Politics

Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Challenge Mecca Joint Defence Pact, Putting Pakistan to a Tough Test
Recent attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of the Mecca Joint Defence Pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. At the same time, the developments are highlighting the strategic and security challenges Pakistan could face as it seeks a greater role in West Asia.

To block the long march towards Islamabad demanding the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, the administration has set up container barricades across all entry points to the capital.
Authorities have erected barricades made of a large number of containers on key roads and entry points into Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, ahead of a planned long march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The measures have disrupted normal traffic in the capital and are also putting pressure on the country’s cargo transportation and supply chains.

Two Pakistani citizens were killed in firing by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in the border area of Punjab province.
Two Pakistani citizens were killed and another was injured after the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) opened fire along the India-Pakistan international border. The incident took place on Friday, October 2, in the Kasur border area of Pakistan’s Punjab province. The incident has raised fresh concerns amid recent tensions between the two countries.

U.S. Midterm Elections Just One Month Away: Trump Faces Public Discontent as 65% Blame His Policies for High Prices — AP/NORC Survey
With just one month to go before the U.S. midterm elections, the latest AP-NORC survey has highlighted growing public dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump over the cost of living and the economy.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Meets U.S. President Donald Trump at Reception for World Leaders on UNGA Sidelines in New York
On the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a reception hosted in New York for world leaders. According to information released by Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID), the two leaders met during the reception hosted by President Trump.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Comments on Iran’s Possible Involvement in Attack on Dubai–Israel Flight
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said it is too early to determine whether Iran was involved in the incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, in which one pilot was stabbed and an attempt was allegedly made to take control of the aircraft.

Kazakh President Tokayev Calls Putin the Most Acceptable Political Figure, Voices Support for His Leadership
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong and experienced political leader, expressing support for his leadership of Russia.

Iranian Armed Forces Ready for Preemptive Military Action if an Imminent Threat Emerges” — Army Spokesman
Iran’s armed forces are prepared to conduct preemptive military operations if an imminent threat emerges against the country, according to Brigadier General Amir Akraminia, spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran Army. He also said that following the recent war, Iran has moved its military doctrine from a traditionally defensive posture toward a more offensive strategy.

If Iran’s Security Is Not Guaranteed, No Infrastructure Will Be Safe” — Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf Warns US
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned the United States that no infrastructure in the region will remain safe if Iran’s security is not guaranteed. He also said that if Iran is prevented from selling oil in a particular region, no other country will be able to sell oil there either.

Sheikh Hasina’s December Return Announcement, Ajit Doval’s Reported Secret Dhaka Visit: What Geopolitical Equation Is Bangladesh Navigating?
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December, reports of a discreet visit to Dhaka by India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, and a possible visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have sparked discussion about a new geopolitical equation in Dhaka–New Delhi relations.

India Follows a ‘Zero-Tolerance’ Policy Against Terrorism—Prime Minister Narendra Modi
India is currently following a “zero-tolerance policy” against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He made the remarks during the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strike.

Icelandic Foreign Minister Calls Out Netanyahu at UN General Assembly, Says Those Blocking Peace Are “Morally Cowardly”
Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir has responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks describing critics of Israel as “morally cowardly” at the United Nations General Assembly. She said that refusing to engage in negotiations for a just and lasting peace, blocking humanitarian assistance, and repeatedly showing disrespect for international law are themselves examples of moral cowardice.

Iran Will Not Bow to U.S. Pressure, Says President Pezeshkian, Ready to Consider Talks Based on Mutual Respect
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran is prepared to hold talks with the United States, but stressed that Iran will not bow to any pressure, threats or coercion. He said Iran could consider diplomatic negotiations if Washington presents an acceptable proposal based on mutual respect and existing understandings.

President Donald Trump Says Talks With Chinese President Xi Jinping Made Significant Progress on All Issues
U.S. President Donald Trump said his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping had made progress on all issues, although he did not provide details about the specific areas where the two sides reached an understanding or made progress.

At UN, India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar Hints at Pakistan as a Terrorist State in Response to Journalist’s Question
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp response to a Pakistani journalist’s question on terrorism on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. When the journalist accused India of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and asked when the Indian government would stop, Jaishankar replied, “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.”

President Donald Trump Welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States with an Unprecedented Reception at the Airport
US President Donald Trump personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at the start of Xi’s visit to the United States. To mark the beginning of the three-day state visit, Xi was given a grand reception featuring a 100-foot (approximately 30-meter) red carpet, an honor guard, a military band, a ceremonial cannon salute and a flyover by two B-1 bombers.

“Almighty Allah Will Grant Iran Victory”: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Sends Handwritten Message to IRGC
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has sent a handwritten letter praising the efforts of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. Iran’s state news agency IRNA published the information on September 22. Middle East-based news outlet Middle East Eye also reported on the contents of the letter.

From Delegation Walkouts and Heated Speeches to Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the International Order — What Happened on Day One of the 81st UN General Assembly
The first day of the high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22 unfolded amid diplomatic tensions, delegation walkouts and contrasting statements on Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the future of the international order. According to the United Nations, this year’s General Debate is being held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. The theme of the session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”

Despite Full-Scale War with Ukraine, Putin’s United Russia Wins by a Wide Margin in Russia’s Parliamentary Election, Securing a Record Number of Seats
In the first parliamentary election held in Russia since the start of its full-scale military operation in Ukraine, the ruling United Russia party, closely aligned with President Vladimir Putin’s political system, has won by a wide margin.

Pakistan’s Former PM Imran Khan’s Sister Aleema Khan Arrested as Tensions Rise Ahead of September 27 Nationwide Protest and Islamabad March — Government Warns of Rs120 Billion Daily Loss
Political tensions are rising in Pakistan ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s nationwide protest and planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. Police have arrested Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Lahore. At the same time, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned that prolonged protests and sit-ins could cause economic losses of around Rs120 billion per day.