World News
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.
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.
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.
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.”
“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.
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.
Saudi Arabia Signs Defense Pact with Pakistan and Türkiye with Much Fanfare, Yet Turns to Israel for Help Against the Houthis
Recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia have raised new questions about the security equation in the Middle East. Just a month after Riyadh signed a joint defense agreement with Pakistan and Türkiye, the question of immediate military assistance to Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks remains unclear. Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post has reported that Saudi Arabia and Israel have discussed intelligence cooperation to counter the Houthis, with mediation by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
Deadly Attack on Police Headquarters in Pakistan’s Kohat — At Least 31 Killed, Including 16 Police Personnel- Over 100 Injured
At least 31 people have been killed in an explosion and gun attack at a police headquarters in Kohat, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Among those killed were 16 police personnel, while more than 100 people were injured. A senior police official told AFP on Saturday that fighting was still ongoing.
In extremely turbulent times, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must stay together’ — Russian House Director Dr. Elena
Next year, India and Russia will mark 80 years of diplomatic relations. Highlighting the longstanding bilateral ties, Dr. Elena Remizova, Director of the Russian House, said that amid the current turbulent international situation, people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, education and business cooperation between India and Russia should be strengthened further alongside cooperation among BRICS members.
Iran will not hold talks with the United States until the conditions are met on Tehran’s national security secretary
Iran will not engage in any new talks with the United States until its conditions are met, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei has made clear. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, creating further uncertainty over the prospects for renewed diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Illegal Israeli Jewish settlements continue to expand across Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem — settler violence is also increasing
Israeli settlements continue to expand across Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. At the same time, attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, property damage and incidents of forced displacement are also increasing.
Pakistan Stands by Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks, Shehbaz–Mohammed bin Salman Talks Focus on De-escalation and Regional Stability
Pakistan has expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Islamabad’s firm support for Saudi Arabia’s security during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, while also reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.