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INDIA’S WEAPONIZATION OF INDUS WATER TREATY UNACCEPTABLE: PM
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Tuesday, 6 May, 2025 I 8 Ziquad, 1446
PM SHARES PAKISTAN’S SERIOUS CONCERNS WITH VISITING IRANIAN FM OVER PREVAILING TENSIONS IN SOUTH ASIA
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ISLAMABAD
CATEGORICALLY REJECTS ATTEMPTS TO LINK PAKISTAN TO PAHALGAM INCIDENT WITHOUT SHARING ANY EVIDENCE
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed that India’s weaponization of the Indus Water Treaty was unacceptable and a red-line for the people of Pakistan. During a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi who called on him, the prime minister shared Pakistan’s serious concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia as a result of India’s provocative behavior since Pahalgam incident. He categorically rejected any attempts to link Pakistan to the incident, without sharing any evidence and said Pakistan had offered that an international transparent, neutral and credible investi-
gation be conducted to ascertain the facts behind the Pahalgam incident.
NA passes resolution vowing decisive response to any Indian aggression ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
National Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the country’s commitment to peace but warning that any violation of its sovereignty or security would be met with a firm and decisive response. The resolution rejected what it called “frivolous and baseless” attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
While stating that Pakistan had acted with maturity and responsibility, the
(IIOJK). It condemned India’s “orchestrated and malafide campaign” to malign Pakistan for political gain. The House reiterated Pakistan’s stance against terrorism in all its forms and declared that the killing of innocent civilians was contrary to the values upheld by the Pakistani state. In a strong rebuke of recent Indian actions, the resolution also condemned New Delhi’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a “blatant violation” that amounts to an act of war.
Pakistan test-fires Fatah missile in wake of Indian provocations RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Monday conducted a successful training launch of the Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile, with a range of 120 kilometres, as part of the ongoing Exercise INDUS, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The training launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced precision, according to the military’s media wing. The launch was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Army, along with scientists and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic organisations. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir extended their congratulations to all personnel involved. They expressed complete confidence in the Pakistan Army’s preparedness and technical proficiency to respond effectively to any threat against the country’s territorial integrity. The launch comes amid heightened tensions with India following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. While India has hinted at cross-border involvement without evidence, Pakistan has rejected the accusation and called for a neutral probe. Tensions have continued to rise, with military buildups along the Line of Control, exchange of fire in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and both sides ramping up readiness. In response to New Delhi’s posture, Pakistan has conducted two successful missile launches in three days—the Abdali Weapon System on Saturday and now Fatah, reinforcing its deterrent capabilities. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both lauded the successful test, commending the strategic institutions for their role in strengthening the country’s defence. A day prior, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar briefed political leaders in an in-camera session, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to respond to any hostile act.
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Prime Minister said, “India had, on the other hand, created a media frenzy to divert the world’s attention away from Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remained the root cause of instability in South Asia.” The Iranian foreign minister is on an official visit to Islamabad. At the outset, the prime minister expressed his sincere condolences to the Iranian side over the tragic explosion in Bandar Abbas that had led to the loss of precious lives and injured hundreds of people. He prayed for those who had lost their loved ones, as well as for the early recovery of the injured. During this warm and cordial meeting, the prime minister conveyed his respectful regards to Supreme Leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei and warm wishes for President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Khawaja Asif warns of potential Indian strike along LoC amid soaring tensions ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday cautioned that India could carry out a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control (LoC), as diplomatic and security tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations escalate following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir. “There are reports that India may strike at any point along the LoC… New Delhi will be given a befitting reply,” he told reporters in Islamabad.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an international commission to probe the incident. “Such a probe would expose whether India itself or any internal group was involved, and clarify the truth behind New Delhi’s baseless allegations,” Asif said. The minister accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “pushing the region to the brink of nuclear war” for political gains and repeated Pakistan’s longstanding allegations of Indian involvement in terrorism in KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan.
UN chief urges Pakistan, India to step back from ‘brink of war’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Nuclear-armed foes Pakistan and India must exert “maximum restraint” and step back from the brink of war, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged Monday, as tensions between the two neighbours soared. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for backing a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month, sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures.
Relations have reached “a boiling point,” Guterres told reporters in New York, adding that they were at their “highest in years.” He again condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice through “credible and lawful means.” “It is also essential – especially at this critical hour – to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” the secretary-general warned. “Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the
brink,” he added. International pressure has been piled on both New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his military “full operational freedom” to respond and Islamabad has warned it will hit back against any aggression. The UN Security Council was due to meet behind closed doors later Monday at Pakistan’s request over the crisis. On Monday the Pakistan military said it had conducted a second missile test since the standoff began.
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
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Pakistan committed to peace but India pushing region towards war: Dar ISLAMABAD
MUZAFFARABAD
In a move to directly counter India’s accusations, Pakistan on Monday hosted a foreign media visit to the Line of Control (LoC), showcasing the reality on the ground and challenging India’s baseless claims about terrorist hideouts along the border. The visit, orchestrated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, brought together a diverse group of both local and foreign media representatives, including renowned CNN international diplomatic editor Nic Robertson. he primary aim was to disprove
India’s continuous allegations that Pakistan harbors militant camps along the LoC, frequently cited as a justification for military action and border tensions. During the visit, media personnel were taken to several areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir that India has repeatedly labeled as hubs of terrorist activity. Instead of uncovering evidence of militant camps, the journalists were confronted with vibrant civilian life— peaceful villages, bustling markets, and homes full of ordinary families going about their daily routines. One of the most significant aspects of the visit was an in-depth interview conducted by Nic Robertson with the
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has made it clear to the international community that Pakistan will not take the first step in any situation, but will respond with full force if aggression is carried out by India. Speaking at Regional Dialogue 2025 organised by Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, Dar stated that the world is going through a difficult phase, especially the region, which is facing serious challenges. He emphasised that peace and prosperity should be the shared goal of all. He said Pakistan has always advocated peace in the region and consistently raised its voice against aggression. Referring to the recent incident in Pahalgam, he described it as a false flag operation aimed at diverting attention from the ongoing freedom movements within India. He added that several Indian states are witnessing serious human rights violations and that India’s actions are endangering the lives of millions in the region. Dar also mentioned that in recent days, he has held discussions with leaders of various countries regarding the regional situation. Briefings have been provided at the Foreign Office to ambassadors of different nations and representatives of the United Nations. Ishaq Dar stated that following India’s recent restrictions, Pakistan’s National Security Committee took key decisions, which were implemented immediately. He said India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a serious violation of international law, adding that India does not have the unilateral authority to suspend or terminate the treaty. Dar accused India of pushing the region toward war and said Pakistan responded in kind to India’s actions while remaining committed to regional peace. The Foreign Minister also called the Pahalgam incident a false flag operation orchestrated by India. He said global leaders had urged Pakistan to exercise restraint. While reaffirming Pakistan’s firm policy of condemning all forms of terrorism, Dar questioned how a case related to the Pahalgam attack was registered within just ten minutes of the incident. He said that the National Security Committee had decided to give a strong response to any aggression. While the regional situation is evolving, Pakistan will not take the first step under any circumstances. However, if aggression is imposed, Pakistan will respond with full national resolve and strength. Dar added that Pakistan had swiftly thwarted Indian Air Force’s attempted adventurism and reaffirmed that the country would never allow its territory to be used against any other nation.
Tarar takes int’l media on LoC visit, debunks India’s baseless accusations STAFF REPORT
ATTENTION
bereaved families of Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Deen. Both men were martyred in a fake encounter by the Indian Army, which had earlier claimed that they were militants. Their families shared poignant accounts of the tragic event, urging the international community to seek justice. Robertson’s visit was part of a broader effort to expose the falsehoods underpinning India’s narrative. He also interviewed multiple eyewitnesses who had witnessed atrocities carried out by Indian forces along the LoC. The families’ heart-wrenching testimonies shed light on the human toll of India’s ongoing military presence in the region.
Addressing the media, Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, strongly condemned India’s persistent allegations, labeling them as deliberate misinformation. “India has made baseless accusations against Pakistan time and again,” said Tarar. “Today, we have presented the facts to both national and international media. The areas India has falsely claimed to be terrorist camps are, in fact, peaceful civilian zones.” He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace, both regionally and globally, adding, “Pakistan is a responsible state, committed to peace. We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” Tarar called for a shift in focus, urging India to address its own severe human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) rather than making unfounded allegations against Pakistan.
Pakistan to respond to any violation of territorial sovereignty with full force: COAS RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir reiterated the country’s firm resolve to counter terrorism and support development in Balochistan, during an interaction with participants of the 15th National Workshop Balochistan held at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi. Speaking at the event on Monday, COAS Munir underlined the government’s commitment to socioeconomic uplift in Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. “The scale and scope of ongoing and planned initiatives should serve to dispel the blatant disinformation in this regard,” he said. “Many development projects have already started bearing fruit, benefiting the people of Balochistan,” he added.
He commended civil society, particularly youth-led efforts, for fostering awareness and contributing to the province’s progress. “Their role is critical in enabling the progress leading to prosperity,” the COAS added. Highlighting security concerns, General Munir warned that foreign-sponsored terrorism remains the most serious threat to Balochistan’s stability. “The nefarious designs of hostile elements, who seek to incite violence, spread fear, and destabilise the province, will not be allowed to succeed,” he stated. He condemned those who, under the guise of Baloch identity, engage in terrorism. “Terrorist groups that perpetrate terror in name of Baloch identity to advance their petty insidious agenda, are a blemish on Baloch honour and patriotism,” he said. Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to
peace, he noted, “Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond, however, if Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and wellbeing of its people.” COAS Munir asserted that the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, backed by the nation’s support, will continue their campaign to eliminate terrorism. “Pakistan’s Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies will continue to fight menace of terrorism with the complete support of the people of Pakistan,” he concluded. The workshop hosted a diverse group of parliamentarians, bureaucrats, civil society members, youth, academia, and media representatives, with a strong focus on representation from Balochistan. It aimed to equip the province’s future leadership with deeper insight into national and provincial challenges.