THREE FUEL SHIPMENTS EXPECTED TODAY AS CENTRE, PROVINCES JOIN FORCES TO MANAGE CRISIS
g FINANCE MINISTER AURANGZEB AND PETROLEUM MINISTER MEET SINDH AND PUNJAB CMS ON STRATEGY TO CONSERVE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLY
KP to subsidise fuel price hike for bikers; BRT
US -Israel strikes rage across Iran as supreme leader succession looms
g DEATH TOLL RISES TO 1,332 IN IRAN, WITH CA SUALTIES ACROSS GULF, ISRAEL, AND US FORCES
g PRESIDENT TRUMP WARNS NEXT IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER WOULD NOT LAST LONG WITHOUT HIS APPROVAL
g IRANIAN FM DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM US PRESIDENT, SAYING IRANIAN PEOPLE, NOT DONALD TRUMP, WILL ELECT THEIR NEW LEADER
g IRANIAN DRONE ATTACKS HIT BAHRAIN DESALINATION PLANT; IRAN VOWS RETALIATION OVER GULF TARGETS
FBR ORDERS IMMEDIATE REFERRAL OF TA X FRAUD CASES TO INTELLIGENCE DIRECTORATE
ARY Digital Network acquires majority stake in Nukta
Iran war sends US crude futures up 12% a barrel
MART YRS’ SACRIFICES, AYATOLL AH KHAMENEI’S STRUGGLE FOR MUSLIMS UNIT Y HAILED AT ISL AMABAD CONFERENCE
ISLAMABAD
DU R I N G the blessed days of the holy month of Ramadan a Taqreem-e-Shuhada Conference (Martyrs’ Tribute Conference) was held at Islamabad Hotel to honour the sacrifices of martyrs and reaffirm solidarity with oppressed peoples across the Muslim world
The event was hosted by Allama Syed
Host Allama Syed Iftikhar Naqvi
Securit y forces kill 13 terrorists in IBOs across KP
In his address, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam said that Iran faced war because of its support for the oppressed people of Gaza He stated that the first attack targeted Iran s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, who was martyred, but emphasised that Iran would continue its struggle for truth and justice until the end
The conference was attended by a large number of social political and religious per-
Iftikhar Naqvi, Chairman of Sach News, IK & Al-Noor Trust, and a member of the Council of Islamic Ideology Pakistan
sonalities, journalists and people from different schools of thought, including Allama Sajid Naqvi Speakers said the purpose of the conference was to remember the great sacrifices of martyrs and to keep their mission alive Participants paid tribute to the martyrs of Iran, the martyrs of the path of Quds in Gaza and Palestine, the martyrs of occupied Kashmir, and those who sacrificed their lives for the defence of Pakistan They described their sacrifices as a guiding light for the Muslim Ummah
Govt warns against petrol hoarding, orders nationwide fuel conser vation plan
Three
fuel
shipments expec ted today as Centre, provinces join forces to manage crisis
governments agreed to enhance coordination to prevent hoarding at petrol pumps, with Aurangzeb briefing on a joint dashboard to monitor fuel reserves Emergency conservation measures were discussed and CM Murad Ali Shah confirmed that proposals from the meeting would be presented to the cabinet He emphasised that responsible energy use and public cooperation are essential and that ensuring the smooth functioning of the economy remains a government priority Other attendees included Additional Secretary Petroleum Division Zafar Abbas, OGRA Executive Director Atif Sajjad, DG Oil Petroleum Division Imran Ahmed, OGRA Member Zainul Abidin and MDs of Sui Southern Gas Company Muhammad Amin and Muhammad Idrees
‘E N T I R E N AT I O N TO D E M O NSTRATE RESILIENCE’: PUNJAB
C M: Earlier, Finance Minister Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to review the province s petroleum supply demand and reserves PTV News reported that the participants agreed on a fuel conservation policy to maintain balance between demand and supply with the CM highlighting the need to ensure uninterrupted diesel supply for agriculture Maryam Nawaz asserted that no one would be allowed to sell petroleum products above official rates anywhere
in Punjab, adding that citizens should not have to stand in long queues at petrol pumps She called on the “entire nation to demonstrate resilience in facing these challenges The meeting also directed district administrations to continuously monitor petroleum supply and ordered a strict crackdown on hoarding The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and the Transport Department were instructed to monitor the situation and take action wherever necessary On Friday, the government announced a Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and high-speed diesel, marking the highest-ever increase amid the first direct economic impact of the US-Israel war on Iran The ex-depot price of highspeed diesel rose to Rs335 86 per litre from Rs280 86, while petrol increased to Rs321 17 per litre from Rs266 17 Pakistan relies heavily on oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz and the hike reflects disruptions caused by the conflict
‘E C O N O M I C B U R D E N O N P U BL I C’: T TA P: The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Sunday termed the petroleum price hike an “economic burden on the public ” During a press conference in Islamabad TTAP leaders demanded relief for citizens and the restoration of democratic and judicial integrity TTAP leader Muhammad Zubair questioned why petrol purchased at around $65 per barrel was being sold at rates equivalent to $90 alleging the government would collect roughly Rs110 billion through the increase He claimed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is already facing a Rs600 billion shortfall, and if economic affairs were managed properly, relief could have been provided instead of raising prices Zubair said the hike would severely impact motorcyclists and
low-income citizens, pushing up the cost of goods and services across sectors He added that the salaried class was being forced to pay more taxes while the ruling elite continued to enjoy perks and privileges without compromise Criticising global instability, Zubair blamed Donald Trump and criticised the Pakistani government for nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize
A day earlier, KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi voiced strong opposition to the recent increase in petroleum prices describing the move as unjustified “The ongoing tensions in the Middle East particularly between Iran the US and Israel, should not be used as a pretext to impose additional financial burdens on the public ” The chief minister made these remarks during a meeting with federal ministers for finance and petroleum Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ali Pervaiz Malik, respectively The meeting was convened to assess the potential impact of the escalating regional tensions on Pakistan’s petroleum supply lines and the broader implications for the country s economy In an official statement released by his office Afridi stated It did not reflect sound governance for governments to continue unnecessary and excessive expenditures while shifting the consequences ” He further asserted that it is the responsibility of governments to provide relief to citizens during challenging periods rather than transferring the burden of crises directly onto the public The meeting highlighted the need for a coordinated response to potential supply challenges while also stressing the importance of fiscal discipline at all levels of government
the war with Iran, AFP reports We allow nobody to interfere in our
War of words intensifies
World sinks deeper into crisis as peace effor ts go nowhere
TH E US-Israel-Iran war did not see any new field developments, but did witness any intensification of the war of words between Tehran and Washington Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who is ex officio one of the three members of the council that exercises the functions of the Supreme Leader now that that office is vacant, has said that Iran will not attack the Gulf States unless attacks originate from them, but has refused the US call for unconditional surrender Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump repeated that call for unconditional surrender warning that ‘Iran will be hit very hard!’ Mr Trump seems offended by Iran’s refusal to do his bidding despite a bombing campaign which has not just killed the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but also more than 1000 other people The Iranian declaration that it will not target the Gulf States if attacks do not originate there seems designed to address concerns that the war was spreading, while it also put pressure on the USA which will now face pressure from its hosts not to use those bases for attacks on Iran
Another development has been the meeting of the Saudi Defence Minister, Prince Khalid ibn Salman, with the Pakistani Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir Though the military and defence agreement between the two was not formally invoked by Saudi Arabia it did come under discussion between the two Pakistan is clearly in an awkward position for it does not find the possibility of having to act against Iran palatable, especially when it will be acting against Iranian attacks on US military bases in Saudi Arabia It is perhaps no wonder that Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held consultations with his counterparts from the UAE Malaysia and Iran and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council
However all of these consultations do not seem to be making much headway in the face of US stubbornness, bolstered by Israeli intransigence The peace of the world is endangered, because Mr Trump could perhaps go to any extent, and is behaving a little like a spoilt child who is not being given what he wants Pakistan must do what it can to stop the conflict especially now that it threatens to draw it in Instead of concerting measures to improve its economy, it has to try to conserve fuel, as the PM told ministers to prepare plans for this
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
IN the midst of a rapidly escalating conflict with the USA and Israel, Iran has demonstrated a level of resilience and strategic acumen that few outside observers fully anticipated Despite the overwhelming military capabilities of its adversaries Tehran s response has been methodical coordinated and remarkably precise highlighting a military doctrine designed for endurance, adaptability, and asymmetric warfare
From the first days of the confrontation, Iran’s ability to absorb external strikes while maintaining operational continuity became immediately apparent While conventional wisdom suggested that prolonged attacks on Iranian infrastructure might paralyze decision-making the country s command structures, from political leadership to military operations, remained intact and responsive This level of institutional resilience is not incidental; it reflects decades of planning aimed at preparing for high-intensity conflict scenarios in which conventional superiority is not on Iran s side Central to Tehran s strategy has been a commitment to precision and selective targeting Rather than relying on broad, indiscriminate strikes, Iranian forces have consistently executed operations designed to degrade key adversary assets while minimizing unnecessary exposure Missile and drone deployments have focused on logistical hubs military installations and command nodes, signaling a sophisticated understanding of modern warfare dynamics Such precision is as much about tactical efficiency as it is about messaging: each strike conveys capability discipline and the ability to control escalation on Iran s own terms
Equally striking is the integration of various military domains Missile systems, drone squadrons, air defense units, and cyber capabilities have been deployed in coordinated fashion, reflecting a high level of operational maturity Perhaps Iran’s military exercises with China and Russia have proved fruitful
As of early 2026 China has deepened its strategic partnership with Iran by providing access to the BeiDou-3 navigation satellite system for military and civilian use This transition allows Iran to move away from reliance on UScontrolled GPS enhancing the resilience of its missile guidance drone control and command networks against jamming and interference The orchestration of multiple platforms in real time demonstrates that Iran has invested not just in hardware, but in the command, communication, and control infrastructure necessary to sustain complex operations under pressure This approach allows Iran to exploit asymmetric ad-
IDr OMer JaveD
N the wake of the conflict in Iran which has now escalated to some extent as a regional conflict in the Middle East especially in terms of significant level of closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a deep supply shock Among the main commodities of immense consequence has been the supply of oil, and gas An article ‘Oil prices surge further and markets slump as Middle East war intensifies’ published by Bloomberg on March 3 pointed out with regard to rise in oil prices that Oil prices have risen further as the Middle East war extended into a fourth day sending stock markets tumbling across the UK and Europe on fears of a prolonged conflict Brent crude rose by another 4% on Tuesday to stand at a one-year high of nearly $81 a barrel An Iranian official has reportedly warned tankers on the Strait of Hormuz that no ships would be allowed to pass through as part of its response to a US and Israel military campaign against Iran Oil had soared by as much as 13
Conflict’s economic shocks, and policy response
exchange rate Here, it needs to be emphasized that learning from the misgivings of following over-austerity policies, in terms of paying unnecessarily high economic growth sacrifice a more balanced aggregate demand and supply-side policies need to be adopted This would mean relying less on enhancing policy rate and fiscal consolidation rate– reducing government developmental expenditures, and raising consumption-based taxation– and putting in place much improved governance, and incentive structures to enhance aggregate supply to overall control inflation from rising quickly and to a high level Overall it would mean adopting a non-neoliberal approach– that is putting in place a greater role of the public sector adopting meaningful level of regulation and approaching for instance privatization, and liberalization in a rationalized way– counter-cyclical– enhancing public development related expenditure, and reducing taxes during downturn– and a non-austerity policy approach
Meaningful level of controls will also need to be applied on imports so that only essential natured imports are made to ease pressure on the balance of payments, along with adopting a policy of price controls for better, and more predictable price discovery for consumption, and investment At the same time, there is already a
inflationary impact Moreover, expensive imports will add to balance of payments pressures, while a likely contractionary monetary policy response to inflation will increase debt repayment needs– and overall debt distress– in turn, putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves and the
vantages, offsetting conventional imbalances and forcing adversaries to reconsider assumptions about the cost and feasibility of further escalation
Resilience in this conflict is not merely structural; it is cultural and strategic The sustained capacity to respond adapt and continue operations under duress signals a military ethos built around endurance and preparation Tehran has clearly anticipated that any engagement with superior forces would be protracted, and it has structured its forces accordingly Dispersed command centees redundant communications and the ability to rapidly reconstitute damaged units all reflect a military designed to survive and thrive under continuous pressure Iran s approach has also been deliberately calibrated to signal both deterrence and negotiation leverage By demonstrating the ability to inflict meaningful disruption through selective strikes Tehran positions itself not as a reactive state but as a calculated actor capable of controlling escalation This strategy complicates adversary calculations, raising the costs of further attacks while leaving space for political maneuvering In essence, Iran is leveraging battlefield precision and operational discipline as tools of diplomacy as well as defense Technology and innovation are central to this narrative of capability Advanced missile guidance, long-endurance drones, and integrated reconnaissance systems have allowed Iranian forces to strike targets far from their borders with credible accuracy While critics may question the ultimate effectiveness of individual strikes the systematic development and deployment of these systems signal an evolving military doctrine: one that prioritizes adaptability, reach, and asymmetric leverage over sheer numbers
The broader strategic calculus is clear: Iran’s military actions are as much about perception as they are about destruction Demonstrating operational competence and precise execution reinforces domestic confidence reassures allies, and complicates adversary narra-
tives about Iranian vulnerability In conflicts where information is as vital as ordnance, the ability to shape perception through measured, demonstrable success becomes an instrument of power in its own right
There is also a stark lesson in patience and discipline Unlike forces that might respond impulsively to strikes, Iran has shown a preference for carefully sequenced operations, avoiding overextension while maximizing impact This reflects an understanding that long-term survival and influence require both strategic foresight and tactical restraint Every move is calculated to reinforce resilience deter further aggression and maintain leverage in an increasingly complex regional environment
The ongoing confrontation underscores a broader principle of modern conflict: military capability alone does not guarantee security or dominance Cohesion planning and precise execution can offset numerical or technological disadvantages particularly in asymmetric contexts Iran s performance thus far exemplifies how a nation with a clear strategic vision, disciplined forces, and operational flexibility can challenge even the most powerful adversaries
Iran’s conduct in the current conflict offers a case study in modern strategic resilience Through careful planning precise strikes and the systematic integration of military capabilities, Tehran has demonstrated that even against militarily superior opponents, endurance and intelligence can redefine the terms of engagement For policymakers analysts and observers the lesson is unambiguous: in modern conflict preparation adaptability and precision are as decisive as firepower and Iran s actions are a stark reminder of the strategic potency of these principles
The writer is Head of News at Pakistan
Today He has a special focus on current affairs regional and global connectivity and counterterrorism He tweets as @mian abrar and also can be reached at hussainmian@gmail com
Through careful planning, precise strikes, and the systematic integration of military capabilities, Tehran has demonstrated that even against militarily superior opponents, endurance and intelligence can redefine the terms of engagement For policymakers, analysts, and observers, the lesson is unambiguous: in modern conflict, preparation, adaptability, and precision are as decisive as firepower, and IranÊs actions are a stark reminder of the strategic potency of these principles.
Playgrounds build healthy kids
Revise Pakistan’s curriculum
Roads
Mian abrar
spill here does not disperse into the open ocean; it lingers
The historical precedent is chilling During the 1991 Persian Gulf War an estimated 11 million barrels of crude oil were released into the Gulf, damaging 800 km of coastline
More than a decade later, geochemist Jacqueline Michel discovered that vast amounts of that spilled oil remained having seeped deep into the seabed sediment The ecological cost included the death of approximately 30,000 grebes and cormorants, their feathers coated in crude
“If fighting disrupts shipping lanes or port infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, the risk goes beyond oil exports ” environmental analysts have warned A single major oil spill can take decades to recover from Beyond oil the conflict has raised the spectre of a far more toxic threat If military operations expand to target Iran s uranium enrichment facilities, the danger extends beyond radiation Industrial chemicals used in production processes could leak contaminating soil and groundwater for years International bodies should be aware that structural damage could trigger the spread of hazardous materials across the region
The worst-case scenario would be severe damage to a coastal nuclear facility Contamination in the Gulf would not remain localized It could directly affect the desalination plants upon which Gulf Cooperation Council countries and by extension millions of people depend for freshwater In a region already facing acute water stress, the poisoning of desalination infrastructure would constitute a humanitarian disaster Modern warfare is fundamentally carbon-intensive The aircraft carriers fighter jets missiles and support systems deployed in this conflict consume fossil fuels on a staggering scale This helps explain why the US Department of Defense is the largest institutional emitter of greenhouse gases globally Taken together the world’s militaries have a bigger annual carbon footprint than all but three countries on Earth
The emissions from even a short burst of
military operations can rival the annual output of smaller nations Russia s war in Ukraine for example has generated emissions equivalent to France s yearly total If strikes extend to oil depots or refineries as they already have in Saudi Arabia and Qatar the atmospheric toll multiplies Such attacks release carbon dioxide nitrogen oxides sulfur dioxide and PM2 5 particulate matter into the air For major cities in the region the consequences are immediate Tehran, which already struggles with chronic smog, faces the prospect of acute airquality crises
The marine life of the Persian Gulf has evolved in one of the world’s most extreme environments with high salinity and temperature fluctuations It cannot withstand an assault of this magnitude Fisheries which sustain coastal communities across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE, face decimation It can cause long-lasting damage to fragile ecosystems and coastal communities
The damage extends beyond visible oil slicks When crude oil spills it has an unusual capacity to penetrate deep into seabed sediment, as seen after the 1991 disaster That means recovery is measured not in years, but in decades The current conflict threatens to repeat that history, with one critical difference: the region’s environmental baseline is already degraded by climate change overfishing and coastal development
While environmentalists focus on oil spills, another crisis is building in the holds of cargo ships Approximately 33 percent of the world’s fertilizers including sulfur and ammonia transit through the Strait of Hormuz Loaded onto vessels in Qatar Saudi Arabia and the UAE these fertilizers are destined for farms in India China Brazil and across Africa There are no viable alternatives to
while anchored approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Mubarak Al Kabeer, Kuwait The vessel s master reported a massive explosion on the port side, and oil was observed leaking from a damaged cargo tank into the sea There could be “environmental impact” This is not a new phenomenon but the scale of risk is unprecedented The Persian Gulf is a semi-enclosed, shallow body of water with limited circulation Any major oil
For Pakistan, situated on the edg e of a volatile region and already bearing the brunt of a climate crisis it did little to create , the messag e is stark. The fires in the Gulf are not separate from the floods in Sindh or the heatwaves in Punjab They are connected by the same atmosphere , the same ocean currents, and the same global economy. In an era of war, the environment becomes both weapon and casualty and the damag e , once done , outlasts any ceasefire
the war on Iran continues
GU L F countries are shutting down oil and gas production as a result of the US-Israeli war on Iran but it’s not just their energy infrastructure that is currently held hostage to Iran s retaliatory missiles and drones: food and water are, too Over 400 water desalination plants line the Persian Gulf They are used to keep the industry running keep golf courses green and most importantly quench the thirst of the region s residents
were destroyed You can t imagine how water-intensive these economies are Especially as we are entering the spring and summer They don t have a plan if those facilities are targeted the analyst said speaking on condition of anonymity
GULF INDUSTRY ‘WATER-IN-
since mushroomed
The Gulf accounts for some 60 percent of global water desalination capacity but the numbers are even starker when states are examined individually In the UAE, 90 percent of drinking water comes from desalination plants; in Kuwait, it is 90 percent; in Oman 86 percent; and in Saudi Arabia 70 percent
One Gulf analyst who works on the intersection of geopolitics and food security in the region told MEE that some have built up strategic stocks, but for small states like Qatar and Bahrain, these could be depleted in days if their desalination plants
TENSIVE’: The US embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a leaked 2008 cable that the kingdom’s Jubail desalination plant alone provided Riyadh with over 90 percent of its drinking water The Gulf has diversified by building more plants over the last 20 years, but it is still just as dependent on those facilities The Gulf states’ petrochemical refineries and downstream production facilities also require vast amounts of fresh water The most important part of water usage is for human consumption: drinking water But that water use is the smallest compared to industrial and agricultural use ” Mahmoud told MEE And the Gulf region s industries are very waterintensive The fact that the Gulf s desalination plants have not been targeted shows that the Islamic Republic is operating with restraint, experts say As the war progresses it is becoming clearer that Iran has used sophisticated targeting to strike US radar installations diplomatic compounds, and energy infrastructure Bahrain s largest oil refinery erupted in flames on Friday after an Iranian strike “Right now Iran’s strategy appears to be striking Gulf energy infrastructure in order to impose economic costs If Iran wanted to bomb those desalination plants, they could easily do it, but that would be very escalatory,” said Leiden University’s Christian Henderson who is a scholar of political economy and food security in the Middle East
Talk of the Gulf states joining directly in the US attack has died down in recent days Their water vulnerability may be one reason why they are reluctant to escalate Iran has sent contradictory messages regarding the Strait of Hormuz the narrow waterway that Bahrain Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE rely on for exporting energy and importing goods and foodstuffs The reality is that the strait faces a de facto closure with western insurance groups refusing to provide war-risk coverage
leaving all but the most intrepid shipowners transiting it The Strait of Hormuz’s closure, along with severely disrupted air travel means the Gulf is also vulnerable to food shortages Upwards of 80 to 90 percent of some Gulf states food is imported Their entire economic model is based on imports The closure of shipping lanes and ports is going to disrupt that ” Henderson said
ECONOMIC MODEL DIS-
RUPTED: The governments are working to prevent this, but inevitably there will be panic buying, he said “Having said that, Gulf countries, and certainly the UAE, have prepared and stockpiled basic commodities for I d say up to three to six months Henderson said The Gulf countries rely on air transportation for much of their food imports
Some commentators note that Gulf states have developed strong agricultural sectors For example the UAE and Saudi Arabia are major regional dairy hubs But their cows are dependent on imported feedstocks
The UAE is a big consumer of alfalfa from Arizona Even as the UAE moves to reopen Dubai International Airport, other regional airspaces remain closed and cargo flights could be disrupted experts say The Strait of Hormuz s closure means foodstuffs will have to enter Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar via ports of entry in Saudi Arabia and Oman that have been less impacted “Increased shipping and insurance costs will all manifest themselves in food inflation There will need to be a substantial reorganisation if they reroute everything through Sohar and Jeddah ports, Henderson said, referring to Omani and Saudi Arabian ports, respectively Some Gulf countries especially the UAE have also emerged as key transhipment and food processing hubs for Asia and Africa Even if Iran doesn t target them specifically, the war could upend their business models For example Dubai-based Al Khaleej Sugar owns the world’s largest port-based sugar refinery
Aexpand across multiple fronts Tehran appears to be pursuing a complex strategy that combines military escalation economic leverage domestic mobilization and diplomatic signaling Rather than relying on what Iranian officials once described as strategic patience, the current approach suggests that Iran is attempting to fundamentally reshape the battlefield by increasing the costs of the war for the United States Israel and any regional actors that choose to participate The strategy appears to rest on several interconnected pillars designed not only to respond to military attacks but also to prevent the broader objective that Iranian leaders believe lies behind the war: regime change The most visible element of Iran’s strategy has been its attempt to expand the battlefield geographically and operationally Rather than focusing solely on Israeli territory Iran has targeted a wide range of US and allied assets across the region The aim appears to be twofold
First, Iranian strikes are intended to impose a form of “strategic blindness” on opposing forces by degrading radar systems, surveillance networks, and early-warning capabilities Such attacks reduce the ability of the United States and Israel to monitor Iranian movements and respond effectively to missile launches or other military operations Second, by targeting US bases in multiple countries across the region, Iran is sending a clear message that the conflict will not remain geographically contained In practical terms this means that any country hosting American military facilities risks becoming part of the battlefield Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that these strikes are directed at US military infrastructure rather than the sovereignty of host nations Nevertheless, the message is unmistakable: if regional territory is used to launch attacks on Iran, that territory may also become a site of retaliation This approach reflects a major shift away from Iran s previous policy of measured responses and limited escalation Instead Tehran appears to be pursuing a strategy designed to overwhelm the enemy on multiple fronts simultaneously, raising the political and military cost of continuing the war
ECONOMIC WARFARE: Alongside its military operations Iran is also leveraging one of the most powerful tools at its disposal: the geography of global energy supply The Strait of Hormuz through which roughly a fifth of the world s oil supply passes has effectively become a war zone Although Iran has not formally declared a blockade, the conditions created by the conflict have produced a functional shutdown of the waterway Missile exchanges naval deployments maritime attacks and the growing threat environment have drastically reduced the willingness
political cohesion Mass rallies and public demonstrations have taken place across multiple cities, with large crowds gathering in public squares to express support for the government and condemnation of the attacks These displays serve an important political function By filling public spaces with supporters the government is attempting to preempt the emergence of alternative movements that might claim to represent a popular response to the war For Washington and Tel Aviv, the assumption that internal unrest could become a decisive factor appears to have been a significant miscalculation
CALIBRATED DIPLOMACY: Tehran’s broader objective appears to be preventing Arab states from becoming full participants in
dR Fayyaz Salih huSSain
IRAN SAYS 200 US SOLDIERS KILLED AS TURKIYE WARNS AGAINST STIRRING CIVIL CONFLICT IN TEHRAN
TTrump says US does not need UK suppor t to win potential Iran conflic t
US President Donald Trump has stated that the United States does not require assistance from the United Kingdom to prevail in a potential conflict with Iran His remarks come amid ongoing discussions regarding the use of British military bases in the event of escalating tensions with Tehran
acted
curity
the Jammu massacres mass rapes were perpetrated by Dogra troops alongside Hindu fanatics in a brutal campaign against the territory s Muslim population Thousands of Muslim women were abducted, raped and subjected to unimaginable horrors, particularly in Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch and Kathua These atrocities were not random acts of violence but a systematic attempt at ethnic cleansing actively facilitated by the forces of the Dogra State under Maharaja Hari Singh Since the 1988 popular uprising, scholars and human rights organizations have consistently documented the use of rape as a weapon of war by Indian state forces, including the Indian Army Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) The deliberate and targeted nature of these crimes underscores the continuing pattern of oppression in IIOJK, where sexual violence remains a tool of subjugation and terror against the local population After 1989, Indian forces selectively raped, tortured and killed Kashmiri Muslims and burnt their homes and business centers Indian forces have committed rape as a form of retaliation against civilians who were demanding the right to self-determination under UN supervision
According to a 1993 Human Rights Watch (HRW) report Indian forces used rape as a method of retaliation against Kashmiri civilians Most rape cases, according to the report, occurred during cordon-and-search operations In October 1992 representatives from the Asia Watch group and Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) traveled to Kashmir to document rape and other human rights abuses and violations of the laws of war by Indian forces Later they released a book titled Rape in Kashmir on May 9, 1993 The report revealed that since January 1989, Indian state terrorism has rendered 22,991 women widowed, while 11,275 women were molested by Indian forces’ personnel
According to a report by the Express Tribune President Trump criticized UK Labour leader Keir Starmer over the issue of British bases, following reports of hesitation from the British government about supporting US military action against Iran Trump emphasized that the US is capable of handling the situation independently, saying he would remember Britain's reluctance to offer support if conflict arises The comments were made as debate continues in the UK over the country s involvement in any potential US-led military campaign against Iran The issue has become a point of contention between the US administration and British officials particularly in light of recent statements from Starmer and other UK leaders expressing caution about becoming entangled in another Middle Eastern conflict President Trump's remarks underscore the current strain in USUK relations regarding foreign policy towards Iran The US president s assertion that American forces do not need British backing highlights a shift from previous instances where
NEW YORK ag e n c i e s
New York counterterror police said they were carrying out an investigation on Saturday after a man threw ignited devices near farright protesters demonstrating outside the mayor s home New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the devices contained nuts bolts and screws as well as a fuse but it was not yet clear if they were functional improvised explosive devices, or hoax imitations The Federal Bureau of Investigation said in an X post that its Joint Terrorism Task Force was “actively investigating” the matter along with New York City Police There was no indication the incident was related to the ongoing hostilities in Iran, Tisch added Police arrested six people over unrest at the protest, she said, including two suspects in connection with the devices Far-right influencer Jake Lang
was demonstrating against alleged Islamification and calling for an end to public Muslim prayer in New York in front of Gracie Mansion, the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani His protest drew around 20 people police said while counterprotesters numbered about 125 A man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and beige cargo pants was handed a device wrapped in tape and billowing smoke by a fellow activist He dropped it near a line of police before vaulting a crash barrier The man also threw a similar device near Lang s group of protesters Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as it travelled through the air before it struck a barrier a few feet from police officers ” Tisch told a briefing naming the suspect as Amir Balat 18
Mr Balat then gets a second device from a man Mr Balat lights the device and starts running with it He then drops the device Moments later, he and the other
As per the
Trump also warned that the US would take note of Britain s stance suggesting that the UK's position could have long-term implications for bilateral relations The situation remains fluid as both governments continue to navigate the diplomatic and military complexities surrounding Iran
man were detained by police who were heavily deployed to the protest
An idiot
The bomb squad responded and based on a preliminary examination and X-ray imaging, the devices which were a bit smaller than a football appeared to be a jar wrapped in black tape importantly with nuts
our city We democratically elected a mayor who is Muslim and that s New York We have different cultures and we have to celebrate those cultures ” She added “I think (Lang) is an idiot I think he underestimates the power of the people
There were some scuffles,
SSP Investigation rewards RDU officers for outstanding performance
on Sunday paid tribute to women in Punjab and around the world, saying that the day is dedicated to every woman who is courageous, talented, and resilient, and who plays a vital role in the development of society In a message on International Women s Day she said that today women are making remarkable contributions in every sphere of life and are leading in diverse fields including politics, the armed forces, and the judiciary Azma Bokhari emphasized that women s abilities and services are second to
Azma Bokhari said that
the past, women in Punjab did not feel as secure as they do today The Punjab government has given special
Ramzi delivered the formal welcome address, throwing light on the activities of Shaane e Pakistan and in particular the SEP Academy for the Visually Impaired which recently signed an MOU with Ida Rieu She stated Today we are celebrating inclusivity The evening will highlight the extraordinary abilities of visually impaired students and mark a meaningful step towards sustained empowerment ” Ramzi further highlighted the vision behind the Academy and Huma’s desire and endeavours to actively promote an inclusive society by providing visually-impaired students opportunities to perform live on stage and enhancing their talent be it of singing, or even modelling She added, The SEP Academy is planning a fashion event on the 9th of May, in which, for the first time, blind students will be integrated into the creative showcase You are most welcome to support this cause in any which way you choose Let us make a shared commitment to creating platforms that promote and
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Ahead of the International Women s Day 2026 the Women s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), with financial support from the European Union (EU) and in partnership with UN Women Pakistan unveiled the Pakistan Women s Parliamentary Leaders (PWL) Portal in Islamabad Launched under the EU-funded Pakistan Women Leaders (PWL) project, the portal will strengthen coordination between the National and Provincial Assemblies and serve as a centralised digital repository of pro-women legislation and related data enabling more informed evidence-based and gender-responsive lawmaking across Pakistan The event commenced with welcome remarks by Dr Shahida Rehmani Secretary Women’s Parliamentary Caucus who underscored the importance of institutionalising knowledge and collaboration among women legislators International Women s Day reminds us that women’s political participation is essential for inclusive governance This portal represents more than a digital platform; it is a collective commitment to strengthening women s leadership across assemblies and ensuring that pro-women laws are informed by ev-
priority to women in every development initiative in order to empower them and further strengthen their role in society She further stated that those who once opposed women’s leadership are now compelled to acknowledge and appreciate the initiatives taken by Maryam Nawaz Sharif According to her, Maryam Nawaz has introduced a new trend in politics that focuses on public service
A zma Bokhari added that due to the Punjab government s effective policies and measures respect a n d p r o t e c t i o n f o r w o m e n a r e being ensured across the province, and no one now dares to cast an ill eye on a woman
idence coordination and shared learning she stated In his remarks H E Philipp Oliver Gross, Deputy Chief of Mission, the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, reaffirmed the EU’s long- standing commitment to gender equality and democratic governance International Women s Day is a powerful reminder that democracy is strongest when women participate fully in decision-making The European Union remains a steadfast partner in supporting women’s political leadership in Pakistan and the Pakistan Women s Parliamentary Leaders Portal is an important step towards strengthening democratic institutions and inclusive policymaking, he stated Delivering opening remarks at the event Mohamed Yahya United
Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan emphasized the global significance of International Women s Day in advancing gender equality On International Women s Day, we recognize that strengthening women’s participation in political and legislative processes is central to achieving inclusive and sustainable development Initiatives such as the Pakistan Women s Parliamentary Leaders Portal demonstrate how digital innovation can support accountability, transparency and
583 AFGHAN TALIBAN KILLED, 242 CHECKPOSTS DESTROYED AS BORDER CL ASHES ENTER SECOND WEEK
Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Pakistani women emphasizing that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without the active participation of women in all spheres of life
This year Women’s Day is being marked under the theme Rights Equality and Action: For All Women and Girls, reflecting the global commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring equal opportunities In his message President Asif Ali Zardari said that women have played a crucial role in Pakistan s development and progress He recalled that the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had emphasized the importance of women’s equal participation in national life The president also highlighted the leadership of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto as a shining example of the determination and strength of Pakistani women He said the contributions and struggles of Fatima Jinnah and Nusrat Bhutto continue to inspire women across the country
President Zardari noted that women are serving the nation in every field from aviation cockpits to parliamentary halls and their services are highly commendable He stressed the need to eliminate discriminatory laws and harmful social practices that hinder women’s progress He further said that ensuring equal rights would help improve women s access to education employment and protection The president also highlighted the important role of rural women, particularly in agriculture and the national economy He added that Pakistan is committed to international agreements aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and emphasized that providing women with equal access to credit, property, and employment opportunities is essential for sustainable development
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to women across Pakistan and the world who continue to contribute to society with dedication and resilience
The prime minister stated that protecting women s rights is key to ensuring sustainable national development and prosperity He said women’s hard work determination and valuable services in every sector of life are a source of pride for the nation He added that Pakistani women are playing a transformative role in building a strong and prosperous country from education and healthcare to sports governance and
