PM Shehbaz orders nationwide high alert

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has urged North Korea to return to dialogue to establish a permanent peace regime and formally conclude the 1950–53 Korean War. Delivering a speech to mark the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee emphasised the necessity of peaceful coexistence and proposed diplomatic discussions to address Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities alongside regional security safeguards. The Korean War concluded with an armistice agreement rather than a formal peace treaty, leaving the peninsula in a technical state of conflict for decades. Lee affirmed that Seoul is prepared to implement pre-emptive measures to reduce military friction and prevent escalation, building upon earlier pledges to respect North Korea’s governance system. Diplomatic relations between the two nations remain strictly frozen, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un officially abandoning reunification goals and designating South Korea as a primary adversary. Pyongyang has repeatedly rejected previous diplomatic overtures from Seoul while criticising joint US–South Korean military exercises. Additionally, Lee addressed regional affairs with Tokyo, advocating for an approach that confronts historical grievances while fostering future cooperation with Japan as a neighbouring state.

SEATTLE: Three people were killed and four others, including a toddler, were wounded after gunfire erupted at a food festival in downtown Seattle, US authorities said. The shooting took place on Sunday evening at Seattle Center, where the annual Bite of Seattle food festival was being held. Police said one suspect was taken into custody following the incident. Investigators believe another person may have been involved and were searching for the second suspect. Seattle Police Department Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis said one of the injured victims later died in hospital. The death raised the confirmed toll to three. The four surviving victims were receiving medical treatment and were reported to be in stable condition. Witnesses said several gunshots were heard at around 6pm local time. The sound of gunfire caused panic at the busy festival, which had attracted visitors for food and entertainment. Police quickly responded to the scene and secured the area. Officers established a perimeter while emergency teams treated the injured and investigators began collecting evidence. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims. The circumstances that led to the shooting also remain under investigation. Officials are working to determine whether the incident was targeted or resulted from another dispute. Police have not yet provided a clear motive. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson condemned the shooting as a horrific act of violence. She expressed sympathy for the victims, their families and others affected by the incident. The shooting occurred during a public event intended to bring people together for food, culture and entertainment. The violence has therefore caused widespread shock among residents and festival attendees. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information about the shooting to cooperate with investigators.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is preparing a major new sanctions package targeting Russia, describing it as potentially the bloc’s most extensive list since the war in Ukraine began. In an interview with German newspaper Welt, Kallas said she plans to present the proposed measures in the coming months. She said that if the package is approved, the number of sanctioned Russian individuals, companies and organisations could rise by about one-third. Kallas argued that continued pressure on Moscow was necessary and welcomed signs of closer coordination between the European Union and the United States. She pointed to the US Senate’s approval of a sanctions bill earlier this month as a development that could bring Washington and European capitals closer on Russia policy. The EU foreign policy chief also warned of what she described as a growing hybrid threat facing Europe. She cited alleged incidents involving sabotage, espionage and cyberattacks, which she said were frequently linked to Russia. Kallas also referred to recent reports of Russian missiles and drones entering the airspace of Poland and Romania. She said such incidents should not be treated lightly, arguing that Moscow was testing the readiness and defensive capabilities of European countries. She welcomed Germany’s plans to reform its intelligence services, saying stronger intelligence capabilities would be important in responding to emerging hybrid security threats. Kallas also discussed diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. She said negotiations aimed at resolving tensions were continuing but warned that their outcome remained uncertain because of a lack of trust between the two sides. She highlighted the economic consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy and maritime trade. Kallas said freedom of navigation should remain unrestricted and argued that reopening the waterway should be treated as a priority. She also said efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons should remain an important part of the international agenda. On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Kallas reiterated the European Union’s support for a two-state solution, describing it as the only viable long-term framework for allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live securely alongside each other. She said EU missions were continuing efforts to preserve the possibility of such a settlement and suggested that a US-backed Gaza peace initiative could provide an opportunity for progress.