Opp MPs condemns attack on Iran

Opposition leaders on Saturday vehemently condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran, warning that the strike could destabilise the entire region and endanger global peace. Addressing a joint press conference, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai and other leaders of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen called on the government to adopt an immediate and unequivocal stance on the issue. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said he had come to brief the nation on an extremely sensitive matter. He stated that an attack on Iran was not only an assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state but also a threat to regional and global peace. He noted that such action during ongoing negotiations in Geneva constituted a blatant violation of diplomatic norms and international law. He warned that an attack by two nuclear powers on an Islamic country was deeply alarming. "If, God forbid, Iran suffers damage, Pakistan will not remain unaffected," he said, adding that the entire region could descend into severe instability. He stressed that no country had the right to violate Iran's land, sea or airspace and deplored civilian casualties and attacks on educational institutions as a humanitarian tragedy and contrary to international law and human values. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said that Pakistan's sovereignty and the wider Muslim world faced potential threats in the evolving situation. He urged all Muslim countries to unite in condemning the action. He also warned of attempts to fuel sectarian divisions in the region, stressing that Shia and Sunni communities must remain united. According to him, the current circumstances demand political stability and national cohesion within Pakistan. He alleged that certain forces were attempting to create distance between the armed forces and the public and to entangle Pakistan in disputes with neighbouring countries, which could harm national interests. Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar also condemned the attack, cautioning that its consequences would not be confined to Iran. He warned that any attempt at regime change in Iran would carry dangerous repercussions for the entire region and could trigger fresh tensions. Khokhar slammed the lack of national-level consultation on key foreign policy matters in Pakistan, stating that certain decisions were being taken without debate in parliament or public engagement. He demanded that the government bring major foreign policy issues before parliament and ensure decisions are taken in line with national interest. TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai said that despite the attack on Iran, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation had not convened an emergency meeting, even though urgent consultation was required.

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Karachi airport becomes hub for diverted Gulf flights amid escalating Mideast conflict

As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider conflict, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport witnessed extraordinary activity on Saturday, with dozens of foreign airline flights diverted to the city, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1990 Gulf Crisis. According to aviation sources, a large number of foreign carriers were rerouted to Karachi as regional airspace restrictions and security concerns forced precautionary diversions. Several aircraft were temporarily parked during the day, while many others landed for refuelling. The situation echoed 1990, when, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, dozens of passenger aircraft landed in Karachi under similar circumstances. At that time, both the old airport terminal and the newly constructed Jinnah Terminal were used to accommodate diverted flights. In view of the extraordinary influx, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a NOTAM highlighting limited aircraft parking space at the airport and directing airlines and cockpit crews to ensure prior coordination before operating into Karachi. A PAA spokesperson said Pakistan’s airspace remained fully operational and safe for all civil aviation activities despite regional restrictions. Overall, 27 flights were handled, including diversions, return flights, technical landings and rerouted operations. Read: Iran targets US bases in Gulf after American, Israeli strikes kill 201, injure 747 Karachi airport alone managed 13 diversions, including technical refuelling stops. In addition, four diversions were recorded in the Lahore Flight Information Region, while two return diversions were handled at Islamabad Airport. Three flights returned to their original or alternate destinations, while five rerouted flights transited through Karachi’s airspace without landing and were provided alternate routes. The sudden increase in traffic created operational challenges due to limited parking space, prompting airport authorities to caution airlines about possible delays. Officials confirmed that the situation was being closely monitored and managed. Meanwhile, several airlines announced cancellations on Gulf routes. AirSial cancelled 19 flights on various Gulf sectors, while PIA cancelled four flights from Islamabad to Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. Saudi Airlines suspended its Saudi-bound flights from Peshawar. Aviation authorities said Pakistani air traffic controllers and operational teams effectively handled the surge in traffic amid the emergency. Passengers were advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates. Sources added that several daily flights operating between Karachi and Lahore also faced cancellations due to the evolving regional crisis.

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ECP suspends Zehri's Hub win notification

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday suspended the victory notification of PPP's Ali Hassan Zehri a day after issuing a notification declaring him the returned candidate from Balochistan Assembly constituency PB-21 (Hub). The ECP on Wednesday decided to conduct a recount at 39 polling stations in the PB-21 Hub constituency, accepting Ali Hasan Zehri's application. On Thursday, the polls oversight authority issued a notification declaring Zehri the returned candidate from the constituency. However, on the same day, the IHC suspended the ECP's decision.

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297 Taliban enemies killed, 89 posts destroyed in ongoing ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’: govt

Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi provided an update on the ongoing ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ on Friday night and said at least 297 Afghan Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members and terrorists were killed so far as Pakistani forces continued their robust response to the unprovoked aggression by the neighbouring country's forces. Earlier on Friday, Pakistani forces targeted key military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia through effective airstrikes. The military spokesperson said the ongoing operation was producing the desired results, with insurgents effectively repulsed at 53 locations along the border, inflicting heavy losses while exercising restraint to avoid civilian harm. In a post on X late on Friday night, Zaidi provided the latest figures as of 11:10pm, saying Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued throughout the day. “A total of 297 Afghan Taliban, TTP, and other terrorists are confirmed killed, and more than 450 are reported injured,” he said, adding that 89 Afghan Taliban posts were destroyed and 18 captured. Zaidi further said 135 Afghan Taliban regime tanks and armed personnel carriers had been destroyed, while 29 locations across Afghanistan were subjected to aerial strikes. Update on Operation Ghazb lil Haq & resulting Afghan Taliban regime losses as of 2310 hrs Friday February 27, 2026 Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the scourge of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued through the day today. A total of 297 Afghan Taliban, TTP and other… — Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) February 27, 2026 “Pakistan’s immediate and effective response to aggression continues,” the PM's spokesperson added. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also provided the same update. Operation Ghazb lil Haq Update 2300 hours 27 Feb ✅*Summary of Afg Taliban losses* ▪️ 297 Killed, ▪️450 + Injured, ▪️89 Check posts destroyed, ▪️18 Post Captured, ▪️135 Tanks and Armed vehicles Destroyed ▪️29 Locations across Afghanistan effectively targeted by air — Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) February 27, 2026 Speaking in an interview on programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath' on a private television channel, he said the operation in Afghanistan was ongoing, stressing that threats needed to be neutralised. “Pakistan has shown great patience and restraint. Attacks continued against Pakistan, terrorist incidents kept occurring, in which Afghanistan’s role was entirely clear, and evidence exists,” he said. The minister said that when Pakistan was attacked under the cover of night, it was the country’s duty to respond. “Pakistan has carried out a measured and comprehensive counter-operation, which is still ongoing,” he said, noting that strikes were carried out against military and terrorist targets while ensuring Kabul’s Green Zone was not affected and no civilians were targeted. “From brigade headquarters to core headquarters and ammunition depots, their military installations were completely destroyed,” he said, adding that the situation remained ongoing and future developments would be closely monitored. Read: 'Clear as daylight': Tarar says Afghanistan's unprovoked attacks expose Taliban-terrorist nexus Tarar said Afghan forces attempted attacks and skirmishes in Khyber and northern areas such as Chitral, but failed due to lack of conventional warfare capability. “After Pakistan’s successful operation, a change in tone from Afghanistan is now evident,” he added. “It cannot happen that terrorists repeatedly carry out attacks in Pakistan, receive facilitation and shelter, get training, operate inside Pakistan, and then attack Pakistan’s borders; this cannot be allowed,” he said. Referring to drone attacks from Afghanistan that were successfully neutralised, Tarar said the timing and synchronisation of these incidents indicated a clear link between terrorists and the Afghan Taliban regime. “This is not an internal issue of Pakistan; it is an internal issue of Afghanistan. Media reports indicate that their Ministry of Defence has even fired at each other. In Pakistan, there is unity. Today, the K-P chief minister also issued a statement in support of the country’s defence and armed forces, which we welcome,” he added. He said the nexus with terrorists and cross-border terrorism was an international issue and emphasised that it was Afghanistan’s problem, which Pakistan was neutralising successfully while achieving significant results. The information minister was apparently referring to a statement on X by K-P CM Sohail Afridi, who said: "If any country engages in provocation or aggression against Pakistan, we will go to any extent to defend Pakistan without any fear or hesitation. "This is not just the responsibility of the K-P government but every Pakistani considers it their national duty. Despite criticisms of internal disagreements and flawed policies, we will stand with our country and security forces in the face of external conspiracies or aggression." He added that for establishing peace in Afghanistan and the tribal areas, it had become "imperative" to move forward by taking along three parties, as per what former premier Imran Khan told him. "First, the people of Pakistan's tribal areas; second, the Afghan government; and third, the people of Afghanistan — without the support of these three parties, no successful operation or lasting solution is possible." CM Afridi said that in light of Imran's directives, he had advised federal representatives to form a National Jirga that included representatives from the provincial and federal governments, tribal elders and elders from all political and religious parties. "This is the only path through which the issues can be resolved in the best possible manner. War should always be the last option. War increases problems; it does not reduce them." پاکستان کے خلاف کسی بھی ملک کی طرف سے کوئی اشتعال انگیزی یا جارحیت ہوتی ہے تو بغیر کسی خوف اور ڈر کے ہم پاکستان کے دفاع کے لیے ہر حد تک جائینگے۔ یہ صرف حکومت خیبر پختونخوا نہیں بلکہ ہر پاکستانی اپنا قومی فریضہ سمجھتا ہے۔ اندرونی اختلاف اور غلط پالیسیوں پر تنقید کے باوجود بیرونی… — Sohail Afridi (@SohailAfridiISF) February 27, 2026  

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NA panel grills officials over Hajj contracts

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Religious Affairs on Thursday expressed concern over the allocation of funds for minorities and questioned the repeated awarding of Hajj-related contracts to a single company. The meeting, chaired by MNA Shagufta Jamani, reviewed multiple agenda items, including minority welfare funds and administrative matters related to Hajj operations. During the session, Dr Nelson Azeem raised concerns over the "reduction in funds" allocated for minorities, questioning how many temples or churches could be renovated with Rs10 million. The committee declared Rs85 million allocated for minorities insufficient and recommended increasing the amount to at least Rs500 million in the next budget. The Ministry of Religious Affairs secretary stated that although the ministry annually requests higher allocations for minority welfare, it receives limited funds. The committee decided to write to the prime minister, the cabinet and the finance ministry to seek an enhanced allocation for minority welfare programmes. Dr Azeem also pointed out "disparities" in academic marking, saying Muslim students receive 20 marks for memorisation (Hifz), while non-Muslim students do not benefit from a similar provision. He called for a "fair distribution of marks". The committee also questioned the awarding of Hajj-related contracts in Saudi Arabia to the same company for the fourth consecutive year. Shagufta asked why a company previously placed on a blacklist was repeatedly granted contracts, including for Hajj accommodations and demanded that the religious affairs minister explain the matter in the next meeting.

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Nation stands firmly with armed forces in defence of country: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has affirmed that the nation and its armed forces remain fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. “The Pakistan Armed Forces are committed to ensuring that the peace and security of the country are never compromised,” he said as per an official statement from the PM's Office. “Our forces possess the full capability to thwart any aggressive designs,” it added. PM Shehbaz said under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Armed Forces are performing their duties with utmost national dedication. “The armed forces are equipped with professional expertise, advanced training, and effective defense strategies, and are fully capable of countering any internal or external threat,” the statement noted. “No compromise will be made on the defense of the homeland, and any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response,” the PM emphasised. While Pakistan has always promoted peace, the statement stressed that the country’s territorial integrity will not be violated, and the armed forces will confront any aggression with full resolve. “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Armed Forces,” the statement concluded. Update on the situation at the Pakistan Afghanistan border as of 0200 hrs Friday February 27 In response to unprovoked Afghan attacks, Pakistani counter strikes have been authorised and several iterations of these strikes have been conducted. A total of 72 Afghan Taliban… — Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) February 26, 2026 The remarks come amid Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, launched in response to unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban forces along multiple points of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Security sources confirmed that the operation has so far resulted in the deaths of at least 72 Taliban combatants, injuries to over 120, and the destruction or capture of multiple Taliban posts. Significant targets, including ammunition depots, battalion headquarters, sector headquarters, tanks, artillery guns, and armored personnel carriers, have been destroyed during sustained retaliatory strikes. The operation has seen decisive action across sectors including Mohmand, Bajaur, Kurram, South Waziristan, and Nawapas, where Pakistani forces successfully thwarted infiltration attempts by Taliban and other militant elements. Several attempts by Taliban forces to attack Pakistani positions using quadcopters were also intercepted and neutralised.

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Qatari minister praises PM Shehbaz's visit in call with Ishaq Dar

Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, on Thursday, praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Doha during a call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Dar, who is currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the Extraordinary Open-Ended Ministerial Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee, received the telephone call from Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the call, Minister Al-Khulaifi praised Prime Minister Shehbaz’s recent visit to Doha, highlighting its positive impact on Pakistan-Qatar relations. He expressed Qatar’s desire to elevate bilateral ties to new heights, a sentiment warmly reciprocated by Dar. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a telephone call today in Saudi Arabia from H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar @Dr_Al_Khulaifi. Minister @Dr_Al_Khulaifi appreciated… pic.twitter.com/qch07XO479 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 26, 2026 Dar also extended his gratitude to the Qatari leadership for the warm reception and hospitality shown to Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation during their visit to Doha on February 23-24. “The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar,” the statement added. PM Shehbaz held a "warm and productive" meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha, with discussions spanning bilateral cooperation and the evolving regional situation. The two leaders held detailed discussions on bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. They reaffirmed the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in political, economic and institutional engagement. Read More: Qatar to deepen Pakistan economic ties to 'higher strategic level' The talks focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence, labour mobility and cultural collaboration. The two sides also agreed to activate a joint task force mandated to accelerate cooperation across these sectors. Both countries emphasised the importance of implementing decisions taken during recent high-level engagements and institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations, to ensure tangible progress. Regional issues, including developments in Gaza and broader Gulf security dynamics, also came under discussion. The prime minister appreciated Qatar's constructive diplomatic efforts in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the region.

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