dr Usama said he had brought all his July 29 findings before the commission and remained satisfied with his original report. He added that doctors generally had 24 hours to submit a post-mortem report and that he had not anticipated the matter would become such a major controversy. He said photographs taken during the autopsy were kept for his professional record, adding that Dr Summaiya was the signing authority for the first report. “My family has been worried since the first day,” he said, adding that his clinic had also remained closed for a month. The commission has issued notices to ASP Nida, Asif, Abid, Faizur Rehman and Sarim to appear during proceedings scheduled for September 22.

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Leh erosion puts homes, shops at risk

Although the flood surge in Nullah Leh following nearly 200mm of rain on September 1 has receded, its destructive aftermath continues, with widespread soil erosion and landslides threatening homes, shops, roads, bridges and passageways along a roughly 15-kilometre stretch from New Katarian to Gulistan Colony. The situation is particularly alarming near Ganj Mandi, where severe landsliding has put 10 shops and three houses at risk of collapse. The district administration has declared the affected area dangerous and sealed it to prevent movement. A bridge connecting Ratta with Dhoke Ratta has also been closed as a precaution. The torrential rain on September 1 caused a powerful flood surge in Nullah Leh, severely eroding its banks at several points. Even after the water receded, soil erosion and landsliding have continued. Along the stretch from New Katarian to Gulistan Colony, the ground is giving way at several locations, while roads and pathways have been washed away. In some areas, residential and commercial buildings have been left dangerously close to the nullah. The situation near Ganj Mandi is especially serious, where a large section of land along the nullah has collapsed. Continued erosion has placed 10 shops and three houses in danger, prompting the administration to restrict movement in the affected area. In Sagri Mohalla, erosion has washed away a passage in front of residential houses, causing severe difficulties for residents. An unpaved route leading from Ratta Road towards Ganj Mandi has also been swept away by floodwaters. Local residents have blamed illegal dumping of construction waste along Nullah Leh for aggravating the destruction. They said bricks, gravel, construction debris and household solid waste had been dumped along the nullah and its banks throughout the year using tractor-trolleys. The accumulation of waste obstructed the natural flow of water at several points, residents said, while changes in the direction of floodwaters during the deluge intensified erosion along the banks. According to residents, some settlements were around 50 yards from Nullah Leh before September 1, but severe erosion has reduced the distance to roughly 10 metres at several locations. Residents fear that further rainfall or another flood surge could put homes and commercial buildings directly in danger. They have demanded immediate construction of concrete retaining walls and reinforced embankments at vulnerable points, as well as strict legal action against those dumping construction waste and the tractor-trolley owners involved. Meanwhile, the embankments of the Gowalmandi Bridge were also damaged by the September 1 flood. The powerful flow of water battered the bridge and its approaches, weakening parts of the structure. The administration has since begun repair work on the damaged embankments. The bridge connecting Ratta with Dhoke Ratta has also been closed as a safety measure to prevent any major accident caused by weakened sections. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir said the issue of modernising and improving Rawalpindi's drainage system had been included in the Punjab Development Project.

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CTD registers terror case over deadly Kohat Police Lines attack

A case has been registered with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station over the suicide attack on the old Police Lines in Kohat, police said. The FIR was registered on the complaint of the Station House Officer (SHO) of City Police Station Kohat against unidentified terrorists. The case includes charges related to terrorism, murder, attempted murder and other offences. On Friday, at least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were martyred when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in Kohat Police Lines, followed by terrorists storming the compound and attacking police facilities. Read More: Kohat Police Lines blast death toll rises to 23 as clearance operation concludes According to the FIR, militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan faction, identified in the report as Fitna al-Khawarij, carried out a suicide attack at the Police Lines mosque using an explosives-laden vehicle. The attackers subsequently opened indiscriminate fire and hurled hand grenades. The FIR stated that the militants used the mosque route as an entry point and forced their way into the Police Lines while firing. Police personnel and civilians suffered casualties during the attack. Police personnel confronted the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle. Officers from the army, police and CTD also reached the scene and took charge of the operation. According to the FIR, the suicide blast, gunfire and grenade attacks left 21 people martyred, while a large number of others were injured. Government and private property was also damaged in the attack. Police said further investigations were under way and efforts were being made to identify and arrest the unidentified terrorists involved in the attack as well as their facilitators.

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