Pakistan urges IAEA to take clear position on Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

Pakistan urges IAEA to take clear position on Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Pakistan UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad addresses a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on June 20, 2025. (AP)
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Updated 21 June 2025
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Pakistan urges IAEA to take clear position on Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

Pakistan urges IAEA to take clear position on Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
  • Pakistan’s envoy to the UN urges the Security Council to halt Israel’s military actions
  • He also stresses the IAEA must be allowed to continue its verification work ‘unimpeded’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to clearly state its legal position on last week’s Israeli strikes targeting nuclear facilities in Iran while highlighting their grave implications for regional and international security.

The call came during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday, after Israel launched airstrikes about a week ago that killed several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, triggering a direct military confrontation between the two countries.

Israel’s attacks came as Tehran was engaged in negotiations with the United States to reach a nuclear agreement. Iran has repeatedly stated it has no intention of building nuclear weapons but will not surrender its right to a peaceful nuclear program or halt uranium enrichment activities.

Israel, however, contends that Iran is close to developing a bomb. The United States has backed Israel in the conflict and called for Iran’s “complete surrender,” insisting Tehran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Pakistan, in its remarks to the Council, reiterated its condemnation of Israel’s “unjustified and illegitimate aggression,” describing the attacks on nuclear facilities as “deeply troubling.”

“It is the responsibility of the IAEA to clearly pronounce its legal position with regard to such attacks as well as to report to its Board of Governors and to the Security Council about the legal, safeguards, safety and security implications of such attacks,” Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, told the Council.

“The Agency should fulfil that responsibility,” he added.

The Pakistani envoy also denounced Israel’s widening war in the Middle East, including in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. He maintained that Tel Aviv’s attack on Iran had further inflamed an already volatile regional situation.

Ahmad also said the UN Security Council must act decisively to halt Israel’s military actions and prevent the situation from spiraling further.

He urged the Council to categorically reject Israel’s actions, promote de-escalation and support a comprehensive ceasefire.

The Pakistani envoy further called on the Council to denounce the targeting of nuclear facilities safeguarded by the IAEA, pointing out that diplomacy must remain central to resolving the Iran-Israel crisis.

“Dialogue and diplomacy in full adherence to the principles of international law and the UN Charter remain the only viable path to resolving the crisis,” he said. “This Council must unite in support of the Secretary-General’s call to end the fighting and return to dialogue and negotiations.”

Ahmad also stressed that the IAEA must be allowed to continue its verification work “unimpeded,” and should operate in an “impartial and apolitical manner” to ensure credible and objective reporting on matters under its mandate.


Pakistan court hears plea to register criminal case against Donald Trump over Iran strikes

Pakistan court hears plea to register criminal case against Donald Trump over Iran strikes
Updated 31 sec ago
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Pakistan court hears plea to register criminal case against Donald Trump over Iran strikes

Pakistan court hears plea to register criminal case against Donald Trump over Iran strikes
  • Last month, a local lawyer sought to file a police case against the US president for ‘terrorizing’ millions
  • Legal experts say the petition holds no merit since no direct harm was caused to any Pakistani citizen

KARACHI: A local court in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi on Tuesday heard a petition seeking the registration of a criminal case against United States President Donald Trump for ordering strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which the petitioner claimed caused mental distress to millions, including Pakistani citizens and lawyers.

The court adjourned proceedings until Wednesday, asking the petitioner to establish the maintainability of the case.

The plea was filed by Advocate Jamshed Ali Khowaja, who claims to represent hundreds of members of the International Lawyers Forum (ILF). His counsel, Jafar Abbas Jafri, argued the attack, carried out on June 21 and 22 by US B-2 bombers, induced widespread panic and psychological trauma in Pakistan.

“A case can be filed where the crime occurred and where its effects were felt. The effects were felt across the country, including within the limits of Docks Police Station,” Jafri told the court, referring to the jurisdiction where his clients are seeking to have the case registered.

He claimed suspicious US naval activity near Pakistan’s coastal belt intensified public fear.

“The act has caused mental stress and terrorized millions, including my client,” he continued.

However, the court raised questions about jurisdiction.

“This happened outside Pakistan’s territory,” the judge said. “If anything happens anywhere in the world, should Pakistani courts take up every such case?”

The court granted the petitioner time to present further arguments on maintainability.

Speaking to Arab News, senior lawyer Shaukat Hayat said the application holds no legal standing.

“Donald Trump is the president of a country, and no direct harm was caused to Pakistani citizens or lawyers,” he said. “Tomorrow if someone moves a US court to register a case against the Pakistani premier, will the US court order registering a case against our PM?”

Ali Ahmed Palh, another senior lawyer, said the petition seems aimed at seeking attention.

“The right proper forum for such complaints can be the International Criminal Court,” he argued. “Pakistani courts have no jurisdiction over such cases.”

However, Jafri defended the case.

“The act has caused mental stress and terrorized millions, including my clients, so this falls under Pakistani jurisdiction,” he told Arab News, expressing hope that the court would accept the petition.

The petition, filed on June 24, seeks court orders directing police to register a First Information Report — a formal complaint that initiates a criminal investigation — and to provide legal and financial support until its filing.


Pakistan, India exchange prisoners’ list despite ongoing tensions

Pakistan, India exchange prisoners’ list despite ongoing tensions
Updated 12 min 50 sec ago
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Pakistan, India exchange prisoners’ list despite ongoing tensions

Pakistan, India exchange prisoners’ list despite ongoing tensions
  • India and Pakistan’s militaries engaged in armed conflict for four days in May before agreeing to ceasefire
  • New Delhi shares list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners in its custody, says foreign office

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad and New Delhi exchanged lists of prisoners on Tuesday as part of an international agreement between the two countries, Pakistan’s foreign office said, despite ongoing tensions between the neighbors following their armed conflict in May. 

India and Pakistan exchange the lists of prisoners in each other’s custody on January 1 and July 1 each year under the Agreement on Consular Access between both sides. 

The latest development takes place despite tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, whose militaries were embroiled in a four-day conflict in May before Washington brokered a ceasefire on May 10. 

“The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners (53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen) to a representative of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement. 

It added that India shared a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners (382 civilians and 81 fishermen) with a diplomat from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. 

Pakistan’s foreign office demanded the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have completed their respective sentences and whose national status is confirmed.

“A request for special consular access has also been made for all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including the physically- and mentally-challenged prisoners for expeditious confirmation of their national status,” the foreign office said. 

The foreign office said it has urged the Indian government to provide consular access to all prisoners to whom consular access is still awaited. The Indian side has also been urged to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian custody, it said. 

“The Government of Pakistan remains committed to addressing humanitarian matters as a priority,” the foreign office said. “It will continue its endeavors to ensure early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.”

Tensions reached a boiling point between the two when New Delhi blamed Islamabad for supporting a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. Gunmen opened fire on unarmed civilians in the attack, killing 26 in total, mostly tourists. 

Pakistan denied involvement in the incident and called for an international probe. India fired missiles into Pakistan on May 7, saying it had struck “terrorist camps” in Pakistan. For four days the two countries pounded each other with artillery fire, missiles, fighter jets and drones before US President Donald Trump announced they had agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.


Pakistan to launch Gulf ferry service from Gwadar to boost regional trade, connectivity

Pakistan to launch Gulf ferry service from Gwadar to boost regional trade, connectivity
Updated 21 min 43 sec ago
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Pakistan to launch Gulf ferry service from Gwadar to boost regional trade, connectivity

Pakistan to launch Gulf ferry service from Gwadar to boost regional trade, connectivity
  • Government says the service will strengthen people-to-people ties and boost tourism and trade
  • Ferry service is part of broader plan to transform Gwadar into a transshipment and logistics hub

KARACHI: Pakistan announced its plans to launch a direct ferry service between Gwadar and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Tuesday, saying it will strengthen regional ties, ease passenger movement and tap into new trade opportunities with the Middle Eastern market.

The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to deepen economic linkages with GCC states, a region it has actively courted for trade, investment, employment and energy cooperation in recent years.

“The ferry service will strengthen people-to-people ties, boost tourism and provide a new economic lifeline for Balochistan,” said Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, according to a government handout.

“It will create local employment, improve supporting infrastructure and attract private sector participation, especially in ship services, hospitality and transport,” he added.

The ferry service is part of a broader government plan to scale up Gwadar Port’s operational capacity.

During a high-level meeting chaired by the minister in Islamabad, officials also discussed establishing new shipping lines linked to Gwadar to boost cargo movement, promote transit trade with Central Asia and the Middle East and strengthen Pakistan’s role in the regional logistics network.

“We aim to transform Gwadar into a strategic transshipment and logistics center, benefiting Pakistan and the wider region,” Chaudhry said, directing relevant departments to accelerate integration of Gwadar into international maritime networks.

Located in the volatile southwestern province of Balochistan, Gwadar Port was developed under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Despite its strategic location near Gulf shipping lanes, Gwadar has struggled to match the commercial activity of Pakistan’s older ports in and around Karachi, which continue to dominate trade and industrial operations.

Chaudhry said the new initiatives would help rebalance trade flows, reduce pressure on existing ports and position Gwadar as a gateway for regional connectivity.

The ministry has begun consultations with shipping companies, maritime authorities and private operators to finalize technical, legal and logistical frameworks.

Safety, affordability and environmental sustainability will be key considerations as the plans move toward implementation.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy and long-term goal of expanding the country’s blue economy through better port infrastructure and trade facilitation.


Pakistan’s KSE-100 index hits record high as new fiscal year begins

Pakistan’s KSE-100 index hits record high as new fiscal year begins
Updated 39 min 47 sec ago
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Pakistan’s KSE-100 index hits record high as new fiscal year begins

Pakistan’s KSE-100 index hits record high as new fiscal year begins
  • Pakistan Stock Exchange touches all-time high of 128,149 points during intra-day trading
  • Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms commitment to improving ease of doing business in the country

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s KSE-100 Index surged to an all-time high of 128,149 points on Tuesday, the first day of the new fiscal year, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling it a sign of growing investor confidence in the economy and government policies.

As of midday, the benchmark index was trading at 127,418.98, up 1.43 percent or 1,791 points from the previous close of 125,627.31. More than 262 million shares had changed hands, according to market data.

“The stock market’s record-high performance is evidence that business leaders and investors are growing increasingly confident in the economy and in the government’s policies with each passing day,” the prime minister said in a statement issued by his office.

The milestone builds on a strong showing in the previous fiscal year, when the KSE-100 Index rose by 60 percent, according to Karachi-based Topline Securities.

The brokerage credited the performance to macroeconomic stability, improved credit ratings and a shift toward looser monetary policy.

Sharif also noted the stock market’s performance was reflective of the country’s economic gains.

“The past year’s gains were the result of effective economic planning and policy execution,” he said, adding the new fiscal year would serve as a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward long-term stability.

Pakistan is seeking to consolidate its financial recovery after years of economic turbulence.

In recent years, the country has undertaken difficult structural reforms under International Monetary Fund loan programs aimed at curbing fiscal deficits and restoring investor trust.

Sharif also thanked the business community for its support and reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the investment environment.

“We are grateful to our business community and investors who continue to support the government in its efforts for national progress and prosperity,” he said.

“The government remains committed to improving the ease of doing business and creating a more investment-friendly climate.”

The prime minister also commended his economic team for helping deliver a strong start to the new fiscal year.


Gunmen kill two traffic police officers in Pakistan’s restive northwest

Gunmen kill two traffic police officers in Pakistan’s restive northwest
Updated 01 July 2025
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Gunmen kill two traffic police officers in Pakistan’s restive northwest

Gunmen kill two traffic police officers in Pakistan’s restive northwest
  • The incident took place in Lakki Marwat, which has seen militant attacks on officials and civilians
  • Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directs law enforcement to arrest those involved without delay

PESHAWAR: Unidentified gunmen shot dead two traffic police officers in Pakistan’s northwestern district of Lakki Marwat on Tuesday, the latest in a series of attacks in a region with a long history of militant violence, according to an official statement.

The officers were ambushed on Longkhel Road near Gulbaz Dehqan village while they were en route to duty.

No group has claimed responsibility, but similar shootings in the past have frequently been carried out by militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which remains active in the area.

“We share the grief of the bereaved families,” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said in a statement, confirming that two traffic police officers had been killed “after unidentified assailants opened fire on them.”

“The families of the martyrs will not be left alone and will be fully supported,” he added while directing law enforcement agencies to arrest those responsible without delay.

Lakki Marwat, located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has witnessed repeated assaults on police along with other government functionaries and residents in recent years.

In 2022, six officers were killed in a TTP-claimed ambush, and in 2023, a police station was attacked with guns and explosives, killing four.

The district was also the site of one of Pakistan’s deadliest militant attacks in 2010, when a suicide bomber targeted a volleyball match, killing over 100 people.

Authorities in the area have struggled to maintain security amid a resurgence of insurgent violence I recent years.