UNSC condemns 'heinous and cowardly' Islamabad imambargah suicide attack in 'strongest terms'

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the suicide bombing terrorist attack at an Islamabad imambargah in the strongest terms. At least 36 people were killed and around 169 injured when a suicide bomber struck Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra last Friday. The blast, followed by more explosions and gunfire, occurred as worshippers had gathered for Friday prayers. The incident was followed by scores of condemnation from global leaders and officials.  A press statement issued a day ago by UNSC President James Kariuki said: "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, on February 6, 2026.  This reprehensible act of terrorism resulted in the grievous loss of at least 32 Pakistani nationals and 92 injured. ISIL (Daesh) has claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack." The UNSC members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and the people of Pakistan, along with wishing a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. They reaffirmed that 'terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes "one of the most serious threats to international peace and security''. "The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," read the UNSC release. They urged all states, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSC resolutions, to cooperate actively with the government of Pakistan in this regard, it added. The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The also reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

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Qureshi blames Punjab govt for denial of medical care, raises concerns over prisoners’ rights

Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday criticised the Punjab government and jail authorities over what he termed the denial of medical facilities and prisoners’ basic rights after reports surfaced regarding former prime minister's Imran Khan's eye condition. The Supreme Court has been informed that only 15% of Imran's vision remains in his right eye. The information was conveyed to the apex court by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) counsel Advocate Salman Safdar in a report commissioned by the SC, who quoted the former premier as saying that he had been left with only 15pc vision in his right eye following medical complications. The court, upon receiving the report, ordered that Imran be granted access to his personal physicians in Adiala jail and allowed telephone contact with his sons. Informally speaking with the media during his appearance at an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Qureshi stressed that prisoners were entitled to certain rights, including access to medical treatment, which he said was the responsibility of the jail administration. Qureshi expressed sorrow over Imran's loss of sight, saying that he was deeply saddened and could do nothing beyond offering prayers. Holding the Punjab govt responsible, he said that if any inmate were to lose eyesight in Adiala jail, the prison administration and the provincial government would be accountable. Read: TTAP to hold sit-in outside Parliament until meeting with Imran allowed after vision loss revelation He alleged that former Punjab minister Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed could not be taken to the hospital for a scheduled check-up due to the unavailability of police security and jail guards. Similarly, he claimed that the treatment of senior PTI leader Yasmin Rashid was also delayed owing to security issues. Qureshi further stated that his own treatment was underway at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI), adding that timely medical attention could help him avoid another surgery. However, he alleged that he was not being transported to the hospital in Lahore for check-ups due to a lack of police security. On a separate note, he criticised recent changes in the solar energy policy, claiming that citizens had invested their savings in solar systems but were now facing uncertainty. He remarked that even the prime minister appeared powerless over the new policy. Read more: SC orders access to personal physicians, phone calls for Imran Khan in Adiala Jail Qureshi was referring to the power regulatory authority abolishing the exchange of electricity units in solar net metering on Monday and replacing it with a net billing framework under the Prosumer Regulations 2026. Under the new rules, utilities will be required to purchase excess electricity from prosumers, households, businesses and industries generating up to one megawatt at the national average energy purchase price, while selling electricity back to them at the applicable consumer tariff, effectively ending one-to-one net metering. Responding to remarks by PML-N leaders about Aleema Khan, he said it was inappropriate to accuse her of shedding “crocodile tears”, adding that such insensitivity was regrettable and could happen to anyone. Qureshi emphasised that he wished to see peace in the country and opposed instability and unrest. Referring to the security situation in Balochistan, he said he agreed with the government’s stance that India was involved in acts of terrorism there.

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Indonesia seeks to leverage PAF's training ecosystem and aerospace capabilities

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed keen interest in leveraging the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) state-of-the-art training ecosystem and aerospace development infrastructure to enhance his country's defence capabilities, the military's media wing said on Friday. A statement from the Inter Services Public Relations said the Indonesian president showed his intent during a meeting with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who is on an official visit to Indonesia. During the meeting, the air chief underscored the shared values and longstanding brotherhood between Pakistan and Indonesia. Earlier, he held separate high-level meetings with Defence Minister Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Indonesian air marshal. "During discussion with the Indonesian air chief, both sides discussed enhanced air force-to-air force cooperation, joint training from basic to advanced levels, professional exchanges and collaboration in emerging aerospace domains. The Indonesian air chief sought PAF’s support in advancing operational and flying training, acknowledging PAF’s rich combat experience. The air chief was conferred the Medal of Honour, the highest award of the Indonesian Air Force in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral air power cooperation," the ISPR said. ACM Sidhu also held a joint meeting with the Indonesian defence minister and chief of defence forces, where a wide range of defence and security matters were discussed. The ISPR said the Indonesian leadership appreciated PAF’s "professionalism, modernisation drive, and lauded the advanced technological infrastructure" of the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park.   Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his official visit to Indonesia, called on President Prabowo Subianto. During the meeting, the Air Chief underscored the shared values and longstanding brotherhood between… pic.twitter.com/vMWL1DZlFT — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 13, 2026 The PAF and its defence capabilities have gained significant international attention following the India-Pakistan conflict last year, during which PAF jets successfully shot down six Indian planes, while none of Pakistan's warplanes were seriously damaged. In the wake of the military success, numerous countries have shown keen interest in forging defence deals with Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously highlighted that Pakistan’s defence production has strengthened in the aftermath of the conflict. He noted that the global demand for the country's fighter jets has increased, with several nations actively seeking to engage with Pakistan on defence matters. The prime minister emphasised that these developments will not only enhance Pakistan’s defence capabilities but will also contribute positively to the country’s economy.

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Banks cut export refinance rate to 4.5%

The local banking sector has announced a voluntary 3% reduction in the rate of return for the export sector, bringing the markup rate under the Export Refinance Facility down to 4.5%. The move is expected to lower business costs for exporters and help boost foreign exchange earnings. Commercial banks have implemented the relief for exporters on all new loans as well as rollover loans, with the facility remaining effective until June 2026. According to the Pakistan Banks' Association (PBA), private sector credit recorded a significant increase of Rs1.1 trillion in 2025, while credit disbursement to the agriculture sector reached a record Rs2.58 trillion. The PBA said the number of agricultural borrowers rose from 2.7 million to 3.0 million. PBA Chairman Zafar Masud said that during the first half of fiscal year 2026, private sector credit expanded by a further Rs654 billion, while banks also financed government borrowing amounting to a substantial Rs1.95 trillion. The number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) availing financing from the banking sector increased by 57%, resulting in a doubling of lending to SMEs over the past two years. The PBA said the measure currently falls within the existing Export Refinance Scheme limit of Rs1,052 billion. However, it added that there is flexibility to enhance the limit if the State Bank or the Exim Bank approves an increase by June 2027.The association termed the move an important step in the public interest, aimed at reducing financing costs for exporters, accelerating economic growth and strengthening foreign exchange reserves. The interest rate relief, it said, is part of a series of strategic initiatives by the banking industry to stabilise the national economy, including efforts to reduce circular debt and playing a key role in the privatisation of PIA. Masud said the step was not merely about numbers but reflected the banking sector's commitment to responding to the nation's call. He said exports were critical for Pakistan's economic stability, adding that by providing financing at a highly competitive rate of 4.5%, the banking sector was demonstrating that it stood firmly with the state and its exporters. He added that the figures spoke for themselves.

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TTAP to hold sit-in outside Parliament until meeting with Imran allowed after vision loss revelation

The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Thursday announced to hold a sit-in outside the Parliament House until a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his treatment was ensured after his reported vision loss came to list. The Supreme Court has been informed that only 15% of Imran's vision remains in his right eye. The information was conveyed to the apex court by PTI counsel Advocate Salman Safdar, who quoted the former premier as saying that he had been left with only 15pc vision in his right eye following medical complications. The development caused an outcry from the opposition ranks who slammed the government for allowing Imran's health to deteriorate to this level. In a post on X today, TTAP chief and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai said: "A peaceful protest sit-in will begin outside the Parliament House tomorrow. We will present our demands during the sit-in, and it will continue until our demands are met. If something goes wrong in accepting these demands, the government will be responsible." کل سے پارلیمنٹ ہاؤس کے باہر پر امن احتجاجی دھرنا شروع ہوگا۔ ہمارے مطالبات ہم کل دھرنے میں رکھیں گے اور مطالبات تسلیم ہونے تک دھرنا جاری رہے گا۔ مطالبات تسلیم کرنے میں خدانخواستہ کچھ غلط ہوا تو زمہ دار حکومت ہوگی۔ — Mehmood Khan Achakzai (@MKAchakzaiPKMAP) February 12, 2026 While talking to the media, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said that all opposition parties had decided that after Friday prayers, all lawmakers would stage a sit-in outside Parliament. تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان کی تمام جماعتوں نے فیصلہ کیا ہے کہ کل نمازِ جمعہ کے بعد پارلیمنٹ کے باہر تمام سینیٹرز ، ایم این ایز اور ایم بی ایز دھرنا دیں گے۔ ہمارا مطالبہ ہے کہ عمران خان کو فوری طور پر ان کے ڈاکٹرز تک رسائی دی جائے جن کے اوپر عمران خان صاحب کو اعتماد ہے۔ عمران خان کا… pic.twitter.com/Y3W7SYA8z7 — Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) February 12, 2026 "Our demand is that Imran Khan should be given immediate access to the doctors he trusts. Imran Khan was treated at PIMS by a doctor who is not a specialist in the required field. Eye problems are very sensitive. If vision is lost, it can also lead to infection, along with fever and headaches," Abbas said. Earlier today, the Senate session turned tense after Abbas sought suspension of the routine agenda to raise concerns over the health of the PTI founder and to demand action over alleged medical negligence. Abbas told the House that while Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had stated the PTI founder was in good health, Barrister Safdar had submitted a report indicating that the founder’s condition was stable until April, after which he informed the jail superintendent of his illness. He alleged that no action was taken for three months and claimed that a doctor at PIMS, who was not a specialist, administered an injection that resulted in an 85% loss of vision in one eye. Abbas said that under jurisprudence, compensation for the loss of an eye was equivalent to half the compensation for a human life, and held the government responsible. He demanded that the PTI founder be treated by Dr Aamir or Dr Mazhar Sohail, whom he described as the only specialists for the condition in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Calling the alleged neglect a crime, Abbas said the Punjab government was responsible as the jail fell within its jurisdiction. He warned that he was sending a written account of the matter to foreign ambassadors and cautioned the government against pushing the issue to the point of street protests.

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K-P governor recommends posthumous civil award for bystander who resisted Islamabad bomber

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has recommended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to bestow a posthumous civil award on Aoun Abbas for displaying extraordinary courage in attempting to stop the suicide bomber who attacked the Khadijatul Kubra Imambargah in Islamabad's Tarlai area. On February 6, At least 32 worshippers were killed and dozens more injured when a massive bomb tore through an imambargah in the Tarlai area of Islamabad. The blast occured during Friday prayers. The incident has drawn widespread national admiration for Abbas, a resident of the area who was reportedly preparing for his upcoming wedding and attempted to halt the attacker. His actions have been compared to other national heroes who similarly risked everything to protect innocent lives. In his letter, Governor Kundi expressed profound grief and condolences over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the suicide bombing. He paid glowing tribute to Abbas's "unparalleled bravery", noting that the young martyr fearlessly confronted the attacker at the entrance, and retrained him from entering the main hall.  Kundi urged the prime minister to confer the Sitara-e-Shujaat or Tamgha-e-Shujaat award posthumously in recognition of the young hero's daring intervention, which he said had averted a far more devastating outcome. Read More: 32 martyred in Islamabad imambargah suicide blast; govt blames ‘Indo-Afghan nexus’ The governor highlighted in the letter that he demonstrated "exceptional valour" by sacrificing his own life to protect others, setting an "outstanding example of courage and humanity". He described the martyr’s sacrifice as a source of pride for the nation and a beacon in the defence of human lives against terrorism. The prime minister had announced Rs10 million for Abbas during his visit to the imambargah a day ago.  "Abbas, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty, will be remembered in golden words," PM Shehbaz had said, emphasising that such sacrifices in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain.   Later, he had also paid a visit to Abbas's residence of Shaheed Oun Abbas to offer prayers and condolences. Federal ministers, police, and district administration officials accompanied the prime minister during the visit and briefed him on the details of the incident. Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir had also paid tribute to Abbas on Tuesday and recommended that he be awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.

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Gulf states deported 38,500 Pakistanis in 2025

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis on Wednesday told the National Assembly that 38,500 Pakistanis were deported from Gulf countries over the course of one year. According to the data, 27,692 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia, 6,794 from the UAE, 2,537 from Oman, 786 from Bahrain, 644 from Qatar and 163 from Kuwait. The figures further show that 6,939 Pakistanis were deported for being fugitives in various criminal cases, while 4,872 were sent back for illegal entry or overstaying. Around 2,500 Pakistanis who had been imprisoned in Gulf jails were also deported. In addition, 1,639 Pakistanis were blacklisted, 1,125 were deported on drug-related charges, 936 for visa violations, 190 for theft, 780 for begging and 332 for violations of immigration laws. Fifteen Pakistanis were deported through Interpol, while more than 14,000 others were deported for various other reasons.

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