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  • Here’s why Azerbaijan was cheering for Pakistan during clashes with India

    Here’s why Azerbaijan was cheering for Pakistan during clashes with India

    Azerbaijan was among the countries that announced full support for Pakistan during the recent escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India, which brought the region to the brink of war.

    Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, conveyed his government’s support and condemned Indian aggression at the time.

    People in Azerbaijan also took to the streets to celebrate the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) successful response to Indian airstrikes in the early hours of May 10.

    But where does this deep-rooted support from Azerbaijanis for Pakistan stem from?

    The close ties between the two countries go back decades, particularly the shared stance in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have laid claim to the territory.

    Despite being largely Armenian-populated, the Soviet Union placed the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) under Azerbaijani control in 1929.

    As the USSR began to weaken in the 1980s and eventually collapsed in 1991, ethnic Armenians in the region reignited calls for self-determination, which led to a new phase of violent conflict.

    This led to the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, in which Armenia successfully took control of the disputed territory.

    In 1991, Pakistan, alongside Turkey and Romania, recognised Azerbaijan’s independence.

    Pakistan and Azerbaijan formally established diplomatic ties in 1992.

    In April 1993, Pakistan supported United Nations Security Council Resolution 822, which called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Armenian occupying forces from Azerbaijani territory.

    Pakistan also chaired the Security Council meeting during which the resolution was adopted.

    Pakistan has consistently supported Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity at international forums. It is also an active member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on the Aggression of Armenia Against Azerbaijan.

    In 2012 and 2017, Pakistan’s Senate and National Assembly, respectively, passed resolutions recognising the Khojaly massacre as genocide.

    The frozen conflict resurfaced again in 2020 during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in which  Azerbaijan regained control over large parts of the territory previously held by Armenia with Turkish military support.

    Throughout the conflict, Pakistan also supported Azerbaijan’s right to self-defence. In October 2020, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning Armenian aggression.

    According to unconfirmed reports, Pakistani military advisors assisted Azerbaijani forces. The Pakistani Foreign Office denied any direct involvement of troops, stating that its support remained political and diplomatic.

    After 44 days of fighting, Russia brokered a ceasefire and deployed peacekeepers to enforce the agreement.

    Pakistan continued to support Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity after the 2020 war, including the 2023 military operation to gain full control over Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Since 2021, the two countries have strengthened their military cooperation, including joint drills and major defence deals. Notably, Pakistan signed a $1.6 billion agreement to supply JF-17 fighter jets to Azerbaijan.

    Pakistan-India tensions

    Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), in which 26 civilians were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting credible evidence.

    Following the incident, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been a key water-sharing agreement between the two countries signed in 1960, and governs the distribution of the Indus River and its tributaries.

    The threat of war intensified, and on May 7 and 8, India launched airstrikes in various parts of Pakistan. At least three civilians were martyred, and 12 others injured in the attacks.

    The airstrikes came amid heightened warmongering by India and public outrage following the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan strongly denied any involvement and offered a transparent investigation into the tragedy.

    As tensions continued to rise, explosions were reported in Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad on May 6 and 7.

  • Pakistan-India DGMOs’ talk postponed, expected later today

    Pakistan-India DGMOs’ talk postponed, expected later today

    The scheduled meeting between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India has been delayed by a few hours and is now expected to take place later today, according to Indian media reports.

    The meeting was initially scheduled for 11:30am on Monday, May 12, according to reports. The reason for the delay, however, has not been disclosed.

    The DGMOS, Major General Kashif Abdullah for Pakistan and Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai for India, are senior army officers responsible for military planning and border operations.

    Their role is to typically oversee combat operations, counter-terrorism missions, and strategic planning to ensure the armed forces remain prepared for any scenario.

    On Saturday, May 10, the nuclear-armed neighbours announced an agreement to cease all firing and military actions across land, air, and sea, with immediate effect.

    According to India’s leading English-language outlets, the DGMOs for both countries remain in direct communication to manage and de-escalate potential flashpoints, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists, including one Nepalese national.

  • ‘Being Ayeza Khan is not the goal’: Actress faces backlash for attending acting school amid national crisis

    ‘Being Ayeza Khan is not the goal’: Actress faces backlash for attending acting school amid national crisis

    Pakistani drama star Ayeza Khan is currently enrolled at an acting school, but her recent social media post about it has sparked mixed reactions online.

    On Instagram, she shared photos with her classmates at the acting institute, along with a caption expressing her passion for learning and personal growth. While many fans praised her humility and commitment, others criticised the timing of the post, calling it insensitive in light of the ongoing national crisis.

    The caption for her post read, “Season two of Ayeza Khan Being Your Classmate.


    Someone in my class asked me, ‘What’s the point of studying if you’re already Ayeza Khan?’

    I replied, ‘I don’t think I study because I’m Ayeza Khan. I study so I can be a role model for my daughter, my fans, and the girls around the world who look up to me. I want them to see that being Ayeza is just a drop in the ocean compared to the success all you girls are capable of achieving. So never stop learning, and never stop growing. ’”


    Fans react with mixed emotions

    Some fans flooded the comments with love and encouragement:

    “Your classmates are so lucky! They get to talk to you and see you live. Wow ❤️❤️❤️”


    “Aww So proud of you, little girl ❤️ Keep shining Love you so much “

    “Strive not just to be successful, but to be significant. Keep learning, keep growing, and leave a positive mark! “

    “You are truly amazing. You think about your fans as well as yourself. I’m so glad I follow you.”

    But others felt the post was out of touch with the national sentiment,


    “Our country is facing war threats, and this actress is busy proving herself by posting classroom selfies.”


    “I used to admire her, but now it feels like she only cares about likes and followers not the nation.”

    Some even compared her to other actresses known for their low-key personas, saying:

    “If you want to learn humility, look at Mahira Khan or Sajal Aly. Ayeza is just showing off. Education isn’t needed at this stage it’s time to serve the nation.”

  • ‘Now you know why Indians didn’t come by sea’: Pak Navy’s ‘silent guy’ jumps out swinging in second presser

    ‘Now you know why Indians didn’t come by sea’: Pak Navy’s ‘silent guy’ jumps out swinging in second presser

    What began as a standard defense briefing quickly turned into a adoration for Pakistan Navy’s once “silent” representative.

    The Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, decided to speak in Sunday’s late night presser after staying silent during the previous briefing. And when he did, he did not just make waves, he became THE wave.

    Raja Rab Nawaz addressed the ongoing chatter about the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, calmly setting the record straight. 


    “We tracked it closely from the start. On May 6–7, it was near Bombay, and by May 9, it came within 400 nautical miles of our coast, then turned back,” he revealed, dismissing rumours of the carrier attacking Karachi with quiet confidence.

    Prepared and precise, the Vice Admiral assured the nation that Pakistan’s maritime air arm had been fully ready, with constant coordination from the Air Force. 

    Then came the mic-drop moment: “As a military officer, I don’t take the enemy lightly. But let’s be realistic, the Vikrant only carries 8–12 MiG-29s, enough for its own defence, not much more.”

    Vice Admiral Nawaz, who was before known as “the silent guy,” suddenly rose to fame on the internet. He cooked, he got the chance and he decided to rock it up. He chose to take advantage of the opportunity.







    Some commented that “they really read our tweets and prepared a presentation for the Navy uncle,” while another called him Silent_killer@yahoo.com.





    The Admiral’s statement, “Next time when you think of the Pakistan Navy and the silent guy, remember, our actions will always speak louder than words,” delivered with a wry smile, caused a ripple of laughter in the room, a surge of national pride and a storm of memes.

    His calm vibe was duly praised, one user said, “Very nana abu energy.” 
     

    “Aray ye hastay bhi hain?” said another, laughing.

    But nothing beat the internet’s favourite line of the night: “Indians didn’t choose to come on the sea. Now you know why.” 





    Memes on Instagram and X declared him the King of Comebacks. It was said, “Navy uncle not coming slow.” 



    And it seemed even Indian media wasn’t immune to the moment,
    jokingly reporting the mythical Lahore seaport just to keep up.


    The man who was barely a meme now owned the mic. Full marks to Navy uncle.


    Once silent. Now iconic.

  • Shahid Afridi pays tribute to Virat Kohli after Test retirement

    Shahid Afridi pays tribute to Virat Kohli after Test retirement

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has paid tribute to Virat Kohli following the Indian batter’s announcement to retire from Test cricket. Afridi lauded Kohli’s contribution to the longest format, calling his career “remarkable” and praising the standards he set during his time.

    Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Afridi wrote, “Congratulations on a remarkable career, Virat Kohli. Your passion, intensity and professionalism set new standards in Test cricket. The purist format will miss your presence and competitive spirit.”

    Virat Kohli, 35, announced his retirement from Test cricket through an emotional Instagram post, drawing curtains on a red-ball career that spanned over 14 years. Kohli represented India in 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of over 48, including 30 centuries. He captained India in 68 matches between 2014 and 2022, leading the team to 40 victories and becoming the most successful Test captain in India’s history.

    In his statement, Kohli wrote, “When I first started playing Test cricket for India, I never thought I would be able to witness the journey that unfolded before me. The format tested me and shaped me in ways nothing else could. It taught me discipline, patience, and resilience. Playing in whites was always a special feeling, those silent battles, long days on the field, and moments that never made the highlights but stayed etched in the heart.”

    He added, “This decision wasn’t easy, but it feels right. I’ve given everything to Test cricket, and it has given me back more than I ever imagined. I leave with immense gratitude for the game, my teammates, and every supporter who stood by me. I will always look back on my test career with pride and a smile.”

    Kohli’s retirement comes just days after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from Test cricket, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket. With both senior players gone, India now faces a leadership gap ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20.

    While Kohli had already retired from T20 internationals in 2024, he has confirmed that he will continue to play in One Day Internationals.

  • Wasim Akram under fire for late statement on Pak-India tensions

    Wasim Akram under fire for late statement on Pak-India tensions

    Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram is facing strong criticism from the public and former cricketers for expressing solidarity with the armed forces only after tensions between Pakistan and India began to ease.

    Akram had posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We all stand with our armed forces. They have responded to the enemy’s aggression,” adding that “dialogue is the way forward and peace is what we all want. Pakistan Zindabad.”

    However, many fans and ex-players felt his message came too late. One of the strongest reactions came from former Test cricketer Basit Ali, who remarked: “Remaining silent during critical moments and then making a statement once things return to normal, how is that bravery? Cricketers should raise their voice when the nation is going through difficult times, not afterwards!”

    Social media users also joined in, questioning why Akram remained silent during the height of the escalation and only spoke up after the situation had begun to stabilise.

    Meanwhile, with a ceasefire now in place, there is growing optimism that Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 could soon resume. Foreign players remain stationed in Dubai, while local players have been advised to stay prepared as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans the next steps.

  • ‘I thought I’d never see my kids again’: Hira Mani’s emotional video from Abu Dhabi airport goes viral

    ‘I thought I’d never see my kids again’: Hira Mani’s emotional video from Abu Dhabi airport goes viral

    Actress Hira Mani’s emotional video from Abu Dhabi Airport has gone viral on social media, capturing the fear and helplessness she experienced while being stranded during the closure of Pakistan’s airspace amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India.

    In the video, posted on her Instagram, Hira shared that she was deeply worried and feared she might never see her children again. Holding back tears, she said her only reason for recording the video was to connect with fellow Pakistanis who have lost loved ones because of the ongoing conflict.

    “When I was stuck at Abu Dhabi airport the day before yesterday, I felt like I would never be able to see my children again. The airspace had been closed.

    We don’t want war. Hum bachaon walay log hain (we are parents). I just wanted to share my feelings with all the Pakistanis whose children, husbands, or sons have fallen victim to this war. My heartfelt prayers are with you all. May Allah grant you patience and strength,” she wrote in the video’s caption.

    She concluded her message with “Pakistan Zindabad ❤”, expressing solidarity with all affected families.

    Her video quickly spread across social media, with fans and followers sending messages of support, prayers, and sympathy to the actress.

  • ‘Do you feel the thunder?’: PTV’s new Pakistan Air Force video will give you goosebumps

    ‘Do you feel the thunder?’: PTV’s new Pakistan Air Force video will give you goosebumps

    As Pakistanis continue to troll Indians and heap praises at the country’s armed forces for a befitting response to Indian aggression, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) has also posted quite the video edit of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) visuals on the hit Imagine Dragons song ‘Thunder’.

    According to the details, the video was uploaded to the official X account of PTV News shortly after the ceasefire, mediated by the United States (US), between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

    While US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire in a post on his social media accounts and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope it would result in lasting peace, PTV posted the edit, captioning it, “Tribute to the Pakistan Air Force. Thunder lightening.”

    The 46-second video showed PAF pilots demonstrating aerial skills of Pakistan’s top jets, the JF-17 Thunder and the Chinese-made 4.5 generation J-10C. “India felt the thunder… Do you wanna feel the thunder?” read the text in the video.

    While people in Pakistan were already feeling on top of the world with the armed forces’ decisive strikes, the move by the state-run channel, which is usually criticised for “not being in the know of modern trends”, left netizens continuing to cheer.

    Social media users flooded the comment section as a number of them praised the choice of the song. “Imagine Dragons wrote this song for our warriors,” said one user.

    “Allah nazr-e-bad se bachaye [May Allah protect from evil eye], they are our pride & joy,” wrote another.

    A third user wrote, “Feel the Thunder! ahhhh goosebumps. Our pride, PAF Share this 1000 times.”

    “PTV using Imagine Dragons wasn’t on my bingo card but I am so HERE for it,” read another comment.

    It merits a mention that PAF, while acting swiftly during the night of May 6 and May 7 against Indian aggression, shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, including one Su-30, one Mig-29 Fulcrum and three western hardcore-proven 4.5 generation Rafales.

    That, however, wasn’t all that was achieved as the PAF, in coordination with other branches of the military, also contributed to Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos a day later, forcing India to seek foreign intervention for ceasefire.

  • Basit Ali proposes new venue for remaining PSL 10 matches

    Basit Ali proposes new venue for remaining PSL 10 matches

    Former Pakistan Test cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that the remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 should be held in Bangladesh instead of Dubai.

    In a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Basit Ali said, “PSL matches should be held in Bangladesh instead of Dubai because Bangladesh is our brotherly country, and fans come to the stadiums in large numbers there.”

    He added that if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) takes this step, “it will receive overwhelming support from the public.”

    It merits mention that the PCB had earlier suspended PSL 10 indefinitely following rising security concerns amid Indian aggression. However, recent reports suggest that PSL management has advised franchises to keep foreign players stationed in Dubai, while local players have been told to stay mentally prepared for the tournament’s resumption.

    According to sources, players may also be asked to assemble in Islamabad soon, where a final decision regarding the continuation of PSL 10 is expected to be made.

  • PAF hits the mark: Pakistanis’ forever crush is an air force baddie

    PAF hits the mark: Pakistanis’ forever crush is an air force baddie

    The dangerous skirmish between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India had the world on tenterhooks, watching with baited breath as the countries traded blows. But true to form, the Pakistani people had moved on to much more serious matters – namely, the hotness and wit quotient as well as confidence of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Aurangzeb Ahmad.


    The flying ace has unexpectedly become the internet’s newest obsession after joining in during a joint press conference addressing recent tensions between Pakistan and India. What started out as a serious national security briefing has now become an online sensation.


    Alongside ISPR chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif and Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, AVM Aurangzeb briefed the nation on how PAF responded to Indian aggression with full force and precision. Six Indian aircraft down. Zero Pakistani losses. BrahMos missiles intercepted mid-air. Every drone jammed… every threat neutralised.


    He clarified that Pakistan maintained complete operational readiness, using both soft and hard kills and exercised discretion in civilian areas. In one of the more significant details, Aurangzeb reported that Pakistan’s hypersonic and precision-guided weaponry only hit their intended military targets, while Indian missiles fired from Amritsar had misfired and targeted Indian civilian areas.


    But as his crisp briefings aired across the country, viewers were struck not only by the strategic depth but also by the poise with which it was delivered. Social media, as always, responded in real time and it wasn’t long before the nation found itself unusually invested in a military update.


    “If you told me a week ago I’d be waiting the entire day for a press conference by our army officials, I’d laugh at your face,” one user admitted.




    Another said: “I am very interested in learning about our jets. I think we should have a monthly PAF update press conference.” 





    The Air Marshal’s presence has generated a lot of admiration, with edits going viral online and passionate comments exploding on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. One laughed, “He literally said begum mera naya uniform lao takay edits mein thora different lagoon.” 




    Another wrote, “Bro saw and saved those edits 100%.”




    The compliments soon reached meme-worthy levels. Someone joked, “Aurangzeb can kill five stones with one bird.” Another said, “The terms and conditions agree with Aurangzeb when he creates an account.”


    From racing against time to redefining weekends, the internet spared no exaggeration in celebrating his moment.


    The internet has even nicknamed him “The Aura Guy”, a reference to the composed assurance he displayed during the briefing and the almost magnetic aura he seems to have garnered since. 


    Others noted the professionalism of the event’s structure. “ISPR is waisay such a professional entity they knew kay Aurangzeb ka part shuru mein rakh diya tou sab nikal jayeingay.”




    Additionally, several people on the internet thought that the officer’s calm and modest demeanor just contributed to his attractiveness. One post read, “The nonchalant boy who pretends he doesn’t know girls like him.”




    What started out as a nationwide update became a digital phenomenon. Between defense briefings and meme culture, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb became Pakistan’s most unexpected main character. He was trending on top on Twitter all night.