Pakistan rejects claims Iranian aircraft were shielded from US strikes at Nur Khan Airbase

A report by CBS News claiming Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at an airbase to shield them from potential US strikes is “misleading” and based on a distorted interpretation of routine diplomatic logistics, according to sources familiar with the matter. The clarification came after a post on X alleged that multiple Iranian aircraft, including a reconnaissance variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, had been stationed at Nur Khan Airbase following the ceasefire announced last month. According to sources with knowledge of the diplomatic process, the temporary presence of a limited number of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase was linked to ongoing backchannel diplomacy and administrative arrangements surrounding the Islamabad Talks between Tehran and Washington. “The parking of a few Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase has been blown out of proportion by certain detractors of regional and global peace,” sources said. Officials explained that after the ceasefire and during the first round of Islamabad Talks, several aircraft from both the United States and Iran arrived in Pakistan carrying diplomatic staff and security personnel. These aircraft remained stationed at Nur Khan Airbase for logistical and administrative purposes. Sources said some Iranian aircraft and personnel remained in Pakistan after the initial round of talks in anticipation of a second phase of negotiations. “Although the talks have not resumed directly, the Iranian foreign minister visited Islamabad twice after the first round, and the security and administrative arrangements already in place facilitated those visits,” sources added. They further disclosed that American aircraft and security teams had also flown into Pakistan for expected follow-up engagements, though US personnel and aircraft were later relocated to regional American bases after a few days. Officials stressed that Pakistan had acted as a neutral and impartial mediator throughout the process and had provided equal logistical and administrative support to both Tehran and Washington in an effort to advance regional peace. “Pakistan has remained fully transparent with both sides and has consistently taken both parties into confidence whenever any ambiguity arose,” sources said, adding that Islamabad would continue to pursue the same policy moving forward. Rejecting suggestions that the Iranian aircraft were being sheltered from potential military action, sources noted that the aircraft arrived during a ceasefire period and not amid active hostilities. “The Iranian aircraft arrived in Pakistan during the ceasefire, and no Iranian aircraft were targeted by the US during that period, even inside Iran,” sources said. “Therefore, linking the parking of these aircraft to preservation from airstrikes is entirely baseless.” They added that certain sections of the media of attempting to sensationalise a routine diplomatic development. “Clearly, certain quarters want to push the region and the world towards another cycle of violence and have created a story out of nothing,” sources maintained. They reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington and would continue to play a “constructive and active role” in pursuing a negotiated settlement in the interest of regional and global peace and security.

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FIR registered after tourists stopped from visiting Swat's Mahodand Lake

The district administration and police in Swat launched legal action on Monday after a group of local individuals allegedly stopped tourists from travelling to Mahodand Lake in Kalam, an incident that later went viral on social media and raised concerns over tourist safety in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s premier tourist destination. According to officials, tourists travelling in private coasters and tour vehicles towards Mahodand Lake were intercepted by local people who allegedly insisted that visitors use local transport services instead. The confrontation disrupted the tourists’ journey, while some vehicles were reportedly threatened with stone pelting, forcing several groups to abandon their visit to the lake. The affected tourists, including students from Sargodha University, were unable to complete their trip to Mahodand Lake, one of Swat’s most visited tourist attractions. Taking immediate notice of the incident, Swat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saleem Jan Marwat directed the district administration, in coordination with District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Gandapur, to initiate legal proceedings against those involved. A case was registered at Kalam Police Station against around 30 individuals under relevant sections of the law for allegedly blocking tourists and creating fear and harassment. “The protection of tourists is the top priority of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. No individual or group will be allowed to take the law into their own hands, harass tourists or obstruct their movement," the district administration said in an official statement. The administration clarified that no restrictions were imposed on tourist movement in Kalam, Mahodand Lake or other tourist destinations in Swat. Tourists were free to travel in their private vehicles or with transport operators of their choice, while no one had the authority to stop them unlawfully. DPO Gandapur said police had acted promptly after the incident surfaced and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved. "We are committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for tourists in Swat. The law will take its course against anyone found intimidating visitors or damaging the image of the region,” he said. DC Marwat also urged tourists and residents to immediately report any untoward incident to the administration or police so that timely action could be ensured. The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with social media users expressing concern that such actions could negatively affect tourism in Swat. Authorities, however, maintained that coordinated measures were being taken to protect tourism activities and restore visitor confidence in the region.

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Dog culling campaign sparks outrage in Lahore over brutal methods

A renewed campaign by the Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) against stray dogs has sparked controversy, with animal rights activists alleging that dogs are being killed through poisonous injections and other inhumane methods in different parts of the city, while protesters are also facing legal action and harassment. In recent days, operations against stray dogs were carried out in Sultan Colony, Township, Shadbagh, Green Town and several other localities. According to district administration and MCL officials, the actions were initiated following complaints from residents and incidents of dog attacks. The administration launched a large-scale operation after a child was killed in Sultan Colony a few days ago, claiming that multiple stray dogs had been captured during the campaign. Officials said the purpose of the operation was to ensure the safety of citizens and protect lives and property. However, animal welfare organisations and activists described the operations as illegal and inhumane. They argued that under the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 and court directives, stray dogs should be sterilised and vaccinated instead of being killed. Animal rights activist Fasiha Khan, in an Instagram post, alleged that stray dogs were being poisoned in Lahore and called for an immediate halt to the campaign.         View this post on Instagram                       Similarly, Critters Ark Welfare Organisation Pakistan claimed on May 6 that animal rights activists protesting outside Lahore Town Hall were taken into custody. https://ift.tt/aj3bliV Animal welfare activist Syed Ali Haider alleged that MCL staff had confined dozens of dogs, including puppies, inside a van and intended to kill them. He said he urged the administration to hand the animals over to shelters instead of killing them, but after the protest, a case was registered against him at Islampura Police Station on charges of interfering in official duties. He further claimed that he was told the case could be withdrawn if he submitted an affidavit undertaking not to protest over the stray dog issue in the future. Another social media post circulated on May 10 alleged that nearly 100 stray dogs were killed in and around Sultan Colony. Meanwhile, hearings regarding the implementation of the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 were also held at the Lahore High Court last month. On April 14, government departments assured the court that measures in line with the policy would be adopted to control the stray dog population and that large-scale killings would be avoided. Rejecting the allegations made by animal rights activists, MCL officials maintained that the operations were being conducted in accordance with the law and public safety requirements. According to officials, immediate action was sometimes necessary in cases involving dangerous or diseased dogs, while public safety remained the top priority. Experts and animal welfare organisations said the long-term solution to the stray dog issue lay in large-scale sterilisation, vaccination, improved waste management and registration of pet animals. They argued that culling campaigns provided only temporary relief and often failed to address the root causes of the problem.

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Opposition announces anti-govt protest drive

The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), a grand opposition alliance, on Sunday announced plans to launch a protest campaign against the latest increase in petroleum prices and said it is seeking support from other political parties for a joint movement. Speaking to The Express Tribune, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai said the party was in contact with allied political groups, including PTI, to finalise a coordinated response. "We and PTI are on the same page on this issue. However, consultations are ongoing with other parties that are part of the alliance. After taking them on board, we will finalise a course of action," he said. He added that a parliamentary meeting of the alliance had been called for Monday, where the issue will be discussed in detail. The party also plans to reach out to other opposition parties who are not part of the alliance, including JUIF headed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to join the protest movement. In a separate statement issued earlier in the day, TTAP strongly condemned the increase in petroleum prices, saying that despite a decline in global oil prices over the past week, the government had raised fuel rates primarily through an increase in the Petroleum Levy tax, which it said was not linked to international oil trends. The party claimed petrol prices in Pakistan had risen by 61 per cent since tensions between Iran and the United States, compared to 38 percent in Sri Lanka and 16 per cent in Bangladesh, while remaining unchanged in India, calling it "evidence of government failure". It said rising fuel prices had increased transport and food costs and pushed inflation into double digits, warning that such policies were deepening economic hardship and unemployment. TTAP said it would announce protest demonstrations in the coming days against what it termed "anti-people policies. Fuel prices in Pakistan have shown a sustained upward trend since late February amid heightened regional tensions and repeated adjustments in petroleum levies, with successive increases contributing to rising transport and commodity costs. The protest announcement came shortly after the government increased petrol prices by Rs14.92 per litre to Rs414.78, a move that further intensified political criticism over rising fuel costs, adding to ongoing concerns over inflationary pressure.

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Explosive-laden rickshaw used in Bannu suicide attack

In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the deadly suicide attack on the Fatah Khel police checkpoint in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, authorities have revealed that the attackers used a loader rickshaw packed with explosives. According to Bomb Disposal Squad officials, preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle contained between 1,000 and 1,500 kilograms of high explosive material, making the blast exceptionally powerful. The police checkpoint was completely obliterated in the attack. Sources confirmed that various parts of the loader rickshaw, along with other crucial evidence, have been recovered from the scene and taken into custody for forensic analysis. Following the explosion, security has been further tightened in the area, and law enforcement agencies have expanded their investigation to track down those involved in planning and facilitating the attack. Read: 15 policemen martyred, three injured in Bannu suicide attack on checkpoint Senior police officers and Bomb Disposal Squad teams are meticulously examining all aspects of the incident. Authorities said modern technical and intelligence resources are being employed to identify and arrest the facilitators and masterminds behind the attack. Meanwhile, a high alert has been declared in Bannu and surrounding areas following the Fatah Khel suicide attack. Surveillance and security measures have been significantly enhanced at sensitive locations, police stations and security checkpoints. On the other hand, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed made an emergency visit to Bannu district on Sunday, where he met senior police officers and frontline personnel. The IGP summoned a complete report on last night’s terrorist attack and was briefed on the ongoing investigation and overall security situation. He was accompanied by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the Additional IG CTD. The provincial police chief met individually with field officers and constables, boosting their morale. Addressing the officers and personnel on the occasion, the K-P IGP stated that the Bannu police have always played a frontline role in the war against terrorism and rendered invaluable sacrifices. “Whether it is the eradication of crime or operations against terrorists, Bannu police have always achieved successes,” he said. He further added, “Now that terrorists, unable to face the courage and bravery of the police, have resorted to cowardly tactics, we will also keep our preparations complete to bring them to their logical end.” The provincial police chief declared, “Every drop of blood of the police martyrs will be avenged, and generations of terrorists will remember our response.” A special Fatiha was offered for the martyrs, and a pledge was reaffirmed that every officer of the K-P police will remain the protector of the soil and the guarantor of public life and property until his last drop of blood. Later, the IGP and Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting to review all details of the incident and examine proposals for future strategy. They issued directives to senior officers to further strengthen human intelligence, conduct a fresh security audit of police infrastructure, particularly police stations and checkposts, and make them impregnable.

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NDMA raises red flag over powerful storm system expected across multiple regions

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that several parts of Pakistan were likely to experience heavy rain, windstorms, thunderstorms and hailstorms during the next 12 to 24 hours due to prevailing weather conditions already predicted in its seasonal outlook. According to the NDMA’s Media Wing, the current weather pattern was fully consistent with the NEOC’s earlier climate assessment issued three to four months ago for the April-to-June period. The authority said Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were expected to receive widespread rainfall accompanied by strong winds and hail at isolated locations. The alert stated that heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected in Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Layyah, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Jhang and Multan. In G-B and Azad Kashmir, rainfall with thunderstorm activity was expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber. Read More: Pakistan's climate crisis has a degree problem The NEOC also forecast strong winds and thunderstorms in several districts of K-P, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Bajaur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, with hailstorms likely at some locations. The NDMA warned that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier and snow melting in northern regions, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas. Citizens were advised to avoid visiting glacial lakes and dangerous slopes, while travellers were urged to exercise caution as adverse weather could disrupt movement in hilly regions. The authority also warned that strong winds and hailstorms may damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles. The NDMA urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions, stay in safe locations during windstorms and follow instructions issued by local administrations and weather advisory authorities. The authority further directed all relevant departments and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert and ensure advance preparedness measures to deal with any potential emergency situation.

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Kachehri Chowk corridor opens for traffic

The state-of-the-art District Courts Chowk underpasses and overhead bridges project has formally been completed, with all inauguration arrangements now finalised ahead of the official opening scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The mega infrastructure development, officially designated "Marka-e-Haq Square", comprises two flyovers, three underpasses, and two steel pedestrian overhead bridges. The project has reportedly been completed within 187 days at an estimated cost of approximately Rs19 billion. Construction work on the project commenced on November 3, 2025. To expedite progress, construction operations reportedly continued in three shifts around the clock, enabling the scheme to be completed ahead of schedule. An inauguration plaque bearing the name of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has already been installed, while a full ceremonial rehearsal for the opening event has also been concluded. Immediately following the inauguration, the interchange is expected to be opened to uninterrupted signal-free traffic. Amid stringent confidentiality and limited public visibility, final preparations for the formal inauguration of the Kachehri Chowk flyover have entered their concluding phase. Development activity continued at an accelerated pace, with extensive landscaping and finishing works carried out across the site. Large ornamental trees, flowering plants, and decorative foliage were transported on heavy trailers and installed around the interchange, while fresh turfing was laid along the flyover corridors, adjoining service roads, and surrounding verges. Testing of the LED illumination and decorative lighting systems was completed overnight. More than 100 sanitary personnel were reportedly deployed on an emergency basis to undertake cleaning and site preparation, while carpeting and final finishing works have also been completed. CM Maryam is expected to attend the inauguration as the chief guest. Aamir Khattak and Hassan Waqar Cheema will host the ceremony. Official invitations have been issued, while comprehensive security directives have also been finalised. The Kachehri Chowk development is being described as one of Rawalpindi's most sophisticated urban infrastructure schemes. Since November 2025, the projected cost has reportedly increased progressively, approaching nearly Rs19b owing to the expansion of the elevated crossing component. The wider scheme includes underpasses, overhead bridges, and a modern six-sided pedestrian crossing bridge, which is said to be in the final stages of completion. Landscaping beneath the flyovers has been finalised, while lighting and traffic signalling systems are now fully operational. Carpeting work on both flyovers and all four adjoining service roads has likewise been completed. Following the opening of Maarka-e-Haq Square, uninterrupted traffic flow is expected along Mall Road, Jhelum Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Old Airport Road, and adjoining arteries, substantially reducing long-standing congestion across the city. Residents have welcomed the timely completion of the project and expressed optimism that it will significantly improve urban mobility within Rawalpindi. Digital display screens installed at Maarka-e-Haq Square feature images of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, PML-N Patron Nawaz Sharif and Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. A commemorative white marble gateway associated with Maarka-e-Haq Buny?n al-Mars?s has also been erected, while the renaming of Kachehri Chowk has been presented as a tribute to personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces who participated in the operation.

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