Two dead as social media dispute turns deadly

A petty dispute that began on social media escalated into a deadly armed clash in Bhakkar, leaving two young men dead and five others injured. Following the tragic incident, authorities have approved the establishment of a permanent police post at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital to strengthen security and ensure a rapid response to emergencies. As per a notification issued by District Police Officer (DPO) Shahzad Rafiq Awan, the new police post will be staffed by seven personnel, including one female and six male officers. The move is aimed at enhancing hospital security and enabling action in emergency situations. Police said the incident occurred on Gudwala Darya Khan Road within the jurisdiction of Sadar Bhakkar Police Station. A verbal dispute between two groups of youths, which reportedly began on TikTok and other social media platforms, intensified and eventually led to an exchange of gunfire. As a result, one young man from each side, identified as Shiraz and Zohaib, was killed, while five others sustained injuries. Upon receiving information about the shooting, police rushed to the scene, brought the situation under control and shifted the injured to hospital for medical treatment. DPO Shahzad Rafiq Awan took notice of the incident and visited DHQ Hospital, where he met the injured victims. He said police teams were conducting raids at various locations to arrest those involved in the clash and vowed that all suspects would soon be brought to justice. The DPO added that the establishment of a permanent police post at DHQ hospital would further strengthen security arrangements, provide a safer environment for doctors and healthcare workers and ensure an effective quick-response mechanism to deal with any future emergencies or violent incidents. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ehsan Ali Jamali, accompanied by DPO Shahzad Rafiq Awan, paid a special visit to DHQ hospital. SP Investigation Shaukat Ali, Chief Executive Officer Health and Population Dr Mazhar Abbas Khan, doctors, and paramedical staff were also present. During the visit, officials reviewed hospital security arrangements and discussed issues faced by medical staff.

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Hill Park row erupts as MQM-P accuses authorities of land grabbing; mayor denies claim

A fresh political confrontation erupted over the future of Karachi's public spaces on Sunday as Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) accused authorities of facilitating illegal land allotments and environmental destruction at Hill Park, while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab strongly denied the allegations, insisting that no land belonging to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had been transferred to any party. Addressing an emergency press conference at Hill Park alongside senior MQM-P leaders Syed Aminul Haque, former Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar, Sindh Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi and other party officials, MQM-P senior leader and MNA Dr Farooq Sattar alleged that Karachi's public lands were being systematically handed over to land grabbers under the patronage of the provincial government. Dr Sattar claimed that a section of Hill Park had recently been altered through unauthorised excavation and plotting, alleging that the development did not exist in the PECHS master plan. He accused officials of KMC and PECHS of issuing illegal no-objection certificates (NOCs) and demanded an investigation by accountability authorities as well as suo motu action by the Sindh High Court. Read: Sindh accuses IRSA of violating water accord, urges federal intervention amid growing crisis "If the hill is sold today, the entire park could be sold tomorrow," he warned, calling for action against officials allegedly involved in the matter. The MQM-P leader also criticised what he described as the re-emergence of encroachments on public lands across the city, including areas around Nehr-e-Khayyam, Beach View and Benazir Bhutto Park. He maintained that his party had previously fought legal battles to remove illegal structures from public spaces, including Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, Kidney Hill Park and Empress Market. Former mayor Waseem Akhtar urged state institutions to intervene, alleging that Karachi's public assets were once again under threat from powerful interests. He warned that continued inaction could result in the loss of valuable public land. During the press conference, Dr Sattar also praised former Sindh governor Kamran Tessori for welfare and educational initiatives, particularly free IT training programmes for thousands of students. He further criticised the Sindh government's handling of local government affairs and reiterated MQM-P's longstanding demand for the implementation of Article 140-A of the Constitution to ensure greater autonomy for local bodies. Responding to the allegations, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab categorically rejected claims that KMC had allotted any portion of Hill Park land. "Hill Park was, is, and will remain KMC property," Wahab said, adding that KMC had neither allotted nor intended to allot "even an inch" of land within the park. Also Read: MQM-P, PPP trade barbs The mayor stated that he had personally ordered work in the Hill Park area to be stopped after reports of activity surfaced during the Eid holidays. According to Wahab, KMC officials visited the site on the fourth day of Eid and halted the work immediately. He clarified that while Hill Park falls under KMC's jurisdiction, ownership and regulatory matters concerning surrounding lands and housing societies, including PECHS, are separate issues. Wahab also noted that PECHS is regulated under federal authorities. Defending his administration's record, Wahab said KMC was focused on preserving Karachi's heritage and public spaces. He cited ongoing plans to establish a historical museum at Beach View in collaboration with Citizens Archive Pakistan and the Sindh government, arguing that the project demonstrated the city's commitment to conservation rather than commercialisation. The exchange marks the latest chapter in an intensifying political dispute over land management, urban development and the protection of Karachi's shrinking public spaces, with both sides trading accusations over responsibility for the city's planning and governance challenges. Mayor claims Eid cleanup success, JI cries foul A massive post-Eidul Azha cleanup operation in the city has triggered a fresh political confrontation, with Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab claiming record-breaking waste collection and sanitation performance, while Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) dismissed the exercise as inadequate and accused the city administration of failing to address the metropolis's chronic civic problems. Addressing a press conference on the Eid sanitation campaign, the mayor said authorities had remained on the ground throughout the operation, alongside officials of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), elected representatives and sanitation workers. Praising the efforts of sanitation staff who worked in extreme temperatures, Wahab said the cleanup drive continued for five days, from the Bohra community's Eid celebrations through the fourth day of Eid observed by the Ahl-e-Hadith community. According to official figures, a total of 169,961 tonnes of offal and waste were transported to landfill sites at Jam Chakro, Gond Pass and the Sharafi Goth garbage transfer station. Of this, 81,525 tonnes comprised sacrificial animal remains, while 88,436 tonnes consisted of garbage and animal waste. The mayor said all vehicles participating in the operation were monitored through a centralised tracking system. Authorities collected 9,293 tonnes of offal on the first day of Eid, 27,750 tonnes on the second day, 35,508 tonnes on the third day and more than 8,968 tonnes on the fourth day. Read More: PTI, JI agree on need for no-confidence against Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab He said 99 collection points had been established across Karachi's towns, while 9,326 pieces of additional machinery and equipment, including 341 large dumpers, were deployed for the operation. More than 23,400 sanitation workers participated in the campaign. Wahab said citizens were provided access to a 24-hour helpline and mobile application for complaints and service requests. Of the 1,330 complaints received during the operation, around 90 per cent were addressed, he added. The mayor rejected criticism from opposition parties, particularly JI and MQM-P, saying political rivals had continued to criticise the operation while remaining engaged in their own activities during Eid. "Instead of holding press conferences and indulging in criticism, all stakeholders should work together for the city," he said, adding that partisan politics often hindered efforts to improve municipal services. Referring to remarks made by JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Eid day, Wahab questioned how conclusions about the operation's failure could have been drawn before the cleanup process had fully unfolded. Wahab claimed this year's operation had outperformed previous years. However, JI's elected union committee chairmen strongly disputed the mayor's assessment, accusing the city administration of attempting to conceal poor performance through political rhetoric and publicity. In a joint statement, the party said residents had continued to report complaints regarding uncollected offal, garbage and unhygienic conditions throughout the Eid holidays. It noted that images and reports showing piles of waste in different parts of the city remained visible on television channels and social media platforms until the fourth day of Eid. "If the arrangements were truly exemplary, why did residents across the city continue to complain?" the statement asked. JI argued that Karachi's problems extend far beyond the Eid period, pointing to persistent issues including garbage accumulation, deteriorating roads, sewerage failures and water shortages. The party said citizens were no longer interested in official claims or publicity campaigns and instead expected tangible improvements in municipal services. It accused the Sindh government and local government institutions of failing to resolve basic urban issues, resulting in growing public frustration. The statement further criticised the mayor's remarks about welfare activities, saying public service initiatives undertaken through charitable organisations should not be ridiculed or politicised.

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Sacrificial animal remains boost seasonal income

What many households discard as waste after Eidul Azha becomes a valuable source of income for nomadic communities and sanitation workers, who collect animal remains and sell them in local and international markets. For Abdul Ghafoor, a nomad living in a roadside tent along Sargodha Road, Eid is the most profitable time of the year. He said the seasonal rise in sacrificial animal waste provides him an income he cannot match throughout the rest of the year. He explained that a specific part of cattle intestines, locally referred to in trade slang as "Chodra," holds significant commercial value. According to him, he extracts a football-sized portion of the stomach lining attached to intestines and sells it to local dealers for Rs800 to Rs1,000, earning immediate cash. He said these intermediaries clean, salt, and dry the material before selling it to large traders, particularly in Karachi, from where it is reportedly exported to China. In China, it is further processed for use in medical manufacturing, including surgical sutures used in operations worldwide. These finished products are also imported back into Pakistan for use in hospitals and medical institutions. Ghafoor claimed that by collecting such materials from urban and rural areas during Eid, he earns over Rs100,000 on the first day alone. He added that competition over collection often leads to disputes with municipal sanitation workers, particularly those associated with "Suthra Punjab," as both groups consider the material highly valuable. A District Livestock Department official, Dr Suhail Anjum, explained that large ruminants such as cows and buffaloes have four stomach compartments—rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. He said the part commonly collected and sold in the trade is the omasum, which plays a role in digestion and consists of multiple thin tissue layers. He added that in the international meat and medical supply chain, especially in exports to China, processed omasum (also known as beef tripe) is used in industrial applications, including the production of surgical sutures and other medical materials. Dr Anjum noted that this seasonal trade has grown into a profitable informal industry, which is why both nomadic collectors and sanitation workers actively compete for access to the material during Eid. He said this competition often results in confrontations at dumping sites. He further stated that the livestock by-products market sees a sharp surge during Eid, turning what is normally waste into a temporary but highly lucrative economic opportunity for many low-income workers.

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Achakzai urges Chaman reopening

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has expressed concern over the continued closure of the Chaman border crossing, describing the situation as unfair to communities whose livelihoods depend on trade and cross-border movement. Speaking at a public gathering on Friday, Achakzai, who belongs to Balochistan, questioned the reasons behind the prolonged restrictions and urged authorities to review the decision. He argued that peaceful citizens engaged in business and economic activity should not face continued uncertainty. Referring to the wider security and political environment, the veteran politician who also heads an opposition parties alliance—the TTAP—stated that people advocating peace, development, and lawful trade appeared to be facing restrictions. "However, those involved in violence seem unaffected by this closure. This is a contradictory situation that calls for a more balanced and transparent policy approach," he said. Achakzai also alleged that customs-related disruptions at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are part of a planned effort, saying the closure had negatively affected traders, transporters, and families dependent on border-related commerce. Emphasizing constitutional governance, he stressed the importance of democratic institutions and said parliament should remain central in shaping national policies. "Political parties across the country should work together to strengthen democratic values, uphold the rule of law, and protect equal rights for all citizens," he said. He further highlighted the need to expand economic opportunities for people living in border regions, particularly those involved in legal trade with neighboring Afghanistan. According to him, sustainable development and prosperity depend on inclusive policies and recognition of the rights of all communities across Pakistan. The crossing remains an important economic route for thousands of families involved in transportation, trade, and daily movement, making its closure a continuing topic of public discussion in the region. The border crossing between Balochistan's Chaman district and Afghanistan's Spin Boldak has remained closed since October 2025 following intense clashes between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban.

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India’s Dulhasti-II project on Chenab River deepens hydro-political tensions with Pakistan

In a move that has sharply escalated hydro-political tensions, India has approved the controversial Rs 3,277.45 crore Dulhasti Stage-II run-of-the-river hydroelectric project of 260 megawatt capacity on the Chenab River in Indian-occupied Kashmir, further undermining the Indus Waters Treaty and threatening Pakistan’s downstream water security. The project includes a 3,685-metre-long diversion tunnel, horseshoe pondage, surge and pressure shafts, and an underground powerhouse with two 130MW units. It requires 60.3 hectares of land, including 8.27 hectares of private land from Benzwar and Palmar villages. The Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India cleared the Dulhasti Stage-II project, which will draw water from the existing Dulhasti Power Station (Stage I) through a separate 3,685m-long tunnel with a diameter of 8.5m, leading to the construction of a horseshoe pondage for Stage II. In addition to the pondage, the project will feature a surge shaft, a pressure shaft, and an underground powerhouse equipped with two units of 130MW each, resulting in a total installed capacity of 260MW. India’s approval of the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project while keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance reflects a growing pattern of unilateral upstream infrastructure expansion that undermines the principles of cooperative transboundary water governance. The construction of additional tunnels, pondage structures, and flow-regulating infrastructure on the Chenab River system raises serious concerns regarding India’s increasing capacity to manipulate downstream river flows critical to Pakistan’s agricultural and food security. By withholding hydrological data and limiting technical transparency despite repeated international queries, India is weakening confidence in treaty-based mechanisms designed to ensure stability, predictability, and equitable river management in South Asia. India’s continued hydropower expansion on western rivers, without the sharing of critical hydrological data, risks exacerbating hydro-political tensions and increasing vulnerability for millions dependent on the Indus Basin irrigation system. Read More: Arbitration court upholds Pakistan's stance on Indus Waters Treaty The Dulhasti Stage-II project illustrates how run-of-the-river infrastructure can acquire strategic significance when combined with non-cooperative water policies and the suspension of institutional obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty. In an era of accelerating climate stress and water scarcity, India’s manipulation of transboundary rivers reflects an increasingly irresponsible approach toward regional water security and sustainable basin governance. The growing network of upstream hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River enhances India’s operational control over seasonal water flows, creating uncertainty for downstream crop cycles, irrigation planning, and long-term agricultural resilience in Pakistan. India’s refusal to restore full treaty cooperation while simultaneously expanding strategic hydropower infrastructure raises broader concerns regarding the politicisation of water resources and the erosion of international legal norms governing shared river systems.

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Dar arrives in Washington for talks with US Secretary Rubio

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday arrived in Washington, DC, for an official visit, during which he will meet with US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio to discuss matters of bilateral and regional significance, following the conclusion of his engagements at the United Nations in New York. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), Dar was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, along with senior officials of the Embassy of Pakistan. Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 arrived in Washington, D.C. on an official visit. Upon his arrival, he was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, along with senior officials of the… pic.twitter.com/6qYOZ8oi8i — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 29, 2026 "Following the conclusion of his official engagements, he will return to Islamabad later the same day," the statement added. On Thursday, the FO said that discussions during the visit would focus on strengthening cooperation in key sectors as well as Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability through “dialogue and diplomacy”. Dar’s Washington visit comes immediately after a series of high-level engagements at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he participated in an open debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened under China’s presidency of the council. While addressing the UNSC session, Dar on Tuesday called for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, warning the UNSC that another prolonged conflict would endanger regional peace and further strain the fragile international order. Addressing an open debate, Dar, while referring to the ongoing efforts to achieve a resolution to the conflict between Iran and the US, stated that the principle of peaceful settlement must apply equally to all long-standing disputes on the Security Council's agenda. "The entire world is watching. We must succeed in the interest of regional and global peace and security," he told the 15-member UNSC. "As a friendly neighbour of Iran and brotherly countries of the Gulf, Pakistan consistently stood for restraint, de-escalation and a return to diplomacy." During his stay in New York, Dar also held meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other senior diplomats, where discussions covered regional conflicts, Afghanistan, Palestine, South Asia and reform of the UN Security Council. Pakistan also reiterated its support for greater multilateral cooperation and reforms to global governance institutions. The foreign minister's latest visit signals continued momentum in Pakistan-US diplomatic engagement at a time when Islamabad has assumed an increasingly visible role in regional diplomacy, particularly regarding ongoing indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran. Recent international reports have highlighted Pakistan’s involvement in facilitating communication channels aimed at easing tensions between the two sides. Pakistan-US relations have witnessed renewed engagement in recent months, with cooperation expanding beyond traditional security issues into diplomacy, regional stability and economic coordination. Washington has also increasingly acknowledged Islamabad’s role in mediation efforts linked to the Middle East crisis, while both countries continue discussions on trade, energy cooperation and broader regional security matters. The visit comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Washington on regional security and bilateral cooperation. According to the statement, Dar will return to Islamabad later the same day following the completion of his official engagements.

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Dar calls for ‘more democratic’ UN Security Council amid global crises

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday called for a “more democratic, representative, and accountable” United Nations Security Council (UNSC), warning that unilateralism and selective application of international law were undermining global stability. Speaking at a meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the United Nations, Dar said the international community was facing “multiple and interconnected crises”, including conflicts, climate emergencies, food insecurity, and governance challenges linked to emerging technologies. “In this uncertain environment, the world urgently needs renewed solidarity and a more effective system of global governance anchored in the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,” he said. Statement by H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, At the Meeting of Group of Friends of Global Governance Topic: Reforming and Improving Global Governance; Working Together to Address Global Challenges (28 May 2025) ****… pic.twitter.com/rsLjLaR1ou — Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 29, 2026 The meeting, organised by China, focused on reforming and improving global governance and addressing global challenges through multilateral cooperation. Dar criticised what he described as weakening faith in collective action. “At the same time, faith in collective action is eroding, with unilateralism and the selective application of international law undermining global stability,” he said. Calling for reform of the UN Security Council, the foreign minister said smaller and medium-sized states should be given greater representation. “The UN Security Council must become more democratic, representative, and accountable,” he said. “The small and medium States which form the vast majority of the UN Members must be fully and adequately represented on the Security Council.” He also opposed the expansion of the council's permanent membership, arguing that “Adding new permanent members would violate the fundamental principle of sovereign equality and make the Council even less representative,” he said. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for multilateralism, describing it as “not an abstract aspiration but a principled commitment rooted in cooperation and collective responsibility”. Read: China's FM Wang Yi reiterates appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role amid US-Iran talks in meeting with Dar He quoted Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as saying, “Pakistan will never be found lacking in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.” The foreign minister also praised China’s role in international affairs and endorsed President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative. “Pakistan deeply values China’s role as a stabilising force in international affairs,” he said, while describing Pakistan and China as “iron brothers and all-weather strategic cooperative partners”. Dar said the Chinese initiative represented “a timely, comprehensive, and forward-looking framework for addressing the governance deficits of our age”. He added that Pakistan fully supported the initiative, which he said reinforced “the centrality of the United Nations while advocating greater representation and voice for the Global South”. The foreign minister said Pakistan believed international law should be “applied uniformly and without double standards”. “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” he said. “Cooperation rather than confrontation should be the default setting in international relations.” Dar also called for disputes to be resolved through “dialogue and diplomacy” and said people living under foreign occupation should be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination “in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions”. Concluding his remarks, Dar said Pakistan would continue working with China and other international partners to promote “lasting peace and stability throughout the world”. Read More: FM Dar to visit US Secretary Rubio in Washington after UNSC engagements in New York The deputy prime minister visited New York on the invitation of FM Yi to attend the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-centred International System”. The debate was held on May 26 under China’s presidency of the Security Council, which called for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, warning that another prolonged conflict would endanger regional peace and further strain the fragile international order. Addressing the open debate, he said the principle of peaceful settlement must apply equally to all long-standing disputes on the Security Council’s agenda, referring to ongoing efforts to achieve a resolution to the conflict between Iran and the US. “The entire world is watching. We must succeed in the interest of regional and global peace and security,” Dar told the 15-member Security Council. “As a friendly neighbour of Iran and brotherly countries of the Gulf, Pakistan consistently stands for restraint, de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.” Dar said that during his recent visit to Beijing, Pakistan and China had announced a five-point initiative for peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East, warning that another conflict would pose a serious threat not only to the region but to the wider world. “Another prolonged conflict would serve no one,” the foreign minister warned. “It would endanger regional peace, disrupt global energy flows, deepen humanitarian suffering and strain an already fragile international order.”

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China's FM Wang Yi reiterates appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role amid US-Iran talks in meeting with Dar

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday lauded Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy, amid ongoing talks between Iran and the United States, reiterating appreciation for its constructive role during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting took place in New York, where the two leaders exchanged views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s efforts to promote sustained peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy in the region and beyond. “Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive role,” the statement said. 🔊PR No.1️⃣3️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister meets Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Wang Yi in New York 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/aMxRWdae4E — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 28, 2026 The two sides also recalled the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation to China, as well as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, underscoring the long-standing friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met today with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Wang Yi, in New York. The two leaders exchanged views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to… pic.twitter.com/l8hpUWt87M — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 28, 2026 FM Dar is scheduled to travel to Washington, DC on Sunday for an official visit, where he is expected to meet US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio to review bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. Dar, Turkmenistan FM agree to boost cooperation Separately, Dar also met Turkmenistan's FM Rashid Meredov on the sidelines of the Group of Friends meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where the two sides reviewed bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers took stock of the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Turkmenistan relations and reiterated the deep-rooted and friendly ties between the two countries. Dar emphasised the need to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport and regional connectivity, including Pakistan’s readiness to export high-quality meat and agricultural products to Turkmenistan. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan H.E. Rashid Meredov on the sidelines of the Group of Friends meeting at UN Headquarters in New York. The two sides reviewed the positive trajectory of… pic.twitter.com/U2YXgKF7d7 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 28, 2026 “The two sides also placed emphasis on strengthening regional transit and connectivity through rail, road, air and sea linkages to facilitate trade, commercial activity, and people-to-people exchanges,” it added. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments, reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation at multilateral fora, including the United Nations. The deputy prime minister visited New York on the invitation of FM Yi to attend the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-centred International System”. Read: FM Dar to visit US Secretary Rubio in Washington after UNSC engagements in New York The debate was held on May 26 under China’s presidency of the Security Council, which called for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, warning that another prolonged conflict would endanger regional peace and further strain the fragile international order. Addressing the open debate, he said the principle of peaceful settlement must apply equally to all long-standing disputes on the Security Council’s agenda, referring to ongoing efforts to achieve a resolution to the conflict between Iran and the US. “The entire world is watching. We must succeed in the interest of regional and global peace and security,” Dar told the 15-member Security Council. “As a friendly neighbour of Iran and brotherly countries of the Gulf, Pakistan consistently stands for restraint, de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.” Dar said that during his recent visit to Beijing, Pakistan and China had announced a five-point initiative for peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East, warning that another conflict would pose a serious threat not only to the region but to the wider world. “Another prolonged conflict would serve no one,” the foreign minister warned. “It would endanger regional peace, disrupt global energy flows, deepen humanitarian suffering and strain an already fragile international order.”

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Punjab CM undergoes major surgery in Lahore, returns home: Marriyum Aurangzeb

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif underwent major surgery at Sharif Medical City Hospital in Lahore. In a post on X, Aurangzeb said, "Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif underwent major surgery at the Sharif Medical City Hospital, after which she has been transferred home". "On the day of Eid, she directly oversaw all matters in the province, including security, cleanliness, and others, from the hospital," she said. وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف صاحبہ کی شریف میڈیکل سٹی ہسپتال میں میجر سرجری ہوئی ہے جس کے بعد وہ گھر منتقل ہو گئی ہیں، الحمدللہ۔ عید کے دن وزیر اعلی مریم نواز شریف نے ہسپتال سے صوبے میں سکیورٹی، صفائی سمیت دیگر تمام امور کی براہ راست خود نگرانی کی۔ — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) May 28, 2026 Following Aurangzeb’s post, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said, "May Allah Almighty grant complete health, well-being, and a long life". Read: Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz hospitalised اللّہ تعالیٰ صحت کاملہ ، تندرستی اور درازیِ عمر عطا فرمائے۔ @MaryamNSharif https://t.co/zijJGAg6kE — Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) May 28, 2026 Earlier in November 2024, the Punjab CM was admitted to the Sharif Medical City Complex due to health issues. Hospital sources said she was suffering from a throat infection.

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200 Federal Constabulary personnel to receive training in Saudi Arabia

Two hundred personnel from the Federal Constabulary Special Diplomatic Protection Unit will receive training in Saudi Arabia. The decision was made during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, the interior ministry said on Thursday. In a post on X, the ministry said both interior ministers exchanged Eidul Azha greetings and conveyed best wishes to each other. It added that the Saudi interior minister congratulated his Pakistani counterpart, Naqvi, on Hajj. منی۔ وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی اپنے سعودی ہم منصب شہزادہ عبدالعزیز بن سعود سے ملاقات دونوں وزرائے داخلہ نے ایک دوسرے کو عید الاضحی کی مبارکباد دی اور نیک خواہشات کا اظہار کیا سعودی وزیر داخلہ نے پاکستانی ہم منصب محسن نقوی کو حج کی مبارکباد دی pic.twitter.com/cFknJAwSJ8 — Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 28, 2026 The meeting also featured a detailed exchange of views on Pakistan-Saudi bilateral relations and internal security matters. To enhance bilateral cooperation, a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior will visit Pakistan very soon. Read: Mohsin Naqvi meets IRGC chief in Tehran during second visit in less than a week Naqvi commended the Saudi government’s excellent arrangements during Hajj. Both interior ministers also discussed the latest situation in the region. منی۔ وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی اپنے سعودی ہم منصب شہزادہ عبدالعزیز بن سعود سے ملاقات دونوں وزرائے داخلہ نے ایک دوسرے کو عید الاضحی کی مبارکباد دی اور نیک خواہشات کا اظہار کیا سعودی وزیر داخلہ نے پاکستانی ہم منصب محسن نقوی کو حج کی مبارکباد دی ملاقات میں پاک سعودیہ دوطرفہ… pic.twitter.com/vyIVoqXfr8 — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 28, 2026 Saudi Arabia’s interior minister appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in reducing tensions.

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President, PM, military leadership reaffirm peace, stability on Youm-e-Takbeer

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their messages on Youm-e-Takbeer on Thursday, reiterated that Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving nation that respects international laws and norms, Radio Pakistan reported. The president, in his message, said the nuclear tests conducted 28 years ago established Pakistan’s deterrence capability and made the country the seventh nuclear power in the world. Paying tribute to the scientists, engineers and armed forces, he said their dedication, professionalism and patriotism enabled Pakistan to achieve a historic milestone. He also acknowledged the role of the national leadership and institutions in strengthening the country’s strategic capabilities. President @AAliZardari, in his message on #YoumETakbeer, said the nuclear tests conducted 28 years ago established #Pakistan’s deterrence capability and made the country the seventh nuclear power in the world@PresOfPakistan @OfficialDGISPR #RadioPakistan #News… pic.twitter.com/QGVMgDGL9b — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 28, 2026 The prime minister, in his message, said the day bears testimony to the fact that the defence of Pakistan, envisioned by Allama Muhammad Iqbal and materialised by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, remains in strong and capable hands. Describing Youm-e-Takbeer as more than a remembrance of the nuclear tests, he said it symbolises national dignity, sacrifice, unity and an unwavering commitment to the defence of the homeland. He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability and the preparedness of its armed forces remain a decisive deterrent against enemy aggression. PM @CMShehbaz in his message, said that the day bears testimony that the defence of #Pakistan remains in strong and capable hands@PakPMO @OfficialDGISPR #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/Z0nEvgJOXN pic.twitter.com/LSiOBUZ1oU — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 28, 2026 Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, extended heartfelt felicitations to the proud people of Pakistan on the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer. #COAS and #CDF Field Marshal #SyedAsimMunir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral #NaveedAshraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal #ZaheerAhmedBaberSidhu on behalf of Armed Forces, on #YoumETakbeer have extended heartfelt felicitations to the proud people of #Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/4B5gyjHFix — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 28, 2026 They said this defining milestone symbolises the nation’s unity, resilience and unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honour. The statement said Pakistan’s strategic capability remains a sacred national trust and a guarantor of peace, stability, territorial integrity and credible deterrence in the region. It said the Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats and remain committed to ensuring the security, stability and prosperity of the nation. Read: In pictures: Muslims across the world celebrate Eidul Azha Youm-e-Takbeer is being observed today in remembrance of the nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on May 28, 1998, which made the defence of the country invincible. On this day, Pakistan became the seventh nuclear nation in the world and the first Muslim state to possess a nuclear arsenal in its defence stockpile. The team of Pakistani scientists, led by the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, and Dr Samar Mubarakmand, carried out the nuclear tests in the RasKoh Hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan. #YoumETakbeer is being observed today in remembrance of nuclear tests conducted by #Pakistan on May 28, 1998, which made the defence of the country invincible@PresOfPakistan @PakPMO @OfficialDGISPR @DGPR_PAF @dgprPaknavy #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/LbvG8LinWp pic.twitter.com/fQCbRAd3ov — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 28, 2026 These tests not only demonstrated the resolve of the Pakistani nation to safeguard Pakistan’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty, but also reflected the desire to preserve strategic balance in South Asia. By resisting mounting external pressure, the then former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, made the decision to test the Pakistani nukes in response to the Indian nuclear tests, thus balancing the strategic power equation in the region. Pakistan is committed to promoting an environment of peace and stability in South Asia, while preserving its capability to thwart aggression or adventurism in any form.

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PM Shehbaz hopes of peace deal soon as Iran's Pezeshkian expresses appreciation for Pakistan role in negotiations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wedesday of a peace deal materialising soon between the United States and the Islamic republic as the latter appreciated Pakistan's role in the negotiations so far. In recent months, Pakistan drew international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the US amid the Middle East crisis. On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other Gulf countries hosting US assets. Pakistan subsequently positioned itself as a key mediator for peace, brokering a two-week ceasefire and hosting the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although the "Islamabad Talks" ended without agreement, the ceasefire was held and later extended upon Islamabad's request. Since then, the two sides have been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region. In a post on X today, the government said the Iranian president called PM Shehbaz to exchange greetings for Eidul Azha. "During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted around thirty minutes, the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and conveyed best wishes to each other, the peoples of their two countries as well as the Muslim Ummah on this joyous occasion. "The Iranian president expressed his profound gratitude to the prime minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s important role in the efforts to bring peace to the region," the statement said. It added that he also appreciated the fact that other regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, were also on board in these peace efforts. "The prime minister appreciated the Iranian president’s kind words for him and his team and stated that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had undoubtedly made tireless efforts to bring peace to the region." Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted around thirty minutes, the two leaders exchanged Eid… pic.twitter.com/yH1uUbvgU9 — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 27, 2026 In a separate post on X, PM Shehbaz said he expressed hope that the ongoing peace efforts would soon lead to an "enduring agreement, paving the way for regional stability, prosperity and cooperation". He further said: "I reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran over the tragic loss of precious lives during the current crisis and emphasised that Pakistan will always stand by Iran as a sincere friend and neighbour." PM Shehbaz said both agreed to remain in close coordination in pursuit of lasting peace in the region. Exchanged warm Eid ul-Adha greetings with my dear brother, President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, during a most cordial telephone conversation this evening. President Pezeshkian graciously appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for peace in the region and acknowledged the… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 27, 2026 The PM Office (PMO) stated the premier said a possible deal could "help unlock the true economic potential of Iran and benefit the entire region". Lahore: May 27، 2026. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call earlier today from H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha. During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted around thirty… pic.twitter.com/FVV9GzoOdP — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 27, 2026 The prime minister had similar conversations with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah and Malaysian premier Anwar Ibrahim. "While appreciating Pakistan’s important role in the ongoing regional peace efforts, the crown prince said that Kuwait was fully supportive of Pakistan," said a statement on the government's X account. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha. During their warm and cordial discussion, the two leaders exchanged heartiest Eid ul… pic.twitter.com/TjJuUKQJz9 — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 27, 2026 PM Shehbaz later said he reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait on the loss of lives and property resulting from the attacks during the current conflict. "We discussed the ongoing regional situation and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts for lasting peace and stability," he said. Had a most cordial telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait. We exchanged warm Eid greetings and reaffirmed the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Kuwait. I conveyed my respectful regards to… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 27, 2026 As per the PMO, the crown prince said that Qatar's emir was "full of praise and respect for the prime minister and he wished Pakistan every success in the peace efforts". Lahore : 27 May, 2026. Telephonic Conversation between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Crown Prince of Kuwait. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation this evening, with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Crown… pic.twitter.com/GiaCgTmhPi — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 27, 2026 Meanwhile, the Malaysian premier acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s "remarkable role" in the ceasefire in the Gulf and the ongoing peace efforts to ensure an enduring peace settlement in the region. "He prayed to Allah to give more strength and success to the prime minister and his team. While thanking his Malaysian counterpart for strongly supporting Pakistan’s peace initiative, the prime minister briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the latest developments in the peace efforts." Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with H.E. Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul-Adha. During their most warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt Eid ul Adha greetings… pic.twitter.com/ZKrC6cinLl — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 27, 2026 PM Shehbaz said he thanked PM Ibrahim for "Malaysia’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sincere peace efforts", and exchanged views on the latest regional developments. "I emphasised that the progress achieved thus far would not have been possible without the support of brotherly countries, including Malaysia, while also acknowledging the untiring efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in advancing the peace process. We also expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy." Exchanged Eid ul-Adha greetings with my dear brother, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, during a warm telephone conversation today. I thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for Malaysia’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sincere peace efforts, and we exchanged… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 27, 2026 As per the PMO, the Malaysian premier was "effusive in his praise for Pakistan’s peace initiative, which he said, was in accordance with the ideology and vision of the Quaid-e-Azam". Lahore: May 27, 2026. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation this afternoon, with H.E. Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul-Adha. During their most warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister… pic.twitter.com/LOFeZ1pVsX — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 27, 2026  

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Climate Minister Malik warns India against weaponisation of water at global conference in Dushanbe

Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik on Tuesday warned that India’s reported move to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance could set a dangerous precedent for downstream countries across the world, cautioning that the weaponisation of water threatened the foundations of global treaty systems and multilateralism. Addressing the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe, Malik accused India of politicising shared water resources and said climate change should lead to greater cooperation, transparency and compliance with international agreements — not unilateral actions. “There was no legal provision in the treaty to take any unilateral action, and yet this treaty was put in abeyance,” Malik said. “It wasn’t put in abeyance because it was legally defective. It was put in abeyance, or so it is suggested, because it did not serve the politics of one country.” Read: Pakistan wins Hague ruling in IWT row He warned that such actions could undermine water rights for lower riparian states globally. “No downstream country in the world after this shall have water rights,” he said. “Mark my words, once this precedent is set, no downstream country across the world would have water rights.” The minister said the issue was not merely about Pakistan, but about the future of international treaties and transboundary water governance. “If this treaty doesn’t hold, then all of the treaties of the world are not worth the weight of the paper on which they were printed,” he said. Last year, India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)’s Pahalgam area, in which 26 people were killed by unidentified assailants. Malik said climate change demanded “more compliance, not less”, as well as increased transparency, data sharing and early warning systems. “Climate change meant all these things, not to use it as an excuse to suspend or unilaterally reinterpret or bypass a legally binding treaty,” he added. Referring to a recent court of arbitration ruling, Malik said the judgment had clarified limits on water retention and hydropower design for upstream countries, but lamented the absence of binding enforcement mechanisms. “The rule-based regimes are collapsing,” he said. “Multilateralism is weakening, and new doctrines of unilateralism are rising.” Also Read: FM Dar urges UNSC president to press India to restore Indus Waters Treaty “I can tell you that even water is getting weaponised,” he added. Calling for stronger international mechanisms, the minister urged the conference to work towards binding global covenants on transboundary water management and compulsory third-party dispute resolution mechanisms between upstream and downstream countries. “Pakistan would like to call upon this conference to come up with binding international covenants for transboundary water,” he said. “Pakistan would like to ask for political, economic and diplomatic consequences for violators.” The minister also highlighted the human cost of climate change and water insecurity, saying vulnerable communities were paying the price for global inaction. “The woman who wakes up at dawn and walks four hours for one bucket of water is not looking forward to a conference outcome framework,” he said. “The child who is dead or dying is not asking for another voluntary commitment.” Malik called for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to protect water rights, saying the world needed enforceable laws, institutions with the courage to implement them, and leadership that recognised access to water as a fundamental right requiring justice and accountability. Speaking about Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, Malik said the country contributed less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but continued to suffer devastating floods, droughts and glacial melt. “We didn’t cause it. Why are we paying for this?” he asked. Malik said recurring cycles of floods and droughts were pushing farming communities back into poverty and damaging agricultural land. “These are not tragedies,” he said. “These are the consequences of the decisions that people like us make at these conferences.” Also Read: Zardari urges India to fully restore IWT, warns against ‘weaponisation’ of water Describing water scarcity as a growing global crisis, the minister said nearly two billion people lacked safe drinking water, while billions more faced seasonal water shortages. “This water bankruptcy that we’re talking about is not water bankruptcy; this is a food security issue,” he said. “People are going to deal with hunger.” Malik argued that the political architecture surrounding water resources disproportionately disadvantaged downstream nations. “Water flows downhill, but power does not,” he said. “Country after country, basin after basin, the countries that are downstream have less political power, less influence and less economic power.” He concluded by urging global leaders to move beyond declarations and voluntary commitments. “We should not be talking about how we think and what we think,” he said. “We should be talking about what we are going to do.” The IWT of 1960 stands as one of the most carefully negotiated and legally robust transboundary water agreements in modern international law. Concluded between Pakistan and India with the good offices of the World Bank, the treaty was designed to remove water from the volatility of politics and conflict and to anchor it firmly in law, engineering discipline, and neutral dispute resolution. It is a binding international instrument governed by the foundational principle of pacta sunt servanda — that treaties must be honoured in good faith. Read: Pakistan accuses India of violating Indus Waters Treaty At the heart of the IWT lies a permanent and unqualified allocation of rivers. Article II vests the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — exclusively in India, while Article III accords Pakistan exclusive rights over the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. This allocation was the treaty’s foundational bargain. India’s access to the western rivers is permitted only within the narrow confines of Article III(2) of the Indus Waters Treaty, read with Annexures D and E, allowing limited, non-consumptive uses such as run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects. These permissions are subject to strict design and operational constraints, including limits on pondage, prohibition of storage for flow regulation, and a ban on engineering features enabling control over water flows to Pakistan. These safeguards were intended to protect Pakistan as the lower riparian and prevent water from becoming a strategic tool. Pakistan’s objections to projects such as Kishanganga and Ratle stem from concerns over excessive pondage, gated spillways, and drawdown mechanisms, which it says violate treaty provisions and could affect downstream flows, particularly during lean seasons. The dispute entered a more troubling phase in April 2025, when, following a terrorist incident in Pahalgam, India announced that it was placing the Indus Waters Treaty “in abeyance”. Read More: India skips IWT case proceedings at The Hague Earlier this year, India unilaterally approved the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project on the Chenab River, an action that violates the treaty’s provisions governing the western rivers and infringes upon Pakistan’s legally protected rights under the binding international agreement. The unilateral suspension and expedited approval of upstream projects, including the withholding of hydrological data, diversion of river flows, and alteration of natural regimes, constitute deliberate water weaponisation, jeopardising Pakistan’s agriculture, food security, hydropower generation, and ecological stability. Under the IWT, customary international law, and Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan has clear legal avenues to respond. International law expressly prohibits the use of water as a weapon against downstream populations, making strict enforcement of the IWT essential not only for bilateral stability but also for the integrity of global water governance norms.

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Newly wed Karachi couple gunned down in Malir

A young couple who had recently married was shot dead in a targeted attack near Saudabad RCD Ground in Karachi's Malir on Monday, when armed assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on their moving car, killing both on the spot. Police said the victims, identified as 20-year-old Nadia and 26-year-old Najeebullah, were sitting in the back seat of a rented vehicle en route to Hyderabad after appearing in court proceedings related to a kidnapping case filed by the woman’s father. CCTV footage of the incident also surfaced, showing a motorcyclist approaching the vehicle and firing multiple shots at close range, hitting both victims in the head before fleeing the scene. Following the incident, Saudabad police reached the site along with Crime Scene Unit teams and collected evidence. The bodies were taken to Jinnah Hospital via Chhipa Ambulance. According to a preliminary police report, the couple had recently married of their own choice and had appeared before a Malir court to record their statements under Section 164 in connection with an earlier kidnapping case lodged at Sachal Police Station. Read More: Two killed in separate firing incidents Police said the woman’s father had earlier registered a case alleging her abduction under relevant sections of the law, after she went missing from home in May. Investigators said initial findings suggested ongoing family tensions linked to the marriage. Officials further stated that a man named Javed Ali, reportedly a relative of the deceased groom, was also present in the car and fled the scene after the firing. The driver of the rented vehicle was also identified and was being questioned. Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police Fida Hussain Janwari said the victim belonged to Dadu district and had recently married against family wishes, which had led to a continuing dispute between the families. He said police had obtained CCTV footage and other evidence and were working to identify and arrest the shooters as well as those who may have facilitated the attack. Further investigation is underway, while the bodies were taken to the Edhi cold storage facility after legal formalities.

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Karachi University choked by student protests on exams, fees, funds

Protest tensions gripped the University of Karachi on Monday as students, faculty and employees took to the streets in separate but overlapping demonstrations over cancelled examinations, rising fees and a deepening financial and administrative crisis at the institution. The protests were organised by Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba and a student alliance, who staged a demonstration and later marched from Terminal Point to Pharmacy Chowk, raising slogans against university policies and repeated academic disruptions. Participants accused the administration of “turning education into a joke", saying students who travel long distances and prepare diligently were repeatedly confronted with postponed or boycotted examinations. They said such uncertainty was causing severe mental stress and academic loss, adding that despite heavy fees, basic facilities on campus remained inadequate. Protesters also blamed ongoing disputes between faculty and administration for directly harming students’ academic progress, urging both sides to resolve their issues urgently. Read More: KU teachers. employees accuse VC of financial irregularities Separately, on the 25th day of an ongoing protest movement at the university, a large number of teachers, officers, employees and students gathered outside the Administration Block for a strong demonstration and march. The participants raised slogans against financial mismanagement, administrative inefficiency and what they described as the “collapse of the academic environment” at the institution. Speakers alleged that issues, including house ceiling, arrears, evening programme dues, examination payments, leave encashment, supervisor fees and retired employees’ dues, were pending for a long time. They accused the administration of delaying tactics, pressure politics and a lack of seriousness in resolving long-standing financial disputes. The protesters expressed deep concern that a premier educational institution had been pushed to a point where all stakeholders — teachers, staff and students — were forced onto the streets, while authorities continue to avoid meaningful action. They warned that if the issues were not resolved immediately, the protest movement would be intensified, and the administration and relevant government authorities would be held responsible for the consequences. The demonstrators also announced that protests would continue even on Eid days, with a rally planned outside the Administration Block, in which families of teachers and employees would also participate to highlight the wider human impact of the crisis. They urged the Sindh chief minister and Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to take immediate notice of the situation, order transparent inquiries into financial and administrative mismanagement, ensure payment of outstanding dues, and take urgent steps to prevent further deterioration of the university.

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Gwadar University's abducted VC, three others recovered

The vice chancellor of Gwadar University, along with three others abducted 12 days ago near Mastung's Khad Kocha area, was safely recovered during a security operation on Sunday. According to security sources, VC Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Pro-VC Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed, VC's Personal Staff Officer Dr Muhammad Irshad, and driver Hatam Khan were traveling by car to Quetta on May 13 when armed men intercepted them in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung. The assailants set up a blockade and forcibly abducted all four people. Following the incident, security forces launched an extensive search operation to ensure their safe recovery. Sources said the abductees were recovered from the Kardgap area of Mastung during a continued search and clearance operation. After their recovery, all four individuals were transported to Quetta. Security agencies remained actively engaged in efforts to trace and recover the kidnapped officials since the day of the incident. The successful recovery comes after nearly two weeks of sustained operations in the area. Balochistan has been witnessing a low key insurgency for over two decades. The province, the biggest in terms of area but smallest in terms of population, shares long and porous borders with Iran and Afghanistan; the latter is often accused of serving as a hotbed of terrorist organizations of various hues.

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Move to rein in illegal cattle markets

Illegal cattle markets that have mushroomed across the city ahead of Eidul Azha are now set to face criminal proceedings, as the city administration moves beyond warnings and decides to register FIRs against those responsible for setting up unapproved livestock sale points. A meeting chaired on Saturday by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi reviewed ongoing efforts by deputy commissioners to dismantle such markets in response to public complaints. Officials assessed operations aimed at removing unauthorised cattle markets established without planning or permission. Deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners briefed the meeting on enforcement actions, stating that a total of 21 illegal cattle markets had been dismantled so far. These operations were carried out across several parts of the city including Jamshed Quarters, Saddar, New Karachi, Garden, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad and Orangi. Officials noted that in Orangi alone, markets were removed from 10 different locations, while district-wise action included three sites in Karachi East, two in Karachi South, four in Karachi Central and two in Korangi. Authorities informed the meeting that daily operations were being conducted with police assistance. However, they added that vendors repeatedly return in small groups, occupying roadside spaces to resume informal sales, making enforcement an ongoing challenge. The meeting emphasised that effective action requires stronger coordination between police and town administrations. Commissioner Karachi stressed that unauthorised and unplanned cattle markets were disrupting sanitation systems and causing severe traffic congestion across the city, calling for immediate measures to address the issue. It was decided that FIRs would be lodged against those responsible for establishing illegal cattle markets. The commissioner directed all town municipal administrations, police and traffic authorities to fully cooperate in removing unauthorised setups. Officials noted that over 21 properly planned cattle markets have already been established in the city in consultation with relevant agencies. However, the proliferation of informal markets continues to create civic disruptions and inconvenience for residents. Separately, a review meeting on price control enforcement was also held under the commissioner's chairmanship, which examined anti-hoarding and anti-price gouging actions over the past two weeks. Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Rabia Syed presented a detailed report, stating that between May 9 and May 22, action was taken against 678 profiteers, resulting in fines amounting to Rs3.23 million. During this period, 20 shops were sealed and six profiteers were arrested. Assistant commissioners conducted inspections at 1,543 locations to monitor prices, the meeting was told. A comparative review of weekly enforcement was also presented. Between May 9 and May 15, action was taken against 383 profiteers, imposing fines of Rs1.97 million, sealing 16 shops and arresting six offenders, with inspections carried out at 1,812 locations. From May 16 to May 22, enforcement teams penalised 295 profiteers with fines totaling Rs1.26 million, while four shops were sealed during the period, alongside continued price checks across the city.

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CPEC 2.0 in focus as PM Shehbaz visits China

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Saturday for what the Chinese Foreign Ministry described as an “important high-level exchange” between the two countries as they mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I have arrived in the beautiful and dynamic city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, as part of my official visit to China. I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Zhejiang Province for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. We look forward to strengthening practical… pic.twitter.com/T60RoRsDrh — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 23, 2026 “China hopes that both sides will take the visit as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen cooperation across the board, and write a new chapter in building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. The visit — from May 23 to 26 — is expected to highlight a new chapter in the 75-year-old China-Pakistan relationship, which has long been recognised for mutual trust and enduring cooperation despite changing international circumstances, according to a commentary published on China’s CGTN website. At a ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday, PM Shehbaz praised the “steadfast” Pakistan-China friendship, saying China had consistently stood by Pakistan during both prosperity and hardship. “Earthquakes, floods, peace and difficult times — China has always supported Pakistan in an unwavering fashion,” he said. Delighted to be in beautiful Hangzhou, China with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz and members of Pakistan delegation. Look forward to several engagements including leadership meetings and participation in Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Hangzhou tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/wh6nowxxBH — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 23, 2026 Over the past 75 years, Pakistan and China have maintained steadily expanding ties. In 2015, the two countries elevated their relations to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and later agreed to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, said the visit reflected Pakistan’s willingness to attract more Chinese private enterprises and inject fresh momentum into bilateral economic cooperation. Read More: PM Shehbaz arrives in Hangzhou on four-day official visit to China Economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched in 2013, remains the cornerstone of bilateral ties. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, in a recent article, described CPEC as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying it had attracted more than $25.9 billion in direct investment and created over 260,000 jobs in Pakistan. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Wang Hao, Party Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee in Hangzhou on Saturday and discussed matters related to bilateral cooperation. PHOTO: APP According to Chinese officials, CPEC projects have added over 8,000MW to Pakistan’s power capacity, developed 510km of roads and 886km of transmission lines, while Gwadar Port has been expanded into a major regional hub capable of handling large cargo vessels. The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also generating 884MW of clean energy, reducing dependence on coal and lowering carbon emissions. Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said CPEC had significantly strengthened Pakistan’s energy security, infrastructure and regional connectivity while laying the foundations for a modern economic framework. During the seventh round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in January, both countries agreed to align development priorities further and accelerate work on an upgraded version of the corridor, commonly referred to as CPEC 2.0. Also Read: Pak-China friendship 'time-tested and unbreakable', says PM Shehbaz on 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations “CPEC is now entering its second phase, marking a strategic shift from infrastructure development to industrialisation, innovation and inclusive growth,” Iqbal said, adding that both sides hoped to transform the project into a corridor of “hope, innovation, opportunity and prosperity.” Expert on Pakistan-China and Afghanistan affairs, Rashid Safi, described PM Shehbaz’s visit as strategically important for regional stability, economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations. He said the visit was taking place at a critical moment as both countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic challenges and regional security concerns. “In this context, the visit is being viewed as a major effort to give a new direction to the future partnership between the two brotherly countries,” he told APP. According to Safi, the visit goes beyond formal diplomacy and is aimed at achieving progress in economic cooperation, investment, technology, media, information technology, industrial collaboration, agriculture and regional connectivity. He said the prime minister’s first stop in Hangzhou was particularly significant because the city is regarded as one of China’s leading centres for advanced technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and the digital economy. Safi added that the prime minister’s expected visit to Alibaba Group headquarters would carry special importance as Pakistan seeks to accelerate digitalisation, e-commerce expansion and IT exports. He added that under CPEC 2.0, both countries were now placing special emphasis on industrial zones, exports, youth employment, agricultural reforms, technology transfer and regional trade connectivity. “Pakistan seeks to accelerate economic growth through the relocation of Chinese industries, manufacturing and investment, while China sees Pakistan as an important trade, logistics and economic hub in the region,” he said. Regional and global developments are also expected to feature prominently during the visit, particularly tensions involving the United States and Iran, the Middle East situation, developments in the Arabian Sea, energy supply routes, Afghanistan and broader regional stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz and Pakistan delegation met H.E. Wang Hao, and his delegation, Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province, in Hangzhou this evening. The Prime Minister underscored the vitality of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative… pic.twitter.com/oNtc6LSMYK — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 23, 2026 Safi said both Pakistan and China favoured dialogue, diplomacy and economic cooperation over conflict, arguing that connectivity and confidence-building remained essential for regional prosperity. He also praised China’s governance and public security systems, saying many Chinese cities had become examples of discipline, safety and public trust. “In various Chinese cities, both local residents and foreign tourists enjoy an extremely secure environment,” he said, adding that public activity late into the night and the safe movement of women, families and foreigners reflected the success of China’s governance model. According to Safi, the long-standing Pakistan-China friendship extends beyond diplomacy, with both countries consistently supporting each other during difficult periods. “That is why Pakistan-China ties are globally recognised as an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” he said, adding that celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations reflected the commitment of both nations to shared development, regional stability, economic cooperation and a more connected Asia. (With additional input from Agencies)

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Bilawal inaugurates Shahrah-e-Bhutto

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday inaugurated the 39-kilometre Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway and also performed the groundbreaking of its strategic extension from Qayyumabad to Karachi Port. The PPP chief said the project is a major milestone for Karachi's urban mobility, transport efficiency and economic connectivity. The inauguration ceremony of the Sindh government's flagship infrastructure project was held at the Kathore Interchange near the M-9 Motorway, where Bilawal, accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, formally opened the high-speed corridor for traffic. Before the ceremony, Bilawal, again accompanied by Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah, arrived at Shahrah-e-Bhutto and personally drove on the expressway during its inaugural run, also paying the toll tax himself. The newly inaugurated Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway stretches approximately 39 kilometres from Jam Sadiq Bridge to Kathore Bridge. It has been developed as a six-lane controlled-access corridor with a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour. The project includes six interchanges, two main toll plazas, five weigh stations, and an underpass, and has been completed at a total cost of Rs54.814 billion. Addressing the ceremony, the PPP chairman said the completion of Shahrah-e-Bhutto reflected his party's commitment to modern infrastructure, public welfare and long-term urban planning. "Karachi is the economic engine of Pakistan, and its future depends on modern connectivity, efficient transport systems and sustainable infrastructure," he said. "The Pakistan Peoples Party does not believe in empty slogans - we believe in delivering projects that improve the lives of people." He said Shahrah-e-Bhutto would significantly reduce travel time between central Karachi and the M-9 Motorway while easing traffic congestion on existing routes. "This expressway is not merely a road; it is a new economic corridor that will support trade, investment, industrial growth and employment generation," he added. The PPP chairman further said the extension project from Qayyumabad to Karachi Port would strengthen connectivity between the city's industrial zones, port infrastructure, and national highways. "Karachi Port is the backbone of Pakistan's trade economy, and this extension will provide a direct, efficient and modern route for cargo movement and commuters alike," he said.

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Govt extends Fawad Asadullah Khan’s tenure as IB chief

The federal government on Friday extended the tenure of Fawad Asadullah Khan as director general of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) after granting him a four-year extension in service. According to notifications issued by the Establishment Division, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a four-year extension in the contract of Fawad from July 14. A separate notification stated that following the extension, he had been appointed director general and would continue to serve in the position until further orders. Sources said the prime minister approved the extension after expressing confidence in his performance as additional director general of the IB, and to ensure continuity in government policies. According to the sources, the government was satisfied with his role in counterterrorism, counterintelligence, economic security and coordination among security institutions. Fawad is regarded as a career officer of the IB who rose through the ranks from assistant director to additional director general. During a career spanning four decades, he served in sensitive positions and supervised key operations, the sources added. He is also the first officer from the IB cadre to be promoted to Grade 22. In recognition of his services, he has been awarded the Tamgha-e-Shujaat, Sitara-e-Shujaat and Hilal-e-Imtiaz during Marka-e-Haq operations.

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22 killed as deadly clashes erupt between TTP, JuA factions in K-P's Kurram

Over a dozen terrorists were killed in deadly clashes between the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its breakaway faction TTP-Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) as tensions came to a boil between the commanders from both sides in Kurram tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, sources told The Express Tribune on Friday. The deadly fighting in the Manato area of Central Kurram followed a TTP Central Shura decision to take disciplinary action against some commanders of the JuA faction. Sources added that the clashes started after JuA fighters were allegedly asked to surrender arms or comply with the directives of local TTP commanders. The infighting reportedly left 19 JuA fighters dead, while three TTP members were also killed, the sources claimed. Read: Pause in fighting Sharing further details, sources further stated that a jirga had been convened to address rising tensions and resolve the dispute; however, the situation deteriorated when firing broke out between the two factions during the tribal assembly. Meanwhile, the JuA has vowed to avenge the killings and circulated images of their slain members on social media, according to sources. In a separate development, security sources said that during a recent military operation in Shawal and Spinwam areas of North Waziristan, a senior terrorist commander identified as Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib was killed along with around 30 other militants. They added that Jan Mir was considered an expert in explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and was known for his tactical expertise.

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Court allows Karachi police to tighten grip on ‘Cocaine Queen’ network

Karachi’s Darakhshan and Garden police have intensified action against facilitators of the alleged “Cocaine Queen” Anmol alias Pinky after a district and sessions court on Thursday granted permission to arrest and interrogate a key suspect in two cases. The court allowed police to arrest and investigate Muhammad Sameer, said to be a close associate of Pinky, in connection with the cases. The investigating officer was directed to conduct his interrogation at the Central Jail, where he is currently incarcerated. According to the police, Sameer was arrested in June 2021 in a hashish recovery case and remains in custody. Meanwhile, Pinky is on physical remand with the police. Read: IG vows to unmask 'Pinky drug cartel' operatives During interrogation, Pinky reportedly disclosed the names of riders involved in the supply of narcotics, including Sameer. Police said the suspect allegedly used a motorcycle to deliver drugs and also handled the transfer of proceeds from narcotics sales through bank accounts. Police said further interrogation of the suspect is required and sought his custody on remand for investigation. Separately, the complainant in the murder case against Pinky failed to appear before the court to record his statement under Section 164. According to the written proceedings issued by the judicial magistrate for District South at the Judicial Complex in Central Jail, the complainant was scheduled to record his statement in the case, but he did not appear. Also Read: After 'Cocaine Queen', 70+ dealers found linked to empire Court sources said the complainant could not attend the proceedings due to a parent’s illness. Subsequently, the judicial magistrate left the Judicial Complex without recording the statement. The investigating officer and lawyers also did not appear in court. Special Public Prosecutor Shakeel Abbasi stated that the complainant in the case was a social worker.

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DPM Dar confirms release of Saad Edhi, flotilla activists from Israeli detention

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday confirmed the release of Saad Edhi, along with other humanitarian workers detained by Israeli security forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. On Monday, Israeli forces detained Saad along with other volunteers after intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid, including medicine and food, for victims in Gaza. “It gives me a great pleasure to announce that as a result of our concerted efforts, Saad Edhi, who was aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has been released after being illegally detained by Israeli occupation forces,” FM Dar said in a post on X. It gives me a great pleasure to announce that as a result of our concerted efforts, Mr. Saad Edhi, who was aboard Global Sumud Flotilla, has been released after being illegally detained by Israeli occupation forces. He along with other detained humanitarian workers have safely… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 21, 2026 He added that other detained humanitarian workers had also been released and had safely arrived in Istanbul, while thanking the Turkish authorities for facilitating their return. “Alhamdulillah, I once again convey my heartfelt gratitude to the government of Türkiye for ensuring his safe return to Istanbul,” he said. Condemning the detention, the deputy prime minister described the treatment of humanitarian workers as unacceptable and reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for the Palestinian people. “Pakistan has been and will continue to provide unequivocal support to our Palestinian brothers and sisters, InshaAllah,” he said. Edhi Foundation Chairman Faisal Edhi earlier said that his son’s last contact was with his mother during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission, adding that he had informed her it would be his final call. Speaking on a programme 'Centre Stage', Faisal said Saad had told his mother during the call that he would not be able to make contact again thereafter. “He told his mother that this is my last call, Israeli forces have abducted us, and after this I will not be able to contact you again,” he said. He added that all individuals aboard the flotilla were volunteers and that the aid, including food and medicine, had been collected through donations. Faisal further said that medical teams in Gaza were reportedly being forced to carry out surgeries without anaesthesia. He also alleged that women and young people were subjected to violence during the incident and said Israeli forces had long maintained what he described as a “fascist attitude”. Referring to the situation in Gaza, he said the territory had been under siege for months, with more than 1.9 million people reportedly trapped and limited information emerging from the area. The Foreign Office had also condemned the “unlawful interception” of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and called for the immediate release of all detained activists. This comes as the second such incident in less than a month. Last month, former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, was also detained along with other activists after Israeli forces intercepted vessels carrying humanitarian workers. Turkiye planning special flights to bring back activists Turkiye was planning special flights from Israel to fly out its citizens and some activists from third countries who joined a global aid flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli forces while trying to break the Gaza blockade, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. Küresel Sumud Filosu’na gerçekleştirilen hukuka aykırı müdahale sonucunda alıkonulan vatandaşlarımızın güvenliğini ve ülkemize sağ salim dönüşlerini sağlamak için ilgili tüm kurumlarımızla birlikte çalışıyoruz. Bugün düzenleyeceğimiz özel uçak seferleriyle vatandaşlarımızı ve… — Hakan Fidan (@HakanFidan) May 21, 2026 Fidan said on X that all Turkish institutions were working to ensure the security and safe return of Turkish nationals. Broadcaster NTV separately said Turkish Airlines has sent three planes to Israel for the repatriations. Gaza flotilla activists who were detained by Israel and later pinned to the ground to the taunts of Israel's far-right ​police minister were released from prison and would be deported to Turkiye today, officials said. The activists were arrested at a port in ‌southern Israel after the Israeli navy intercepted their protest flotilla in international waters. Their treatment by police officers under Itamar Ben-Gvir's direction drew an international outcry and a rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben-Gvir and at least one other minister in Netanyahu's government, transport chief Miri Regev, posted campaign-style videos of themselves visiting the port and lambasting the protesters, attention-grabbing antics ahead of potential early elections in Israel. Flotilla organisers said they aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance, something aid bodies say is ​still in short supply despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since October 2025 that includes guarantees of increased aid. The ⁠flotilla departed from southern Turkiye this week before being intercepted on Wednesday. Past flotillas, including one carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were also intercepted by Israel, with participants ​later deported. In a statement, Israeli rights group Adalah said the estimated 430 activists had been released from prison in southern Israel and would be deported via the Ramon airport near ​Eilat on the Red Sea. Read More: Israeli forces detain Saad Edhi, other volunteers after intercepting Global Sumud Flotilla Spain's foreign minister said its diplomats ​in Israel had been informed that some 44 Spanish flotilla members would depart from Israel at 3pm local time (1200 GMT). Taunting of activists comes ahead of Israeli election Ben-Gvir's ​video showed officers forcing an activist to the ground after she chanted "Free, free Palestine". The video also shows dozens of detained activists kneeling in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their backs, in what ‌appears to ⁠be an outdoor Israeli port facility. In the background, soldiers armed with long guns can be seen patrolling the area from aboard a military vessel. Israeli navy escorts vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla to Ashdod Port, in southern Israel. Photo: REUTERS During Israel's two-year intensified military assault in Gaza since October 2023, Israeli troops frequently lined up detained Palestinians on the ground, with their hands bound. "Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything," Ben-Gvir says in the video as he walks by the activists while carrying a large Israeli flag. Also Read: UN special rapporteur urges Mediterranean states to protect Global Sumud Flotilla Posting her own video at Ashdod port, transport ​chief Miri Regev, a member of Netanyahu's political ​party, said: "This is what should be ⁠done to supporters of terror who came to break the siege on Gaza." Netanyahu, who leads the most right-wing government in Israel's history, said Ben-Gvir's conduct was "not in line with Israel's values and norms". US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he "betrayed the dignity of ​his nation". Ben-Gvir's political base includes some of Israel's most nationalist voters, a bloc that Netanyahu's Likud party has in the past ​tried to woo ahead ⁠of national elections, the next of which is due by October 27. This week, Israel moved closer to a snap election after lawmakers gave an initial nod to dissolve parliament, with opinion polls showing Netanyahu would lose the first national vote since the 2023 Hamas attacks. International outcry with Israeli envoys summoned The detention and taunting of the activists led France, Canada, Spain, Portugal and the ⁠Netherlands to ​summon top Israeli diplomats in their countries. Canada and Spain are among the countries that have imposed sanctions on ​Ben-Gvir and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, citing allegations that they incited violence against Palestinians. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that whatever one thinks of the flotilla, "our compatriots who are participating in it must be treated ​with respect and released as quickly as possible."

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Adiala inmates use unique code words for daily life

Originally built in 1986 for 3,000 prisoners and later expanded to accommodate 4,000 inmates, Adiala Jail currently houses nearly 7,000 prisoners and undertrial inmates, making it one of the largest prisons in Asia. The prison includes local and foreign inmates from countries including the United States, Britain, Nigeria, India and Bangladesh. During a recent hearing in the Islamabad High Court regarding meetings with the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, government representatives stated that the superintendent of Adiala Jail was "the king of the jail" and operated with full autonomy in decision-making. Inside the prison, inmates and undertrial prisoners have developed their own unique code words for various sections and practices of jail life. According to prisoners, inmates who regularly pay money and gifts to jail staff are called "Sab Acha" prisoners or "Tori" prisoners, meaning prisoners with influence and privilege. Such inmates can sleep and move around freely, use mobile phones and receive food from home. They are also provided mattresses and comfortable bedding. Prisoners unable to pay are forced to sleep on bare floors near washrooms without sheets or mats. These areas are referred to by inmates as the "Motorway". The diluted tea served at breakfast is called "Scale" in prison slang. A small piece of meat with watery gravy served once a week is referred to as "Diesel" while half-cooked bread served three times daily is known as "Nafri". Watery lentils served in jail are called "Langar". According to inmates, prisoners are made to sit without shoes during visits by the jail superintendent, judges or other officials to prevent anyone from throwing footwear. Prisoners who stand up, complain or look directly at officials during inspections are allegedly considered guilty of serious misconduct and later subjected to physical punishment. If two prisoners fight, both are reportedly confined to a small punishment cell known as "Qasuri", where inmates can only sit or lie down. Prisoners placed in "Qasuri" are not even produced before courts during hearings. Inmates returning from court appearances undergo complete body searches and any recovered money, cigarettes or items are confiscated. Prisoners claimed cigarettes were extremely expensive inside the jail, with a pack of Gold Leaf selling for Rs800 and Capstan for Rs500. With the onset of summer, prisoners, women inmates and children living with their mothers in jail were reportedly suffering from heat rashes. Prisoners appealed to philanthropists to donate room coolers, fans and solar panels to improve living conditions inside the prison, where electricity outages are frequent. They also urged welfare organisations distributing free meals in markets to send food to prisoners as well. Several prisoners whose sentences have been completed reportedly remain imprisoned because they cannot pay fines imposed by courts. Inmates appealed to philanthropists to help pay such fines so that poor prisoners could secure their release. Prisoners also demanded immediate operationalisation of the Islamabad jail project so that around 3,000 inmates could be shifted from Adiala Jail, reducing overcrowding and allowing prisoners to sleep in rooms instead of on the "Motorway".

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