India turn to Sarfaraz after Sudharsan injury

Pakistan and Türkiye have reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people while expressing deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, continued military operations in the occupied Palestinian territories, and repeated violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The commitment came during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The two leaders reviewed the latest regional and international developments, with the situation in Palestine dominating their discussions. Both foreign ministers voiced serious concern over the continued violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, warning that the deteriorating humanitarian conditions require immediate international attention. They also condemned repeated violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem and stressed the need to protect religious and historical sites. The ministers reiterated their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and discussed Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries aimed at coordinating diplomatic efforts to address the crisis and strengthen international support for Palestine. The discussion follows Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements with several regional partners, including Egypt, where officials also called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian assistance, and greater diplomatic coordination to end the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, fresh violence was reported in Gaza despite an existing ceasefire, with Palestinian medical officials reporting casualties and injuries following new attacks. Military operations and raids also continued across the occupied West Bank, adding to concerns over the worsening security and humanitarian situation.

Pakistan has been excluded from the United States’ newly permanent visa bond programme, meaning Pakistani applicants will not be required to deposit a refundable financial guarantee of up to $20,000 when applying for certain US visitor visas. The United States has officially made its 2025 Visa Bond Pilot Program a permanent policy. Under the programme, nationals of selected countries applying for business or tourist visas must provide a refundable financial bond ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 as part of the visa application process. According to international reports, the revised policy increases the maximum refundable bond amount from $15,000 to $20,000 for eligible applicants from countries included in the programme. The list reportedly includes around 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and several African nations. Pakistan is not included in the list of countries subject to the visa bond requirement. Afghanistan, India, and Iran are also excluded from the programme. As a result, Pakistani citizens applying for US visitor visas will continue to follow the standard visa application process without the additional refundable financial guarantee required under the permanent visa bond policy.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Two police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), were martyred after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police van in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan on Friday, authorities said. According to officials from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), the attack occurred near Shah Alam Mor, where the police team was travelling to conduct an operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of suspected militants in the area. As the police van reached the location, armed assailants launched a sudden attack, firing multiple rounds at the vehicle. The officers immediately returned fire, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire. Despite the retaliation, two police officials, including an ASI, sustained critical injuries and were martyred in the line of duty. Officials said the attackers managed to flee the scene under the cover of the exchange of fire. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the attackers. Investigators are collecting evidence from the scene while intelligence agencies are assisting in identifying those responsible for the assault. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities are treating it as an act of terrorism. The latest incident highlights the persistent security challenges in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where law enforcement personnel have increasingly come under attack during counterterrorism operations. Police officials vowed that those behind the ambush would be brought to justice, reaffirming their commitment to continuing operations against militant groups despite the growing threats. The sacrifice of the fallen officers, they said, reflects the courage and dedication of Pakistan’s security forces in maintaining peace and protecting citizens.