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    ISPR calls India’s ‘Operation Sindoor&…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has strongly rejected what it described as India’s attempt to reshape the history of the 2025 military confrontation through a recently produced documentary on “Operation Sindoor,” calling the production a highly dramatized and factually distorted portrayal of events. In a statement, Pakistan said the documentary relied on selectively edited interviews, emotional narration and cinematic reconstructions to present a version of the conflict designed primarily for domestic political consumption. It argued that the production failed to provide an objective account of the military engagements and instead sought to portray a disputed outcome as an unequivocal Indian victory. Pakistan also questioned the documentary’s chronology surrounding the Pahalgam incident of April 22, 2025. It said India had subsequently claimed that the alleged perpetrators of the incident were identified and eliminated on July 28, nearly three months after Operation Sindoor. Islamabad argued that this timeline raised questions about India’s assertion that the May 7 operation was specifically intended to punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The statement further rejected India’s claim of “100 percent mission success,” maintaining that Pakistani forces had effectively responded to the Indian offensive during what Pakistan refers to as Marka-e-Haq. Islamabad claimed that eight Indian military aircraft were shot down during the confrontation and said Pakistan later launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting military installations with precision-guided rockets and missiles, precision air-launched munitions, loitering munitions and artillery. Pakistan said the documentary itself contained admissions that undermined its portrayal of decisive Indian dominance. According to Islamabad, references by Indian military officials to Pakistani missile and drone activity, prolonged engagements along the Line of Control and the activation of Indian air-defence systems demonstrated that the confrontation involved significant military exchanges on both sides. The Pakistani statement also challenged New Delhi’s account of how hostilities ended. It noted that the documentary acknowledged communication between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations and an agreed cessation of military activity. Islamabad said this account was inconsistent with portraying the conclusion of the conflict as an unconditional Indian military victory, particularly given the role of international diplomatic engagement in facilitating the ceasefire. Pakistan further accused the documentary of presenting contradictory explanations for India’s approach to escalation. While the production reportedly emphasised surprise attacks, precision strikes and escalation dominance, it simultaneously portrayed India as deliberately restricting the scope of the conflict and offering Pakistan an opportunity to withdraw. Islamabad described the documentary as an attempt to create a politically convenient narrative rather than an impartial military assessment. It maintained that cinematic reconstructions and official claims could not alter the chronology of events, the military engagements or the losses suffered during the confrontation. Pakistan said it had no need to construct an alternative narrative around Marka-e-Haq, arguing that battlefield developments, diplomatic interactions and subsequent statements by Indian officials provided sufficient material for assessing the conflict. Reaffirming its stated commitment to regional peace and stability, Pakistan said its armed forces remained prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It warned that any future military escalation would receive a strong response, while asserting that no subsequent narrative or media production could change the actual course of events on the battlefield.

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    EU plans sweeping new sanctions on Russia

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    The European Union is preparing its most extensive round of sanctions against Russia since the war in Ukraine began, with the proposed measures aimed primarily at Moscow’s military-industrial complex. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told German newspaper Die Welt that the new sanctions would significantly increase pressure on Russia and could raise the number of sanctioned Russian individuals and entities by about one-third. EU diplomatic sources said the European External Action Service is expected to propose sanctions against around 1,600 people and entities linked to Russia’s defence sector. The proposed measures would include asset freezes as well as travel and transaction restrictions. The EU has already sanctioned nearly 3,000 Russian individuals and companies. According to EU diplomatic sources, the new list could be presented to member states in early September, with formal adoption targeted for October. Unlike broader sanctions packages, the proposed designations are not expected to include new sector-wide restrictions, a move intended to speed up approval. Kallas said the EU would continue increasing economic pressure until Moscow ends its war in Ukraine. However, EU sanctions require unanimous approval from all member states, and previous measures have faced delays because of disagreements among countries. The latest move comes as the EU seeks to strengthen its pressure on Russia while avoiding the lengthy disputes that have complicated previous sanctions packages.

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    Torrential rain floods low-lying areas of twin cit…

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    RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Torrential rainfall for the second consecutive day has inundated several low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting normal life and prompting authorities to step up emergency measures. According to the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Shamsabad received the highest rainfall, with 116 millimetres recorded in the area. WASA has declared a rain emergency and cancelled the leave of field staff to ensure an immediate response to any emergency. Heavy machinery has been positioned at vulnerable locations, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khuba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad, to accelerate drainage operations. The agency said the water level in Nala Lai had reached 10.5 feet at Katarian and 8.5 feet at Gowalmandi. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as further rainfall could increase the risk of urban flooding in vulnerable areas. Moreover, Lahore is experiencing hot and humid weather, with the current temperature recorded at 31°C and the maximum expected to reach 35°C. The minimum temperature is likely to remain at 28°C, while humidity stands at 75 percent and winds are blowing at 6 kilometres per hour. The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in Lahore from August 17 to 20 as part of the sixth monsoon spell, with rain expected across Lahore and other districts of Punjab until August 21. Authorities have warned of possible water accumulation in low-lying areas and urban flooding. In view of the forecast, WASA Lahore has been placed on high alert on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmed, DG WASA Punjab Tayyab Fareed, and MD WASA Lahore Ghufran Ahmed have directed officials to ensure that all major roads and underpasses remain clear and drainage operations continue without interruption. DG WASA Punjab directed all field teams to remain fully mobilised, while MD WASA Lahore instructed officials to operate disposal stations on generators in areas facing power outages to ensure uninterrupted drainage operations. The WASA Vice Chairman directed officials to keep pumps at all disposal stations operational and ensure that screens are regularly cleaned to prevent blockages. MD WASA Lahore also directed all Town Directors to closely monitor their respective areas and take immediate action wherever necessary. Meanwhile, WASA Lahore has released the latest rainfall record, with 21mm recorded at the Nishtar Town Director Office, 2.2mm in Kahna and 25.4mm at the Nishtar Town Disposal Station. The Nishtar Town Disposal Station recorded the highest rainfall among the reported locations. Under the directives of MD WASA Lahore Ghufran Ahmed, continuous monitoring of drainage operations is underway, with field officers and staff remaining fully mobilised to ensure the timely disposal of rainwater. The Meteorological Department has also advised citizens to take precautionary measures during rainfall and avoid unnecessary travel. Relevant authorities have been directed to remain alert and take all necessary measures to deal with any emergency situation.

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    Kushner’s Gaza mission end in deadlock as Israel…

    ByJustpaste.in

    JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner has concluded two days of talks with Israeli and Hamas representatives without securing a clear breakthrough in efforts to revive Washington’s Gaza peace plan. Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, following discussions with Hamas political leader Khalil Al-Hayya in Egypt a day earlier. The meetings were aimed at overcoming the deadlock surrounding the US-backed plan as fighting and Israeli military operations continue in Gaza. An Israeli official said Netanyahu made clear that Israel would not withdraw from the positions outlined in the October ceasefire arrangement and would continue military operations in Gaza when deemed necessary. Israel has also maintained that reconstruction cannot begin until Hamas is fully disarmed. The meeting between Kushner and Netanyahu lasted several hours and was also attended by Nickolay Mladenov, the Trump administration’s Board of Peace envoy for Gaza. Israeli officials described the discussions as deep and constructive, while a Board of Peace official called them productive and said the sides had agreed on a possible way forward without providing further details. Netanyahu’s office said Israel and the Board of Peace agreed that Gaza’s disarmament and demilitarisation must be completed before major reconstruction begins. The two sides also agreed to form working groups focused on disarmament as well as sanitation, clean water and other public health needs in the territory. The talks come as Netanyahu faces a challenging election campaign ahead of the October 27 vote, making major concessions on Gaza politically difficult, according to diplomats. Kushner’s meeting with Hamas representatives in Egypt was his second known engagement with the group. He previously participated in talks with Hamas alongside US envoy Steve Witkoff in October 2025, negotiations that contributed to a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Earlier, Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday as Washington stepped up efforts to revive its stalled plan for ending the Gaza war. The meeting came a day after Kushner held talks in Cairo with Hamas representatives, including senior leader Khalil Al-Hayya, marking his second known direct engagement with the Palestinian group. Kushner was accompanied in Jerusalem by Trump’s Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov. The latest diplomatic push comes amid deep disagreements over the implementation of the US-backed Gaza plan. Under the proposal, Hamas and other armed groups would surrender their weapons while Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from Gaza. An international stabilisation force, alongside a new Palestinian police force, would then help maintain security in the territory. Netanyahu, however, has insisted that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas and other armed groups are fully disarmed. Israel has also rejected a separate US-backed roadmap aimed at moving the broader peace plan forward. Diplomats say Israel is unlikely to make major concessions on Gaza ahead of the country’s October 27 election, adding another challenge to Washington’s efforts to break the deadlock. The talks have gained urgency as implementation of the ceasefire framework remains limited, with Israeli strikes continuing in Gaza despite commitments under the US plan. Hamas has said it accepts the proposed disarmament framework but argues that its implementation depends on Israel fulfilling its own obligations, including withdrawing forces and ending attacks. Kushner previously met Hamas officials alongside US envoy Steve Witkoff in October 2025. Those discussions helped produce an agreement that led to a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack. The latest meetings suggest Washington is seeking to reopen negotiations and bridge the widening gap between Israel and Hamas before the Gaza peace initiative loses further momentum.

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    US awards Raytheon $22.9 billion deal to expand To…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: The US military has awarded Raytheon, a unit of RTX, a massive $22.9 billion contract to significantly increase production of Tomahawk cruise missiles as Washington moves to replenish stocks of advanced weapons. The Pentagon’s decision comes after the United States supplied substantial quantities of military equipment to its allies while also using large amounts of precision-guided munitions during the conflict with Iran. The heavy use of weapons has raised concerns over the country’s remaining inventories, particularly air-defence systems and precision-strike capabilities. Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said the agreement would help the defence industry rapidly expand ammunition production and ensure that American forces maintain sufficient combat capabilities. The contract represents one of the largest recent investments in Tomahawk production and underscores Washington’s effort to strengthen its weapons reserves amid growing global security challenges. Moreover,  The United States has approved the sale of advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon ground-based launchers to Germany, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and significantly enhancing NATO’s military capabilities in Europe. According to international media reports, the announcement followed high-level discussions held during the NATO summit, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described meetings with US officials as more productive than expected. He confirmed that Germany had reached an agreement with Washington to purchase the long-range missile system and eventually deploy it on German territory. The decision is widely seen as a strategic move to close a key gap in Germany’s long-range strike capabilities at a time of growing security concerns across Europe. Speaking after the summit, the German chancellor said the acquisition would strengthen the country’s defense posture while complementing broader European efforts to modernize military infrastructure and improve collective deterrence against emerging threats. Reports indicate that the US government signed a Letter of Intent earlier this week, assuring Berlin that formal approval for the sale of the Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launchers is expected to be finalized in August. German officials, however, declined to reveal how many missiles or launchers the country intends to purchase, citing national security and operational sensitivity. Defense sources said details regarding the size of the deal remain classified. The Tomahawk is one of the world’s most advanced long-range cruise missiles, capable of striking targets with exceptional precision hundreds of kilometers away. The missile has been extensively used by the US military in multiple operations and is valued for its ability to engage strategic targets while minimizing collateral damage. The Typhon launcher is a mobile ground-based missile system designed to fire multiple types of long-range precision weapons, providing greater operational flexibility and rapid deployment capabilities. Defense analysts believe the agreement reflects NATO’s broader strategy to reinforce its eastern flank and improve Europe’s long-range strike capacity amid an increasingly complex security environment. The move is also expected to deepen defense cooperation between Washington and Berlin while accelerating Germany’s military modernization program. Although officials have not disclosed a delivery timeline, the proposed acquisition is already being viewed as one of Germany’s most significant defense procurement decisions in recent years. Analysts say the deployment of Tomahawk missiles on German soil could reshape Europe’s strategic military balance, strengthen NATO’s deterrence posture and send a strong signal of allied unity as the alliance continues adapting to evolving geopolitical challenges.

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    For key diplomacy Erdogan urges Trump to keep Iran…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged US President Donald Trump to keep diplomatic channels with Iran open, stressing that continued dialogue could help ease regional tensions. During a telephone conversation, Erdogan and Trump discussed bilateral ties as well as the ongoing conflicts involving Iran and Gaza, according to the Turkish presidency. The two leaders also exchanged views on defence agreements involving Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, amid growing regional security concerns. Erdogan told Trump that diplomacy should be given every opportunity and said Turkey was prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at maintaining dialogue with Iran. The Turkish president also raised concerns over the situation in Gaza, saying Israel’s military actions against Palestinians were continuing at a time when the second phase of a proposed peace plan was expected to begin. The call comes as Ankara continues to advocate diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and promote political solutions to conflicts across the region.

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    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawali at Nusrat’s shri…

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    Renowned Pakistani qawwal Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has come under criticism on social media following a Qawwali performance held at the mausoleum of legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on his death anniversary. Three decades after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s death, his powerful voice and musical legacy continue to resonate with fans around the world. To commemorate the occasion, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan visited the late qawwal’s mausoleum along with his son, Shah Zaman Ali Khan. The father-son duo performed Kalam and Qawwali at the shrine in the presence of a large gathering of fans and visitors. During the performance, currency notes were also showered as offerings, a practice that became a prominent feature of videos shared online. Footage of the gathering quickly spread across social media, triggering mixed reactions from users. While some viewed the performance as a tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s enduring musical legacy, others questioned the manner in which the Qawwali was conducted at the shrine. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his son’s performance has since sparked a heated online debate, with social media users expressing differing views over the appropriateness of the event and the customs observed during the tribute.

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    Pakistan strikes landmark offshore gas find

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    KARACHI: Pakistan has recorded a significant breakthrough in hydrocarbon exploration with the discovery of high-quality gas from a new petroleum play. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) announced that its exploration well, Dolphin, drilled in the company-operated Sarani Block in Sujawal district, Sindh, has yielded a major gas discovery. The find marks the first hydrocarbon discovery from the Jurassic-age Chiltan Formation in the Lower Indus Basin, according to PPL. The company said the discovery confirms the existence of an active petroleum system and could open fresh opportunities for exploration in the onshore swamp region and its potentially prospective shallow marine extensions.

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    Oil prices surges avove $91 as Iran war fuels Horm…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Oil prices climbed on Tuesday, with Brent crude moving above $91 a barrel as stalled diplomacy over the Iran conflict raised fresh concerns about global energy supplies. Brent futures gained 27 cents, or 0.3%, to $91.14 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate rose 42 cents to $85.04. WTI had earlier reached $85.37, its highest level since July 31. Markets remained tense after Iran signalled a shift toward a more offensive military posture, while Washington ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire. Progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz to normal tanker traffic has also slowed, adding to fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Only a handful of commodity vessels crossed the strategic waterway over the weekend, sharply below normal traffic levels. Concerns were further heightened by attacks in the Red Sea, reinforcing fears over disruptions at both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Despite the growing tensions, reports of possible back-channel contacts between the US and Iran offered a limited sign of hope for renewed diplomacy. Meanwhile, markets are also watching US crude inventories, which are expected to have declined last week. Earlier, Oil prices climbed on Monday as uncertainty over a possible diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran increased, while a sharp slowdown in tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz heightened concerns about disruptions to global crude supplies. Brent crude futures gained as much as 1% during early trading to reach $89.40 per barrel. The benchmark was later up 72 cents, or about 0.8%, at $89.20 a barrel by 0229 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also moved higher, rising 44 cents to $82.83 per barrel. Both international benchmarks posted gains of more than 5% last week after a series of attacks involving energy and shipping assets in and around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The incidents have intensified fears that further escalation could affect one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Market sentiment was further affected by developments over the weekend, when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had yet to decide whether it would resume negotiations with Washington. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, told Americans to prepare for somewhat higher gasoline prices as the conflict continues. Analysts said the renewed uncertainty had brought geopolitical risk back into crude markets after oil prices had previously come under pressure on expectations that diplomatic efforts could ease tensions. “Oil prices have now rebounded almost completely from the lows seen in early August, as hopes for a more permanent resolution between the US and Iran have faded and geopolitical risk premiums have returned to the market,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, head of market insights at Phillip Nova in Singapore. Sachdeva cautioned, however, that the rally could lose momentum unless there is evidence of a further deterioration in the situation. She said the market would need to see renewed aggression in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly significant damage to oil tankers or energy infrastructure, before prices were likely to move substantially higher. Hormuz shipping activity slows Concerns over physical supply disruptions increased after ship-tracking data showed a marked decline in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. According to data from Kpler, only five commodity vessels crossed the strategic waterway on Saturday, while no such transits were recorded on Sunday. This compared with 31 commodity vessel crossings during the previous weekend. The slowdown is significant because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for international energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption could increase transportation risks, raise insurance costs and place additional upward pressure on crude prices. The United Arab Emirates also accused Iran of attacking another vessel operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while it was passing through the strait on Friday, according to the Emirati state news agency WAM. The UAE had earlier blamed Iran for two separate incidents involving ADNOC-operated vessels on Thursday evening. The latest incidents have added to concerns among traders that the conflict could increasingly affect commercial shipping and energy infrastructure, rather than remaining confined to military and diplomatic confrontation. The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly important to global oil markets because a substantial volume of crude and petroleum products moves through the waterway. Any sustained interruption could therefore have consequences well beyond the region. For now, traders are closely monitoring developments involving US-Iran diplomatic contacts, attacks on shipping and the movement of tankers through the strait. While the latest price gains reflect a higher geopolitical risk premium, analysts remain cautious about predicting a prolonged rally. If shipping activity resumes and diplomatic channels reopen, some of the premium built into crude prices could quickly unwind. Conversely, additional attacks on tankers, oil facilities or other critical infrastructure could trigger a stronger market reaction and push prices higher as traders reassess the security of regional supplies.

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    Pakistan Independence Day celebrated at New York C…

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    NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated at the historic New York City Hall this year in a landmark event highlighting the growing presence and contributions of the Pakistani-American community. The ceremony marked the first time that Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations were held inside New York City Hall, making it a notable occasion for the Pakistani diaspora and a significant moment in Pakistan-US community relations. The event was jointly organised by New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Linda Lee, with support from the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG). Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, addressed the gathering and praised APAG and the participating elected representatives for their efforts in arranging the historic celebration. He described the event as a proud and memorable moment for Pakistani-Americans and said holding the ceremony at City Hall reflected the organisers’ strong connection with Pakistan. A large number of Pakistani-Americans, elected officials, community representatives and members of the media attended the ceremony. Speaking at the event, Speaker Julie Menin acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Pakistani-American community to New York City. She highlighted the community’s role in the city’s development while maintaining strong ties with both Pakistan and the United States. Other lawmakers and speakers also commended the Pakistani-American community for its dedication, resilience and continued contributions. They highlighted its role as an important bridge between Pakistan and the United States and recognised its growing influence in the city’s civic, economic and social life. The historic celebration at New York City Hall underscored the increasing significance of the Pakistani-American community and its positive contributions to New York, while also highlighting the enduring people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States. Moreover, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability, including its role in mediating during the recent US-Iran tensions, were highlighted at an Independence Day ceremony held at Pakistan House in New York. Speaking at the event, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Pakistan had consistently sought peaceful solutions amid growing international instability and conflicts. He urged renewed commitment to the country’s founding principles, sovereignty, security, peace and socio-economic progress. The ambassador paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, describing him as a visionary statesman whose leadership led to the creation of Pakistan. Reflecting on the country’s journey since independence, he praised the resilience and achievements of Pakistanis despite significant challenges. Ahmad also commended the armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the country and protecting its people, while recognising the achievements of Pakistanis abroad in fields ranging from innovation and sports to the arts. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic and political support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and for the rights of Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of combating terrorism while advancing economic development and national progress. Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai also paid tribute to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, emphasising that freedom carries both a legacy and a responsibility. He highlighted the Pakistani-American community’s contributions through investment, remittances, philanthropy and expertise, describing it as an important bridge between Pakistan and the United States. The ceremony featured the hoisting of the Pakistani flag and the national anthem, while messages from Pakistan’s leadership were also read out. Addressing children at the gathering, Ambassador Ahmad described them as the country’s future and called for collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Pakistan. The event concluded with calls for greater national unity and continued commitment to peace, diplomacy and Pakistan’s progress on the global stage.