PM Shehbaz says Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact is …

Pakistan Air Force’s J-10C fighter jets reportedly engaged Indian aircraft during the May 2025 aerial confrontation without direct support from airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The claim was made in a report by Ukrainian defence publication Defense Express. The report cited Chinese state television and comments from Chinese radar specialist Ben De. According to the report, Pakistani J-10C jets used their onboard KLJ-7A radars to detect and engage Indian aircraft. The jets were reportedly able to track targets from a distance of around 200 kilometres. The report claimed that six Indian aircraft were shot down during the confrontation. It included three Rafale fighter jets among the aircraft allegedly destroyed. The report said the Pakistani fighters did not require direct targeting assistance from AEW&C aircraft during the reported engagements. Instead, the J-10Cs reportedly used their own radar systems to identify and track targets. The KLJ-7A is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed for modern air combat. It can detect and track multiple targets and provide information needed for air-to-air engagements. The report’s claims have drawn attention because AEW&C aircraft are normally used to provide wider-area surveillance and help fighter jets detect threats at longer ranges. The reported use of the J-10C’s onboard radar suggests that the aircraft could conduct long-range engagements with greater independence from airborne surveillance platforms. The May 2025 confrontation involved intense aerial activity between Pakistan and India. Both sides made competing claims about losses and the effectiveness of their military operations. The claim that six Indian aircraft were destroyed, including three Rafales, has not been independently verified. India has also disputed Pakistan’s claims about aircraft losses. The reported account therefore remains a claim attributed to Chinese sources and the Ukrainian defence publication.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said drainage projects carried out across the province have helped reduce the impact of monsoon rains. She said areas that previously remained submerged for days, weeks or even months were now seeing rainwater cleared within hours. The chief minister made the remarks during a meeting with Punjab Assembly members from Vehari. The meeting reviewed development schemes, political matters and initiatives aimed at improving public services in the district. Maryam said the Punjab Development Programme was promoting more balanced development across the province. She added that the government was focusing on projects designed to address long-standing problems faced by residents. According to the chief minister, improved drainage infrastructure had made a noticeable difference during the current monsoon season. She said the government was working to ensure that heavy rainfall did not cause prolonged water accumulation in populated areas. Maryam also highlighted several initiatives for farmers and students in southern Punjab. She said farmers were benefiting from the Kisan Card programme, while students were receiving laptops and Honhaar Scholarships. The Vehari lawmakers appreciated the government’s development work in the district. They particularly highlighted the reconstruction and expansion of the Vehari-Multan Road. The lawmakers said the previously narrow and deteriorated road had been transformed into a modern dual-carriageway. They described the project as an important development for the region. They said residents of several districts would benefit from improved connectivity between Vehari and Multan. The upgraded road is expected to facilitate travel, transportation and commercial activity in the area. The lawmakers also welcomed the launch of an electric bus service connecting Vehari with Burewala and Tibba Sultanpur. They said the service had provided residents with a new public transport option. Free travel facilities for students, women and senior citizens were also appreciated during the meeting. The MPAs further said development schemes worth around Rs21 billion had been initiated in Burewala, Mailsi and Vehari. They described the projects as a major step towards improving infrastructure and public facilities in the region. They also pointed to the beautification of Vehari Rail Bazaar, saying the project had helped improve the appearance and overall environment of the city. Separately, Maryam Nawaz praised security forces for their recent operation against militants in Balochistan. She commended the personnel for their efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. According to the information shared by the chief minister, 15 terrorists were killed during the operation and a significant quantity of weapons was recovered.

KARACHI: The father of young Karachi resident Mir Raza has expressed confidence in the newly formed investigation team. He said he felt, for the first time in 13 days, that the investigation was moving in the right direction. Mir Raza’s parents, lawyer Jibran Nasir and members of the new investigation team visited locations connected to the case. The visit was aimed at reviewing important points and gathering information that could help investigators understand what happened. Jibran Nasir said the family had identified several important locations on its own. These locations were later shown to the police. He said Mir Raza’s parents were cooperating fully with the investigators and answering their questions. Nasir said the investigation team was waiting for the results of samples collected during the post-mortem examination. He said additional samples obtained after the exhumation had also been sent to a forensic laboratory. The lawyer said the family now believed that an honest and serious officer was handling the investigation. He said the family had earlier faced difficulties in getting the matter investigated properly. Mir Raza’s father, Mir Hussain, said the family still wanted clear answers about his son’s death. He said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident had not yet been established. According to him, the initial investigation should have been more effective. He said timely and proper action at the beginning could have taken the case to a different stage. Mir Hussain said the new investigation team was listening to the family’s concerns. He said investigators were considering the information provided by the parents. The family, he added, now had greater confidence in the process. He said the main objective was to establish what happened to Mir Raza and how the incident took place. The family wanted every aspect of the case to be examined. Mir Hussain said Mir Raza’s kitchen was located around half a kilometre from the site of the incident. He also said information about three suspicious individuals had already been shared with the police. The victim’s father further alleged that the previous investigation team had not properly shared details of the inquiry with the family. He hoped the new team would maintain transparency and investigate the case from all possible angles. The family said it would continue cooperating with investigators. Mir Hussain said they would pursue the case as far as necessary to uncover the truth and obtain justice for Mir Raza. Investigators are now expected to examine forensic evidence, statements and other available information. The reports from the forensic laboratory could also play an important role in determining the circumstances surrounding the case.