تازہ ترین

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    Iran ready to resist pressure as Hormuz talks near…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran is prepared to continue resisting mounting pressure, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, as Tehran and Oman move closer to an agreement on managing navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi said Iran would not forget what it described as the unjust bloodshed of its martyrs and would not forgive those responsible. His remarks come amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington and uncertainty over the future of negotiations. The Iranian foreign minister also warned that talks with the United States would not resume if Washington continued to violate the memorandum of understanding between the two countries. According to Araghchi, Iran and the United States are currently not engaged in direct negotiations. However, messages are being exchanged through intermediaries, keeping a narrow diplomatic channel open despite the broader standoff. The most immediate development concerns the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for international energy shipments. Araghchi said negotiations between Iran and Oman over a new arrangement for maritime traffic were in their final stages. He stressed, however, that reaching an agreement with Oman would not automatically mean the strait would be fully reopened. Instead, the proposed arrangement would establish new maritime routes between Iran and Oman. The two countries have previously agreed to work together on future navigation management, shipping services and related arrangements while emphasizing safe passage and their sovereign rights over their territorial waters. The issue has become a major point of contention in wider diplomatic efforts, with Tehran insisting that US actions under the memorandum must be addressed before normal negotiations can resume. For now, the emerging Iran-Oman arrangement could offer a potential pathway for maritime traffic, but significant political hurdles remain. With Tehran maintaining its tough stance toward Washington, the next stage of diplomacy could determine whether the strategic waterway moves toward greater stability or remains at the center of regional tensions.

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    Pakistan’s Umair Arif wins Hong Kong Junior Squash Open U17 title

    ByJustpaste.in

    HONG KONG: Pakistan’s young squash sensation Umair Arif produced a fighting performance to capture the Under-17 title at the Hong Kong Junior Squash Open on Sunday, overcoming England’s Luke McBride in a thrilling five-game final. Arif recovered from a slow start to defeat McBride 3-2, showing composure and determination when the championship was on the line. The Pakistani teenager struggled in the opening game, losing 4-11 as McBride established early control. But Arif quickly turned the contest around, winning the next two games 11-6 and 11-5 to move within one game of the title. McBride refused to surrender and responded strongly in the fourth game, edging Arif 11-9 to level the match at 2-2 and force a decisive fifth game. With the title hanging in the balance, Arif produced his best squash of the match. He controlled the final game and secured an emphatic 11-4 victory to complete the comeback and lift the Under-17 trophy. The victory adds another promising achievement to Arif’s growing junior career. He has previously represented Pakistan at both the World Junior Squash Championships and Asian Junior Squash Championships, gaining valuable experience against some of the best young players in the sport. Arif is also a fellow of the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood Foundation, which supports promising young talent. His latest triumph will further raise expectations around his future, particularly as Pakistan continues to nurture a new generation of squash players. The hard-fought Hong Kong final was a reminder of Arif’s fighting spirit — and his ability to respond when the pressure is at its highest.

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    UAE opens direct sea route to China, cutting car d…

    ByJustpaste.in

    DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has launched a new direct maritime trade route with China, creating a faster shipping link between the two countries and reducing the time needed to transport vehicles. The new route connects Khorfakkan Port, located on the Gulf of Oman outside the Strait of Hormuz, with China’s Xiaomo Port. According to the Emirates News Agency, the service will bring large shipments of vehicles directly from the Chinese port to Khorfakkan. The launch is expected to give vehicle importers and logistics companies a quicker option for moving cargo between China and the UAE. The new direct service will reportedly cut vehicle transportation times by three to five days, improving efficiency across the supply chain. Khorfakkan’s strategic location on the Gulf of Oman makes it an important maritime gateway, with direct access to international shipping routes. The new connection could further strengthen the port’s role in handling Chinese goods and automotive shipments bound for the UAE and wider regional markets. The development also reflects growing trade and logistics cooperation between the UAE and China, particularly as demand for faster and more reliable supply chains continues to increase. For the automotive sector, shorter transit times could mean quicker deliveries, smoother inventory planning and greater flexibility for businesses handling vehicles imported from China. With the new route now operational, the UAE is strengthening its position as a regional logistics hub while providing Chinese exporters with a more direct maritime connection to the Gulf. The service is expected to support growing bilateral trade and make vehicle movement between the two markets faster and more efficient.

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    Iran rules out US talks until demands are met

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the United States for now, saying Washington must first comply with the terms of an interim agreement reached in June. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Tehran and Washington were not holding direct talks. He said messages were still being exchanged through intermediaries. Araghchi also reiterated Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz. He said the strategic waterway would not reopen simply because Iran and Oman reached an agreement on shipping arrangements. According to Iranian reports, Tehran and Muscat are close to finalising an understanding on a temporary shipping route. However, Iran says the route can only be used after other conditions are met. The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of the wider conflict. Iran has repeatedly linked its reopening to demands directed at Washington. Iranian officials have called for an end to US threats and military action. They have also demanded the lifting of sanctions and blockades and the release of Iranian assets. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has separately warned that the strait will remain closed until Tehran’s conditions are accepted. The force accused its opponents of shifting their focus toward reopening the vital waterway. The strait is one of the world’s most important energy routes. A significant share of global oil and gas shipments normally passes through it. Oman, meanwhile, said discussions with Iran over arrangements for shipping through the waterway had been positive and constructive. Muscat also urged all sides to avoid actions that could undermine the negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has suggested that the current situation could provide an opportunity for an agreement. He said Iran remained united and strong despite the ongoing conflict. The diplomatic uncertainty comes as tensions continue to affect commercial shipping in the region. The United Arab Emirates said Iran had attacked a vessel linked to its state-owned oil company while it was travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported that a vessel caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile. The fire was later brought under control, with no environmental damage reported. Iranian authorities have not immediately commented on the individual incident. Saudi Arabia reports fires at energy facilities Tensions have also spread across the Gulf. Saudi Arabia said firefighters had extinguished a blaze at an Aramco facility in Jizan. The Saudi Energy Ministry said there were no fatalities. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for an attack on the site, saying it had used a drone in response to alleged Saudi strikes in Yemen. A separate explosion was also reported in the industrial area of Jubail. Regional sources said gas facilities were targeted and that a fire broke out. The exact cause remained unclear. It was not immediately established whether the incidents in Jizan and Jubail were connected. US defence industry ordered to increase weapons production Meanwhile, the United States has asked its defence industry to accelerate weapons production amid shortages linked to the war with Iran. US Deputy Defence Secretary Steve Feinberg reportedly instructed defence companies to submit plans aimed at speeding up deliveries and increasing production of critical military equipment. The demand comes amid reports of pressure on US ammunition supplies, including stocks of Patriot missile interceptors. The Trump administration has maintained that the United States has substantial weapons reserves and that additional supplies are being manufactured and delivered. The conflict has also triggered threats from armed groups in the region. The leader of Iraq’s Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Akram al-Kaabi, has threatened retaliation for US-Saudi strikes on sites belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces. The group has warned that further military action could lead to a response. Iranian military officials, meanwhile, have claimed that the United States and Israel failed to achieve their objectives against Iran. They have praised the country’s military preparedness and vowed to continue resisting pressure. With the Strait of Hormuz still closed and negotiations remaining indirect, the prospect of restoring normal shipping remains uncertain. Iran insists that reopening the waterway depends on Washington accepting its conditions. The United States, meanwhile, has linked the lifting of its blockade to Iran fulfilling commitments under any future agreement.

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    Pakistan rejects Afghan claim over alleged weapons…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected claims by the Afghan Taliban that weapons are being smuggled from Pakistan into Afghanistan, calling the allegation baseless and contrary to established facts. In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the allegation appeared to be an attempt to divert international attention from the more serious security concerns emerging from Afghan territory. The ministry said Afghanistan already possesses a large quantity of modern weapons and military equipment left behind after the withdrawal of US and allied forces. According to the ministry, the value of the abandoned military equipment has been estimated at around $7.2 billion. Pakistan also pointed to Afghanistan’s large stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons. These weapons, it said, accumulated during decades of conflict in the country and remain another major source of arms available on Afghan soil. The ministry argued that attributing such weapons to Pakistan was misleading. It said the claim could shift attention away from the presence of militant groups operating from Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over militant activity originating from Afghan territory. Islamabad maintains that terrorist groups continue to find shelter and operational space there. The ministry said these groups were allegedly using Afghan territory to plan, support and carry out attacks against Pakistan. It urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to focus on addressing militant safe havens instead of making what Pakistan described as unsupported allegations against Islamabad. “Afghan Taliban” authorities, according to the statement, should take effective measures against terrorist groups operating from their territory. Pakistan also called on Afghan authorities to honour their commitments and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan or any other country. The latest statement comes amid continued tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over security and cross-border militancy. Islamabad has repeatedly demanded concrete action against groups that it says are involved in attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has also stressed that the issue should be addressed through practical measures rather than accusations. The ministry maintained that Afghanistan’s existing weapons stockpiles and the continued presence of militant groups are important factors in the regional security situation. It said efforts to blame Pakistan for the presence of weapons in Afghanistan should not distract the international community from addressing terrorism and militant activity based in the region.

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    Pakistani hostages make desperate appeal after 100…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani crew members held by Somali pirates have made another emotional appeal for government help. The hostages have been in captivity for more than 100 days. They are seeking urgent action for their release. The crew members are aboard the MT Honour 25. The Palau-flagged oil tanker was hijacked by armed pirates off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, on April 21. The vessel was carrying between 17 and 19 crew members. Ten of them are Pakistani nationals. Seven Indonesians, an Indian and a Sri Lankan are also among those being held. In newly released video messages, several hostages appeared weak and unwell. They appealed to the Pakistani government to intervene. Yasir Khan, one of the Pakistani hostages, said several crew members had fallen ill. He said they were facing difficulties in obtaining medicines. Khan urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate action. He also appealed to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. He asked the authorities to secure their release before their health situation became more serious. Khan also appealed to Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. He requested him to continue efforts for the hostages. Another hostage, Hussain Yousuf, said more than 100 days had passed since their capture. He said the crew still had no clear information about when they would be released. Yousuf appealed to the prime minister and Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to intervene. He warned that further delays could lead to serious consequences. The crew has released several messages since the hijacking. In previous appeals, the hostages reported shortages of food, clean water and medicines. Their deteriorating condition has increased concerns among their families. The pirates have reportedly demanded a ransom of around $3 million. However, no confirmed breakthrough has been reported in negotiations. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the government was closely monitoring the situation. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said several government departments were involved in efforts to secure the crew’s release. The process includes the Ministry of Human Rights, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and other relevant agencies. Andrabi said the case was particularly difficult because the hostages were being held in an autonomous region of Somalia. He said local tribal structures and influential figures had also complicated negotiations with the pirates. Pakistan, he added, remained in contact with the Somali government and relevant authorities. It was also coordinating with international organisations involved in the matter. The Foreign Office expressed sympathy with the families of the hostages. It said their concerns were understood and that the case remained a priority. The government said all possible efforts were being made to secure the crew’s release and bring them home safely. The case has also been complicated by uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the tanker. Questions remain over who legally owns the vessel. The person previously believed to be its owner was later reportedly identified as a middleman who had helped hire the crew. Meanwhile, the latest distress messages have renewed pressure for urgent action.

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    Israel rejects Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan

    ByJustpaste.in

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s proposed 15-point plan for Gaza, insisting that Israel will not withdraw its forces until Hamas is fully and genuinely disarmed. Netanyahu made the statement during a cabinet meeting on Sunday. He said Israel would not accept any arrangement that allows Hamas to retain its weapons while Israeli troops are required to leave Gaza. “Israel rejects the 15-point document,” Netanyahu said, adding that the Israeli military would continue operating against threats to its forces and citizens. The dispute has created another obstacle for Trump’s efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire and political settlement in Gaza. Trump’s Board of Peace had previously announced that an agreement had been reached on the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups operating in the territory. Hamas, however, has linked the handover of its heavy weapons to wider conditions. The group has demanded an end to Israeli military operations and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Netanyahu said disarmament must take place before any Israeli military withdrawal. He rejected the possibility of what he described as a symbolic or “fictitious” disarmament process. The Israeli premier said his government was discussing the next steps with US officials. He indicated that some American proposals were acceptable to Israel, while others remained unacceptable. “We know how to stand our ground on these matters,” Netanyahu said. The disagreement represents a major challenge for Trump’s Gaza initiative, which was presented as a framework for ending the conflict and creating conditions for reconstruction. The proposed plan includes the disarmament of Hamas, a phased Israeli military withdrawal and the rebuilding of Gaza. It also envisages the creation of an international Board of Peace to oversee implementation of the agreement. Hamas had previously signalled support for aspects of the disarmament framework. However, the group has maintained that weapons cannot simply be surrendered while Israeli forces remain in Gaza and military operations continue. Israel, meanwhile, has continued military strikes in Gaza despite the initial ceasefire agreement reached last October. Netanyahu is also facing political pressure at home. His far-right coalition partners have strongly opposed concessions that could allow Hamas to remain armed or secure a significant Israeli withdrawal. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has rejected the proposed framework and called it unacceptable. With Israeli elections approaching, Netanyahu faces pressure from both domestic allies and international partners. Any major concession on Gaza could create tensions within his governing coalition. The latest rejection therefore puts Trump’s peace initiative under renewed pressure. The central disagreement remains over the sequence of events: Hamas wants Israeli forces to withdraw and military action to end before completing disarmament, while Israel insists that Hamas must first surrender its weapons.

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    Punjab teachers union rejects pay hikes, demands b…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The Punjab Teachers Union has rejected the recent increases in salaries and pensions announced by the provincial government, describing them as inadequate in the face of rising inflation and calling for the restoration of cutbacks in employee benefits. Central President of the Punjab Teachers Union Rana Anwar-ul-Haq, along with Yasin Warraich, Rana Liaquat and other office-bearers, said the government must end what they described as discriminatory economic treatment of public-sector employees. The union leaders said inflation had reached unprecedented levels, with prices now rising almost daily, making it increasingly difficult for government employees to meet their household expenses. They termed the announced 7 per cent salary increase and 3.5 per cent pension increase insufficient, arguing that the relief did not correspond with the rapidly rising cost of living. They demanded that Punjab employees receive salary increases at par with federal government employees. They also called for the restoration of cuts affecting leave encashment, pensions and gratuity. Yasin Warraich demanded a 45 per cent Disparity Reduction Allowance for Punjab government employees, arguing that denying them such an allowance while similar measures were being considered or implemented at the federal level would amount to unfair treatment. The union representatives also criticised the provincial government for failing to address the growing gap in compensation among public-sector employees. They said Punjab employees should not be deprived of financial benefits available to workers in other parts of the country. Rana Liaquat said employees affiliated with the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) Punjab remained united under the leadership of Chairman Khalid Javed Sangheera and expressed full confidence in the alliance’s leadership. The teachers’ representatives said they would honour the agreement reached between the two AGEGA groups at Masjid-e-Shuhada on June 16. They further announced that the Punjab Teachers Union would fully implement the protest schedule issued under the umbrella of AGEGA. The union leaders maintained that employees would continue their struggle for equitable salaries, pensions and service benefits until their demands were addressed.

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    Punjab repatriates over 140,000 undocumented Afgha…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The Punjab government has intensified its province-wide campaign against Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without valid legal documentation, with more than 140,000 people repatriated from Punjab so far, according to the Home Department. The department said its Foreign National Security Cell was continuing monitoring and enforcement operations across the province under the government’s national repatriation policy. Individuals found to be residing illegally are being detained and transferred to designated holding centres, where registration and other formalities are completed before their return to Afghanistan. According to official figures, a total of 2,689,295 Afghan nationals have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 140,468 from Punjab. The Home Department said 39 holding centres are currently operational across Punjab, with 188 Afghan nationals presently housed there. Temporary accommodation, registration and repatriation arrangements have been established at these facilities, while those cleared for return are handed over to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border. Officials said checks were being conducted in residential areas and markets across the province as part of the ongoing enforcement campaign. The department maintained that the action was specifically aimed at individuals staying in Pakistan without legal status. The Home Department urged citizens to report cases involving illegal residence, identity fraud or suspicious activities to Emergency Helpline 15, assuring that the identities of informants would be kept confidential. The Foreign National Security Cell is continuing province-wide coordination and monitoring to support the government’s repatriation programme, the department said.

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    199 polling stations set for LA-17 election

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    BAGH: A total of 199 polling stations have been established for the election in LA-17 Bagh-4 Haveli, with 10 security personnel to be deployed at each polling station. According to a notification issued by the Returning Officer’s office, 117,514 registered voters will be eligible to cast their ballots in the constituency. Polling will take place across 12 union councils and a town committee. Election officials have also completed arrangements for transporting election materials to remote areas, including Bheedi, Halla and Kairni. Haveli has been divided into 16 sectors to facilitate the distribution of election materials and manage polling arrangements. Of the 199 polling stations, 50 have been classified as sensitive and 25 as highly sensitive. Ten security personnel will be deployed at every polling station to maintain security during polling. Preparations have also been completed for the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, with polling scheduled in four constituencies across Bagh and Haveli districts of the Poonch Division. The transportation of election materials to polling stations is currently underway. Elections in five constituencies of Poonch and two constituencies of Sudhanoti have been postponed. The upcoming electoral contest also features three former prime ministers among the candidates. Former AJK prime ministers Sardar Attique Khan and Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, who lead the Muslim Conference and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party respectively, are contesting the elections. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore is also taking part in the electoral contest. Authorities have stepped up security and logistical preparations ahead of polling to ensure a peaceful voting process across the constituency.