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ISRAEL-IRAN CLASHES ESCALATE AS ATTACKS, COUNTER ATTACK CONTINUE FOR THIRD DAY Monday, 16 June, 2025 | 19 Zilhaj, 1446
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FOUR INJURED IN HAIFA AFTER IRAN LAUNCHES A FRESH SALVO OF MISSILES TURKISH PRESIDENT TELLS TRUMP IN A PHONE CALL ANKARA IS READY TO ACT AS A FACILITATOR
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TEHRAN/TEL AVIV/ISLAMABAD
IRAN’S ARMED FORCES TELLS RESIDENTS OF ISRAEL TO LEAVE VICINITY OF ‘VITAL AREAS’ FOR THEIR SAFETY PRESIDENT PEZESHKIAN SAYS IRAN’S RESPONSE TO ISRAELI ATTACKS WILL BE ‘MORE DECISIVE AND SEVERE’ IF TEL AVIV CONTINUES HOSTILITY
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HE escalation between Israel and Iran continued to intensify as both the countries attacked each other with missiles for a third day, Israel’s National Emergency Service reported on Sunday night that at least four people were injured in Haifa following Iranian missile strikes, Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera reported. The Israeli army has issued a statement saying its air force is working to “intercept and strike wherever necessary” after missiles were launched from Iran a short while ago. “The defence is not airtight, and therefore, it is imperative to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command,” it said in a post on X. Israel launched intense airstrikes on Iran on Friday, killing its top military commanders and scientists, be-
sides bombing its nuclear sites in a stated bid to stop Tehran building an atomic weapon, which the latter has consistently denied, saying its uranium enrichment programme is for civilian purposes. Israel’s El Al Airlines announced on Sunday night that it suspended all flights until at least June 19, with additional cancellations to many European
Pakistan closes Taftan, Gwadar pedestrian crossings with Iran in view of Israeli strikes QUETTA
Staff RepoRt
The authorities on Sunday closed two major pedestrian border crossings with Iran in the wake of escalating military confrontation between Iran and Israel, according to officials of the Balochistan government on Sunday. The pedestrian movement has been suspended at the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district and the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district, both key routes for cross-border movement and local trade between Balochistan and Iran.
The Gabd-Rimdan border crossing is a point on the Pakistan-Iran border, specifically at “BP-250,” the second crossing along the 900kilometer border between the two countries. The crossing facilitates trade and people-to-people contact between the two countries. “Gabd-Rimdan border crossing has been closed for all kinds of pedestrian movement due to the Iran-Israel conflict,” according to Gwadar Assistant Commissioner Jawad Ahmed Zehri.
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ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that today, Pakistan joins the international community in observing the International Day of Family Remittances, a day dedicated to honouring the vital contributions of migrant workers who, through their hard-earned remittances, uplift millions of families and drive development in their home countries. In his message on International Day of Family Remittances, PM Shehbaz said, “Remittances from our overseas Pakistanis have always been a cornerstone of our national economy. With over 9 million Pakistanis
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Amid the intense military confrontation between Iran and Israel, the government has confirmed that 450 Pakistani pilgrims have been evacuated from Iran, with more to follow from the neighboring country as well as from Iraq. Israel launched an intense airstrike on military and nuclear sites in Iran on Friday, killing top commanders of armed forces and scientists, besides bombing nuclear sites, prompting
living abroad, mainly in the Gulf, Europe, North America, and elsewhere. Our diaspora remains deeply connected to their roots. Their financial contributions are not only an expression of love and responsibility towards their families, but also a powerful pillar supporting Pakistan’s economic resilience.” On this occasion, we pay heartfelt tribute to our global Pakistani community. Their remittances reflect an enduring bond with their homeland; a bond of trust, commitment, and generational responsibility. The Government of Pakistan continues to work tirelessly to attract foreign direct investment and expand our export base to ensure long-term economic stability. In this journey, remittances have played a crucial role, significantly strengthening our foreign exchange reserves. In the current fiscal year, our overseas compatriots have remitted a record $34.9 billion, marking a 28.8% increase over the previous year, while May 2025 noted $3.7 billion, a 13.7% increase over last year May. These historic figures are a testament not only to the hard work and loyalty of our diaspora but also to their growing confidence in the government’s economic policies. This trust reinforces our resolve to redouble efforts for the revival and growth of our economy. Let us renew our collective pledge to work hand in hand with our diaspora, development partners, and all stakeholders to overcome our economic challenges and usher in a new era of investment, prosperity, and national progress.
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PPP CHAIRMAN WARNS ANY ATTEMPT BY INDIA TO BLOCK PAKISTAN’S WATER SUPPLY WOULD BE SEEN AS AN ‘EXISTENTIAL THREAT’ BRUSSELS/ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday emphasized comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues and urged India to return to the negotiating table, warning that continued avoidance of dialogue would only harm regional peace. “If New Delhi does not come to the negotiation table, it will not be in their favour,” Bilawal decalred while speaking in an interview with German broadcaster DW Urdu during a visit to Brussels on Sunday. Former foreign minister warned that any attempt by India to block Pakistan’s water supply would be seen as an existential threat, leaving Pakistan with no option but war. Bilawal, who is leading a parliamentary delegation to the West, also urged the international community a day earlier to bring India to the table for talks and to play its role in ensuring lasting peace in South Asia — including resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute, water issues, and terrorism — through a composite dialogue, which he said India was unwilling to pursue. “Such actions pose an existential threat to Pakistan, water is our lifeline, and we will never relinquish our
cities extending to June 23. The Israeli flag carrier had earlier suspended all flights until June 17, with Israel’s airspace still closed. “Once approvals are received from the relevant security and aviation authorities, we will do everything possible to allow as many Israelis as possible to return home, gradually resume our regular flight schedule and operate rescue flights from destinations near Israel,” El Al said. Earlier on Sunday, US President Donald Trump called on the two foes to “make a deal”. “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP!” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
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Dar, Turkish counterpart discuss ‘potential implications’ of Israeli actions
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis a cornerstone of national economy: PM
Staff RepoRt
Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 338 | 44 Pages | Islamabad Edition
rightful share under any circumstances,” he said. He termed India’s threats to cut off water as a “clear violation of the United Nations Charter” and a “breach of the Indus Waters Treaty”, calling it Pakistan’s “red line.” “If India resorts to water aggression, Pakistan will be left with no choice but war,” he said. The PPP chairman emphasised that while Pakistan does not seek war, it will not compromise on its national security or water rights. “Despite India’s involvement in supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan, we have never advocated for war as a response to terrorism,” he added. Bilawal reiterated that while Pakistan continues to advocate peace, issues like water security are non-negotiable. After the ceasefire with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Bilawal to lead a high-level delegation tasked with presenting ‘Pakistan’s case for peace’ on recent Indian aggression to the international community. The committee aims to engage with global leaders and institutions to raise awareness about India’s actions and Pakistan’s concerns regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. The government has also planned to send additional delegations to other countries as part of a broader diplomatic outreach.
Tehran to retaliate with a missile attack inside Israel. In a post on X this afternoon, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the government was taking necessary measures for the welfare and safety of Pakistani nationals. He noted that 450 Pakistani zaireen (pilgrims) had been evacuated from Iran yesterday. Arrangements have been made for the safe evacuation of Pakistani students currently residing in Iran, including 154 in the first batch.
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IN TODAY’S ISSUE
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Govt jacks up petrol price by Rs4.80, diesel by Rs7.95
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The federal government on Sunday night notified hefty increases in the prices of both petrol and diesel, with Rs4.80 and Rs7.95 per litre, respectively. According to a Finance Division notification, it stated that the new prices have been determined “based on the recommendations of Ogra (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) and the relevant ministries”. As per the notification, from June 16, high-speed diesel (HSD), which previously cost Rs254.64 per litre, will now be sold for Rs262.59. Similarly, petrol, which cost Rs253.63 per litre, will now be available for Rs258.43. Previous estimates suggested that petrol and diesel prices would increase by about Re1 and Rs5 per litre, respectively, for the next fortnight, owing to higher international market prices. Based on existing tax rates, informed sources said that the exdepot price of petrol was estimated to go up by about Re1 per litre depending on final calculation on June 15, followed by a Rs5 per litre increase in HSD. Earlier this week, under an iron-clad commitment with the International Monetary Fund, the government announced the imposition of Rs77 per litre petroleum levy and Rs5 per litre carbon levy on furnace oil and Rs2.5 per litre charge on petrol and diesel from July 1.