Blaze News - Pakistan

Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon strongly lashed out at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Tuesday and accused it of rigging in the first phase of the polls for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Reacting to the remarks of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he said the saying "adding insult to injury" aptly applied to the PML-N He said that the PML-N's theft of the innocent Kashmiris' right to vote was evident for everyone to see. He said that massive rigging took place, weapons were openly displayed, and a PPP worker was martyred. Instead of expressing condolences and regret over the incident, CM Maryam chose not to do so. He added that she spoke with the arrogance that comes with power. Memon said that every child in Pakistan knew how the PML-N came to power through the Form 47 mandate. He said that the people of Punjab gave the party...

China on Thursday issued a strong warning against Japan’s growing military ambitions in space, cautioning that Tokyo’s latest defence reforms risk accelerating the weaponisation of space and fuelling a broader global arms race, Xinhua news agency reported. Senior Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defence, sharply criticised Japan’s recent legislative move to rename its Air Self-Defence Force as the Aerospace Self-Defence Force and establish a specialised Space Operations Wing. Responding to media queries, Xi said that Japan has “openly designated space as an operational domain” and is actively pursuing a military build-up beyond Earth’s atmosphere — a shift that Beijing views with deep concern. Read: Japan rejects 'new militarism', accuses China of rapidly arming “Over the past five years, Japan’s military spending in relevant fields has increased tenfold, while its operational...

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 e...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to lead a high-level delegation tasked with presenting 'Pakistan’s case for peace' on recent Indian aggression to the international community. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto, who also served as foreign minister in the previous government, has accepted the Prime Minister’s offer to lead the delegation. In a post on social media platform X, Bilawal Bhutto wrote, “I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times.” According to Express News, the committee will engage with global leaders and institutions to raise awareness about India’s actions and Pakistan’s concerns regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. The delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto, will include Kh...

A tense courtroom encounter unfolded Saturday between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and former party MNA Kanwal Shauzab, following the circulation of a video in which Shauzab appeared to criticize Aleema. In the video, Shauzab allegedly criticized Aleema for disrespecting party officials and interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, claiming she was working to destroy the party and intended to confront her directly over the issue. During a hearing at the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, both women briefly exchanged words. Shauzab approached Aleema, saying, "Aleema Apa, I want to talk to you." Aleema responded, “Just leave it, it’s fine. Many people speak against us. We are now used to such accusations." Shauzab attempted to clarify, saying, “A specific portion of an old video was selectively edited and used against me,” but Aleema walked away, seemingly ignoring her attempt at reconciliation. Meanwhile, the ATC rejecte...

As Pakistan and India trade accusations over nuclear weapons mismanagement, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed to BBC Urdu on Thursday that “no radiation leakage or incident has been detected at any nuclear site in Pakistan.” The issue came up after unverified reports emerged in Indian media, alleging that Indian airstrikes targeted Pakistan’s Kerana Hills, where a stockpile of nuclear missiles is reportedly located. Amid the media speculation, the IAEA confirmed to the British broadcaster that “based on available data, no radiation leakage or incident has been detected at any nuclear site in Pakistan.” The Indian Air Force also denied striking any nuclear facility. Read more: Pakistan slams Indian defence minister’s remarks on nuclear arsenal Earlier, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti was asked at a press briefing whether reports of a strike on the Kirana Hills nuclear site were accurate. “Thank you for informing us that there is a nuclear facility there—we didn’t ...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Pakistan Air Force’s operational performance, confirming the downing of a sixth Indian aircraft—a Mirage 2000—near Pampore, east of Srinagar, on the night of May 6–7. He said the incident stood as “a testament to the PAF’s combat excellence and the unflinching resolve of our Armed Forces to protect the motherland at all costs.” The premier said this during a visit to the Pakistan Air Force’s operational base in Kamra on Thursday, where he praised the Air Force’s “combat excellence” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty against any aggression, the military’s media wing said in a statement. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے کہا ہے کہ ہمارے شاہینوں نے چند گھنٹوں میں دشمن کا غرور اور گھمنڈ پاش پاش کر دیا، پاکستان کے بھرپور جواب نے طاقت کا توازن تبدیل کر دیا، دشمن کو یہ پیغام دے دیا کہ اب دوبارہ کبھی میلی آنکھ سے ہماری طرف دیکھا تو اس کو پائوں تلے روند دینگے، جعفر ایکسپریس… pic.twitter.com/kJCFaIWaxr — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May ...

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, expressing hope that it would contain further escalation and help restore calm between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The remarks came during the opening session of the GCC-USA summit in Riyadh, held in the presence of US President Donald Trump. The crown prince praised the ceasefire and emphasised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional peace. “We welcome the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India and hope that it will contain escalation and restore calm between the two countries,” he said. Read more: PM Shehbaz visits frontline Pasrur Garrison, lauds armed forces' response to India The ceasefire follows last week’s military confrontation between India and Pakistan, which included missile strikes, drone attacks, and cross-border fire. Tensions spiked after a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Ka...

The National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bill mandating a 25% quota for free university education for deserving students across the country, Express News reported. The lower house of Parliament passed two key pieces of legislation, with the highlight being a new law requiring universities to allocate 25% of their seats for free education to financially deserving students. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Agha Rafiullah called for the inclusion of a 25% quota for free education within the Institute for Science and Technology Bill specifically for deserving and high-achieving students. The amendment was approved by the assembly. Read more: Punjab University issues revised schedule for postponed exams However, an amendment proposed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) MNA Aliya Kamran, opposing the bill on the grounds that education falls under provincial jurisdictionm, was rejected. In addition to the free education quota bill, the House approved the Institute for Science and Technology Bill...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday declared that May 10 will be observed annually as 'Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq' to commemorate the “magnificent success” of 'Operation Bunyanum Marsoos' and to express national solidarity, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. In a national address, the PM said the day would be marked each year across the country with fervour and passion, paying tribute to the exceptional bravery and professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. “The professional capabilities of our brave forces kept our head high with pride,” he remarked. He announced that Friday, will be observed as a special day of tribute and gratitude. On this day, the nation will honour the Armed Forces’ success on the defence front and bow before Allah in thanks. Special prayers will be offered nationwide in continuation of Youm-e-Tashakur, seeking progress for the country and the well-being of its people, he added. Premier Sharif also unveiled a comprehensive support and compe...

British police are investigating an overnight fire at a house belonging to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in north London in which nobody was hurt. “The prime minister thanks the emergency services for their work. The incident is subject to a live investigation and we will therefore not be commenting further,” a spokesperson for Starmer’s Downing Street office said. Police said in a statement, without mentioning the British leader, that they were called to reports of a fire at around 01:35 local time (0035 GMT). “Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, [and] nobody was hurt,” London’s Metropolitan Police said. “The fire is being investigated and cordons remain in place while enquiries continue.” The London Fire Brigade said it attended a “small fire”. Starmer, who has a home in north London, has lived at his Downing Street office and residence since becoming prime minister last July. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express ...

Acknowledging the losses as part of the cost of combat, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti said on Sunday that India had successfully achieved its military objectives in the recent cross-border escalation with Pakistan. In a press briefing held jointly by the Director Generals of Military Operations from all three branches of the Indian armed forces, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal AK Bharti and Vice Admiral AN Pramod provided an account of the recent escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), claiming that India’s military objectives had been achieved following days of intense fighting with Pakistan. Addressing the media, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai clarified that India’s operations were not directed at the Pakistani military or civilians but were aimed solely at what he termed “designated terrorist elements.” “Our fight is neither with the Pakistani military nor with anyone else on the other side. Our target was the terrorists we had identified. We neutralised them and subsequently maintained an air...

During a press briefing on Sunday, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry described Pakistan’s 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' against India as a comprehensive national response to Indian aggression, stating that the armed forces had fulfilled every promise made to the nation. “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos has been a great example of the coming together of all elements of national power,” he said. “With the overwhelming support of the Pakistani public, we effectively countered a direct threat to our national sovereignty, integrity, and our great motherland,” he added. Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated that the Pakistan Armed Forces had made three clear commitments at the outset of the conflict: “We will give a befitting response to Indian aggression. That response will come at a time, place, and through methods of our own choosing. And when we hit back, the entire world will know—it won’t be something you’ll need the Indian media to tell y...

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire announced by Pakistan and India on Saturday, describing it as a "positive step" that could pave the way for lasting peace, his spokesperson said. The statement came after the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire, following the intervention of US President Donald Trump after four days of heightened military exchanges. Guterres “hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries,” said his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a statement. Read more: Pakistan and India agree to immediate ceasefire Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire, stating that India and Pakistan had reached a “full and immediate” cessation of hostilities after days of military strikes. “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce...

Authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Abbottabad district have imposed a two-month ban on the use of all types of drones, citing heightened national security risks and public safety concerns, officials said on Friday. The restriction, enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, aims to prevent potential misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could pose threats to public life, property, or national security, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office said in a statement. Officials said the measure was taken in response to a 'sensitive' security environment, aiming to prevent aerial surveillance or unauthorized recordings that could be exploited by anti-state elements or miscreants. “Maintaining law and order is our utmost priority,” the statement said, urging residents to report any suspicious drone activity to local police. Violators of the ban may face legal action, including fines and imprisonment, authorities warned. The statement comes as the Pakistan Army interc...

In the wake of a series of drone incursions by India, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that these strikes make a Pakistani response to India "increasingly certain." Speaking to Reuters, the minister highlighted the growing tensions between the two nations, while also noting that the United States is taking the lead in global efforts to de-escalate the situation.  His statement comes amid rising regional tensions as Pakistan downed at least 29 Israeli-made Harop drones launched by India. The remotely-piloted aircraft, which entered Pakistani airspace and were detected over multiple cities, were neutralised using a combination of electronic countermeasures (soft-kill) and conventional weapons (hard-kill), as confirmed by the military’s media wing, the ISPR. This escalation follows a tragic attack early Wednesday morning in which Indian forces launched missile strikes that martyred at least 31 civilians in Pakistan. Pakistan has condemned these attacks...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned Indian military aggression and warned New Delhi of consequences, vowing that “every drop of the martyrs’ blood will be avenged.” His statement came after India launched missile, air and drone strikes overnight on May 6–7, targeting multiple locations across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan. Addressing the nation in a televised speech, the premier stated that Pakistan's response to the unprovoked attack has demonstrated its military strength and resolve. “Last night, India made a grave mistake by launching an attack on us,” the PM said. “It will have to pay the price for this aggression.” While highlighting India’s military superiority in numbers, Sharif praised the Pakistan Air Force for its swift retaliation, saying it forced Indian forces to retreat in the face of a decisive counterattack. “It didn’t take long for a force many times larger than ours to bow before our will. Five Indian warplanes, symbols of its prid...

India men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has called for a complete halt to all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including matches at neutral venues, in the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Speaking at an event in Delhi on Tuesday, Gambhir took a stance when asked whether India should continue playing against Pakistan in tournaments held at neutral venues, ESPNcricinfo reported. “My personal answer to this is absolutely no,” Gambhir said. “Till all this (terrorism) doesn't stop, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan.” India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series since January 2013. Their encounters in recent years have been limited to multi-nation events such as the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments. The two teams most recently faced each other during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. Potential clashes are also expected in the upcoming women's ODI World Cup, men’s Asia...

US President Donald Trump says he wants to work with his Turkish counterpart to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. United States President Donald Trump says he has had a “very good and productive” telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and they have discussed a wide range of topics, including how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Syria and Israel’s war on Gaza. During the call on Monday, Trump said Erdogan had invited him to visit Turkiye and he had extended an invitation for the Turkish leader to visit Washington, DC. No dates were announced. A readout of the call from the Turkish presidency confirmed Erdogan invited Trump for a visit. The Republican president, who described his relationship with Erdogan as “excellent” during his first tenure at the White House, said the two countries would cooperate on ending the war in Ukraine. “I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended – NO...

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for urgent dialogue between Pakistan and India amid rising tensions in South Asia, while voicing serious concern over the deteriorating security situation and increasing Islamophobia in the region. In an official statement on Sunday, GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi urged both nations to show restraint and prioritise diplomacy in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left dozens of civilians, including tourists, dead or injured. “The GCC condemns the attack and stresses the importance of peaceful conflict resolution in accordance with international law and the UN Charter,” Albudaiwi said. He reiterated the need for sustained dialogue and mutual understanding as the only path toward lasting peace and regional stability. The secretary general reaffirmed the GCC’s consistent stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He also called on the international community to intensify efforts toward a...