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  • Pakistan terms Jaishankar’s remarks ‘undiplomatic’, says they betray frustration

    Pakistan terms Jaishankar’s remarks ‘undiplomatic’, says they betray frustration

    Pakistan on Thursday termed remarks by S. Jaishankar as “undiplomatic,” a day after he criticised Islamabad’s role in indirect talks between Iran and the United States (US).

    The Foreign Office (FO) stated that the language used by the Indian minister reflected frustration.

    During a weekly briefing, a spokesperson noted that such rhetoric “betrays a deeper sense of frustration”.

    “When arguments run thin, invective appears to fill the gap. Pakistan does not subscribe to such megaphone theatrics. Our approach is anchored in restraint, decorum and not in rhetorical excesses,” the spokesperson said.

    A day earlier, Jaishankar had stated that India cannot act as a ‘dalaal’ nation in global geopolitics, using a term considered derogatory in South Asia while responding to criticism over Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue in the Middle East.

    In India, the Indian National Congress also criticised the government over the remarks.

    Party leader Jairam Ramesh said that Jaishankar was attempting to cover up what he described as a setback to India’s regional diplomacy following Pakistan’s emergence in a mediating role.

    He argued that Pakistan being considered for mediation reflects on India’s diplomatic approach under Narendra Modi.

    Ramesh further stated that Pakistan had previously faced isolation after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, but its current role indicates a shift in regional dynamics.

    “The External Affairs Minister said last night that India is not a broker country. Be that as it may, the fact remains that the colossal failures in our diplomacy, outreach and narrative management have made a broken country a broker country,” he said.

    In a separate statement, Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the government’s position, referring to past attempts by India to mediate in international conflicts.

    The Indian government, during an all-party meeting, stated that Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi had conveyed to US leadership that the conflict in West Asia should end.

    Officials maintained that India has been responding to developments and remains focused on the safety of its citizens in the Gulf region and its energy requirements.

    Opposition members, however, termed the government’s response unsatisfactory and called for a debate in parliament on the situation.

  • Fourth Pakistani killed in UAE as missile debris casualties continue

    Fourth Pakistani killed in UAE as missile debris casualties continue

    A Pakistani national was killed in Abu Dhabi after debris from a missile interception fell in a residential area, authorities said on Thursday, taking the total number of Pakistani deaths in such incidents in the United Arab Emirates to four.

    The Abu Dhabi Media Office said that the incident took place on Sweihan Street and involved debris from the interception of a ballistic missile. In an initial statement posted on X, it reported “deaths of two unidentified individuals, three injuries, and damage to a number of cars”.

    In a subsequent update, the media office confirmed that the two people killed were of Pakistani and Indian nationality. It added that three others were injured, identifying them as individuals of Emirati, Jordanian and Indian nationality. According to the statement, the injuries ranged from serious to moderate.

    “The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information,” the media office said.

    The Pakistan Embassy in the UAE also confirmed the death of a Pakistani national and expressed condolences in a statement shared on X. “In this difficult time, we stand with the bereaved family, offering our heartfelt condolences and prayers,” the embassy said.

    It added that it was in “close coordination” with local authorities to “extend all possible support and to facilitate the earliest repatriation of the deceased”.

    The latest incident comes amid ongoing missile interceptions linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, during which falling debris has caused casualties.

    On March 17, a Pakistani national was killed after debris from a ballistic missile interception fell in the UAE. Earlier, on March 8, a Pakistani driver died when debris from an aerial interception struck a vehicle in Dubai’s Al Barsha area.

    Another Pakistani national, identified as Mureed Zaman, was killed in Abu Dhabi on February 28, the day the conflict began with strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran.

    In a separate incident on March 8, a fisherman from Gwadar was killed in Iranian waters after debris from an Israeli projectile, intercepted by Iranian air defence systems, hit his boat.

  • ‘Fastest recovery ever’: Internet reacts after Naseem Shah says his account was hacked

    ‘Fastest recovery ever’: Internet reacts after Naseem Shah says his account was hacked

    Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah has addressed Thursday’s social media controversy after a post from his official account about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz went viral during the opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026.

    Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was present as the guest of honour for the fixture between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and the Hyderabad Kingsmen.

    Soon after, a post from Naseem Shah’s account on X went viral online. The now-deleted message, shared as a quote repost of a PCB update, read: “Why is she being treat like the queen at Lords?”

    The post quickly spread across social media, triggering strong reactions from fans and the cricket community.

    Naseem later clarified the matter and said that he did not post the tweet. He stated that his account had been hacked and confirmed that he had regained access.

    “This account of Naseem was recently hacked but now recovered successfully,” he wrote.

    Despite the clarification, the internet had already turned the moment into a trending topic. Users flooded X with sarcastic and humorous reactions, questioning how quickly the account was restored.

    One user wrote, “Fastest recovery ever by X,” while another joked, “Heavy recovery .”

    Some users took a more teasing tone, with comments like, “When you suddenly realize that you have a career as well,” and “Hacker was Naseem himself.”

    Others showed support, posting messages such as, “Don’t worry bro! We get it!” and “So quick service.”

    Three-time champions Lahore Qalandars began their title defence with a commanding 69-run victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the tournament opener.

  • Olympics approves new rules barring transgender athletes from women’s events

    Olympics approves new rules barring transgender athletes from women’s events

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved a new policy that limits eligibility for women’s events at the Olympic Games to biological females. The rule will take effect from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and will not apply to past competitions.

    According to reports, the decision came from the IOC Executive Board on Thursday. Under the new framework, athletes must undergo a one-time genetic test to check for the SRY gene, which is usually found on the Y chromosome and linked to male sex development.

    The IOC confirmed that athletes who test negative for the SRY gene will remain eligible to compete in women’s events for their entire careers. Officials said the test can be done through saliva, a cheek swab or a blood sample, and it will only be repeated if questions arise about the result.

    Athletes who test positive for the SRY gene will not be allowed to compete in women’s categories at IOC events. However, the policy includes limited exceptions for athletes with certain medical conditions, such as Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, where no performance advantage is linked to testosterone exists.

    Those athletes can still take part in other categories, including men’s events, mixed competitions in male-designated positions, or open categories where available.

    IOC President Kirsty Coventry said that the decision focuses on fairness and safety in elite sport.

    “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition,” she said. “It would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category, and in some sports it would simply not be safe.”

    She added that athletes must be treated with dignity and respect, with proper education, counselling and medical support throughout the process.

    The IOC reviewed the policy between September 2024 and March 2026. The process included input from medical, legal and ethical experts, along with feedback from more than 1,100 athletes.

    A working group formed in 2025 concluded that male sex provides clear advantages in sports that rely on strength, power and endurance. The group recommended using biological sex as the basis for eligibility and identified SRY gene screening as the most accurate and least intrusive method available.

    The IOC expects international federations and other governing bodies to adopt the new framework when setting rules for Olympic events. The policy replaces earlier guidelines on gender identity and sex variations.

    Officials clarified that the rules apply only to elite competitions under the IOC. They do not cover grassroots or recreational sports.

    The organisation also stressed the need to protect athlete privacy and mental health. It has asked national federations and Olympic committees to ensure confidentiality and provide proper support during the screening process.

  • US halts strikes on Iranian energy sites for 10 days as Hormuz tensions persist, talks continue

    US halts strikes on Iranian energy sites for 10 days as Hormuz tensions persist, talks continue

    President of the United States (US) Donald Trump has said that Washington DC will pause strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, citing ongoing talks with Tehran, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy flows.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump said on Thursday that the pause would remain in place until April 6. “As per the Iranian government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time,” he wrote. 

    He added that “talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the fake news media and others, they are going very well.”

    The announcement comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed for nearly four weeks, halting most maritime traffic through one of the world’s key energy corridors. The waterway is used for the transit of around 20 percent of global oil and natural gas supplies, along with shipments of fertilisers.

    Trump has linked the pause in strikes to broader efforts aimed at reopening the strait, even as he has previously warned Tehran of consequences if it does not comply. He has also moved to deploy additional US troops to the Middle East and considered naval escorts for oil tankers passing through the region.

    Despite the pause, the status of negotiations remains unclear. Iran has expressed distrust toward the US, while US officials have indicated that talks are ongoing but fluid.

    According to a Wall Street Journal report, Iran has not requested a 10-day halt to strikes on its energy infrastructure.

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that intermediary countries are facilitating communication between the two sides. “There’s a growing amount of energy that’s been flowing through the straits, not as much as should be flowing, but some of it has picked up,” he said, adding that “there’s been some progress in regards to the exchange of messages, but that’s an ongoing and fluid process.”

    Rubio also said that the Strait of Hormuz “can be open tomorrow if Iran stops threatening global shipping,” and called on countries that support international law to respond to the situation.

    Separately, JD Vance said that Iran’s “conventional military” had been “effectively destroyed” during the conflict. “They don’t have the ability to hit us like they could have even a few weeks ago,” he said, adding that the situation “gives us options.”

    Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned of the risks associated with strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Referring to the Bushehr nuclear power plant, he said “damage to the facility could result in a major radiological accident affecting a large area in Iran and beyond,” and called for restraint and adherence to nuclear safety principles.

    Iran continues to retain leverage over the Strait of Hormuz through its geographic position and use of drones and sea mines, which complicate efforts to secure the route. Iranian officials have also indicated they are charging fees for the passage of some vessels through the strait, following reports that tankers have paid large sums to cross.

  • Operation Ghazab lil Haq resumes after Eid pause

    Operation Ghazab lil Haq resumes after Eid pause

    Operation Ghazab lil Haq has resumed after a temporary pause, with military actions continuing against militant networks operating in areas under the Afghan Taliban, reports quoted security sources as saying.

    Officials stated that the operation is a targeted campaign against militant leadership, support structures, command networks and facilitators.

    “Operations under Ghazab Lil Haq will continue until the objectives are achieved and the Afghan Taliban regime reviews its misplaced priority of supporting terror proxies over the welfare of the Afghan people and Pakistan,” the sources added.

    Separately, it has emerged that Noor Wali Mehsud, head of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is currently being sheltered in Kabul.

    According to officials, Mehsud is residing in a multi-storey building inside the Diplomatic Enclave, a restricted zone that houses key government and foreign missions. They noted that the presence of other occupants in the building is being used as a human shield to prevent any targeted action.

    Officials raised concerns over what they described as continued facilitation of militant elements by the Afghan Taliban.

    Operation Ghazab lil Haq was launched last month following clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting a response from Pakistan.

    The situation escalated after Afghan forces initiated a border offensive following Pakistani air strikes on militant positions. Pakistan has previously targeted camps of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State Khorasan inside Afghanistan after a series of attacks, including a suicide bombing in Islamabad.

    Islamabad has maintained that TTP leadership operates from Afghan territory, an assertion denied by Kabul.

    Last week, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had announced a “temporary pause” in operations at the request of the brotherly Islamic countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the Republic of Turkiye in view of Eidul Fitr. 

    The minister had stated that the pause would be effective from midnight on March 18/19, 2026, to midnight on March 23/24, 2026.

  • Dar reviews austerity measures, calls for stricter monitoring across ministries

    Dar reviews austerity measures, calls for stricter monitoring across ministries

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures to review progress on the government’s spending controls.

    According to a statement issued by his office, the committee examined the effectiveness of ongoing steps aimed at maintaining fiscal discipline in the current situation.

    The meeting reviewed the implementation status of previously approved austerity measures across federal ministries and provincial governments.

    Dar expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far, particularly in reducing non-essential expenditure and improving the use of resources, the statement said.

    He directed relevant ministries and departments to further strengthen monitoring mechanisms related to the austerity drive and ensure strict compliance with prescribed guidelines.

    Participants of the meeting included federal ministers for finance, petroleum, information technology, economic affairs, and information and broadcasting.


    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries for information technology and petroleum, as well as chief secretaries of the provinces and other senior officials also attended the session.

  • Emmad Irfani urges Shoaib Mansoor to clarify status of unreleased film ‘Aasmaan Bolay Ga’

    Emmad Irfani urges Shoaib Mansoor to clarify status of unreleased film ‘Aasmaan Bolay Ga’

    Pakistani actor Emmad Irfani has called on filmmaker Shoaib Mansoor to issue an official statement regarding the long-delayed film Aasmaan Bolay Ga.

    Speaking about his experience, Irfani revealed that he dedicated several years exclusively to the project and stepped away from television during that period.

    “I spent around three to three and a half years on a journey. But fate had something else planned—the film was never released publicly. And intentionally, I didn’t do TV during that time. I thought that if I was doing a film with a showman like him, then I shouldn’t be doing TV.”

    He reflected on the impact the delay had on his career and how it forced him to reconsider his path.

    “So here I was, giving three to three and a half years to one project. And as I said, the result is never in your hands—and that result didn’t go in my favor, or in our favor. At that point, all the signs were telling me that I would have to restart my career from scratch.”

    While expressing disappointment, Irfani also spoke about his relationship with the director and reiterated his call for clarity.

    “As for Shoaib sahab, he might have his own perspective, but I spent a lot of time with him. If he gives an official statement, I would say that in these three to four years, a person who used to be an enigma to me since childhood is now like a friend.”

    Despite the setback, Irfani acknowledged the experience he gained during the project and the bond he developed with Mansoor.

    The actor currently appears in Kafeel, where his performance continues to receive attention. He stars opposite Sanam Saeed in the drama, further strengthening his presence on television.

  • Inter Miami reportedly eye Mohamed Salah move, could pair him with Lionel Messi

    Inter Miami reportedly eye Mohamed Salah move, could pair him with Lionel Messi

    Inter Miami are preparing a move for Mohamed Salah as the forward nears the end of his time at Liverpool, according to media reports.

    Salah, 33, will leave Liverpool as a free agent after both sides agreed to part ways at the end of the season, bringing an end to his nine-year spell at Anfield. The Egyptian forward remains one of the highest-paid players at the club, but his recent performances and Liverpool’s overall dip in form played a role in the decision.

    Reports suggest Inter Miami want to bring Salah to Major League Soccer and pair him with Lionel Messi in a high-profile move. The deal would require changes to their current squad structure, as MLS rules allow only three Designated Players whose salaries fall outside the league’s cap.

    At present, Inter Miami’s Designated Player slots are occupied by Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Germán Berterame, meaning the club would need to reshuffle its roster to accommodate Salah.

    Clubs from the Saudi Pro League have also shown strong interest in Salah for several years. Al Ittihad previously made a £150 million bid in 2023, which Liverpool rejected, while Al Hilal has emerged as another potential destination.

    Liverpool confirmed Salah’s departure in an official statement.

    “Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season. The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.”

    “Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.”

    Salah’s exit comes during a difficult period for Liverpool, with recent results increasing pressure on head coach Arne Slot.

    Media reports also indicate that Saudi clubs continue to target key figures behind the scenes at Liverpool, including senior management, as they look to strengthen their football operations.

  • Pakistan tells foreign airlines to carry return fuel amid US-Iran conflict

    Pakistan tells foreign airlines to carry return fuel amid US-Iran conflict

    Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has directed all foreign airlines operating in and out of Pakistan to carry additional jet fuel on their flights due to the ongoing US-Iran war situation.

    Officials said the measure was introduced after fuel reserves at major airports, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, fell sharply. 

    Airlines are now required to load return fuel to ensure aircraft can complete their journeys safely.

    Airline sources said that on Wednesday, a foreign airline flight from Karachi to Doha had to land in Muscat to refuel. 

    Airline officials confirmed that foreign carriers arriving from Pakistan have had to offload cargo and passenger baggage to comply with the additional fuel requirement.