New Delhi, April 3 — Pakistan is experiencing a worsening energy crisis, with local media reporting that LNG supplies are expected to drop to nearly zero next month, significantly affecting overall electricity production. A report published in Karachi's Business Recorder indicates that the LNG shortage could impact over 20 percent of total electricity generation, while pressure on coal supplies may affect around 30 percent.

To address the situation, the government is forced to rely on furnace oil, which significantly increases electricity production costs. Generating electricity from furnace oil is more expensive compared to gas and coal. The report states that the government plans to implement daily load shedding of 2 to 3 hours, increase electricity rates, and promote energy conservation, although the success of these measures will depend on their effective implementation.

Experts suggest that simple measures like closing markets early and restricting high-energy lighting have proven effective in the past but have not been prioritized in the current strategy, potentially placing a greater burden on the public and industries. The report also highlights domestic mismanagement as a major cause of the crisis. A dispute between Pakistan Railways and coal-based power plants has put 1500 to 1800 megawatts of electricity production at risk.

Obstacles in coal transportation, delays in wagon loading, and lack of coordination have further exacerbated the situation. This not only raises the likelihood of additional load shedding but also increases reliance on expensive fuel. Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways may also suffer losses in freight revenue.

The report concludes that while the current crisis may have originated from external factors, its severity will largely depend on domestic policies and decisions. If demand management and supply systems are not improved, the cost of every crisis will continue to rise.

Kabul, October 18 – Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming T20 Tri-Nation Series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in a deadly attack in Paktika province, calling it a “cowardly act orchestrated by the Pakistani regime.”

As per agency report, the series was scheduled to take place between November 17 and 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal in a strongly worded statement, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of players Kabir, Sibgatullah, and Haroon. The cricketers, along with five others, were killed in Paktika’s Argun district while returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital. Seven others were reportedly injured in the incident.

The ACB condemned the attack, terming it a grave loss for Afghanistan’s sporting community, particularly for its cricket fraternity. The board stated that in solidarity with the victims and as a mark of protest, Afghanistan would not participate in the tri-nation tournament to be held in Pakistan next month. The statement further expressed prayers for the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

Reports indicate that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, specifically targeting the districts of Argun and Bermal, which also led to the collapse of a ceasefire between the two neighboring countries.

Star Afghan spinner Rashid Khan condemned the airstrikes, expressing grief over the civilian casualties caused by what he described as unjust and inhumane attacks. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Rashid said that targeting civilian areas was immoral and a violation of human rights. He affirmed his support for the ACB’s decision to boycott the upcoming series with Pakistan, emphasizing that nothing was more important than the dignity of his nation.

Former Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib also voiced outrage, calling the attack in Paktika’s Argun district a cruel act that claimed the lives of several innocent civilians and cricketers. He described it as an assault on Afghanistan’s pride and freedom, asserting that such acts would not weaken the Afghan spirit.

All-rounder Samiullah Shinwari expressed sorrow over the loss of the young players, stating that the attack by Pakistani forces after a friendly match was a tragic moment for the entire country and the cricket community. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Paktika, vowing that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.

Washington – Amid escalating tensions and heavy cross-border shelling between Pakistan and Afghanistan, US President Donald Trump has made a striking statement claiming that he can resolve the ongoing conflict between the two neighboring countries. As per agency report, Trump made the remarks while speaking to the media before departing for Egypt, where he asserted that ending wars has become one of his specialties.

The US President said this would be the eighth war he would help bring to an end, adding that he was aware of the ongoing clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He remarked that he had told his aides to wait for his return, as he was in the process of resolving another war and was confident that he could settle this one too. Trump emphasized that he is “an expert at ending wars,” highlighting his past record of mediating long-standing international conflicts.

Speaking further, Trump referred to India’s Operation Sindoor and mentioned that several global conflicts had been ongoing for decades, with one lasting 31 years, another 32 years, and yet another 37 years, resulting in millions of deaths. He claimed that he managed to resolve most of them within a single day, calling it “a great achievement.”

Trump also commented on Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, saying that his own efforts were not motivated by the pursuit of awards but by a desire to save lives. He revealed that Machado had personally called him to express that she accepted the prize in his honor, recognizing his contribution to peace efforts.

During his media interaction, Trump mentioned several international disputes he claimed to have successfully mediated during his leadership, including those between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Rwanda and Congo.

Peshawar, September 22 – At least 24 people, including women and children, were killed and several others injured on Monday when explosives stored at a Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) compound detonated in northwest Pakistan, police said.

The blast occurred in the Matur Dara area of Tirah Valley in Khyber district, near the Afghan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Local authorities denied rumors that the compound had been struck by Pakistani fighter jets, clarifying instead that the fatalities resulted from an accidental explosion of explosives used in bomb-making. Police confirmed that among the dead were 14 militants along with at least 10 civilians, including women and children.

Station House Officer Zafar Khan of Tirah Police Station said the incident caused widespread casualties within the compound. However, some residents insisted that the explosion was triggered by an airstrike.

The facility, which has long served as a base for local militants as well as Afghan fighters, was reportedly used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sniper training. Authorities noted that militants often establish such centers within civilian areas, storing large amounts of explosives to restrict access by security forces. Poor storage practices and ongoing training activities frequently lead to deadly accidental blasts.

As per agency report, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021, undermining Islamabad’s hopes that a friendly government in Afghanistan would help contain terrorism along the border.

New Delhi has firmly rejected Islamabad’s accusations linking India to the recent bomb attack on a school bus in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, calling the claims “baseless” and an attempt to deflect attention from Pakistan’s internal failures.

Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan’s habit of blaming India for its domestic issues reflects its desperation to divert global attention from its identity as a “global epicentre of terrorism”. He asserted that such efforts to mislead the international community are bound to fail.

As per agency report, the comments came in the wake of a deadly suicide bombing in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Wednesday. The attack, which targeted a school bus in Khuzdar district, claimed the lives of at least five individuals, including three children, and left several others injured.

Jaiswal reaffirmed that India had no involvement in the incident and strongly condemned the loss of innocent lives. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed sorrow over the tragedy.

Mumbai, May 16 – The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called on major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and JioCinema to boycott all Turkish shows amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, citing Turkey’s diplomatic support for Pakistan.

In a statement issued on Thursday, FWICE expressed its “serious concern and strong objection” over the continued streaming and promotion of Turkish content on Indian OTT platforms.

“As is well known, Turkey has consistently extended diplomatic and political support to Pakistan on matters that are detrimental to India's sovereignty and national interests, including sensitive issues like Kashmir,” the organization said.

FWICE, which represents workers, technicians, and artists from 36 different sectors of the Indian media and entertainment industry, stated that allowing content from a country that challenges India’s territorial integrity is not in the nation’s best interest.

The body has also urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take necessary steps to restrict or ban Turkish television shows and films on Indian OTT platforms.

“Such an action would not only send a strong global message but also promote Indian content and support the vast workforce of our domestic entertainment industry. We hope the ministry will take this matter seriously and act in the national interest,” the statement added.

Turkish drama series like Binbir Gece, As the Crow Flies, Another Self, Yabani, Terzi, Ethos, and Creature had gained popularity in India since the early 2000s.

This development follows Turkey’s criticism of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan reportedly used Turkish-made drones against India during the military conflict.

Islamabad, May 15 – Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an offer of dialogue to India on Thursday, stating that his country is willing to engage in talks "for peace." The statement comes in the aftermath of recent military clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and marks a rare outreach from Islamabad amidst ongoing tensions.

As per agency report, Sharif made the remarks during a visit to the Kamra Air Base in Punjab province, where he met with officials and personnel who had been involved in the recent conflict with India. Speaking at the base, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is ready to enter into negotiations with India under the broader aim of achieving peace.

However, he also underscored that the “conditions for peace” would include discussions surrounding the Kashmir issue, which remains a central and long-standing point of contention between the two countries. India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, are its integral and inalienable parts and will always remain so.

The visit was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, signaling a unified front by Pakistan’s civil and military leadership.

This development comes shortly after heightened military engagements between the two nations, following India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While both countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, the atmosphere remains tense, making Sharif’s offer a notable diplomatic gesture.

Whether India responds to the proposal remains to be seen, particularly in light of New Delhi's stated position that cross-border terrorism and dialogue cannot go hand in hand.

New Delhi, May 10 – In a significant policy shift amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Indian government has decided that any future terrorist attack on its soil will be treated as an “act of war” and responded to accordingly, top government sources confirmed on Saturday.

As per agency report, this stern warning comes in the wake of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, most of whom were tourists. The decision signals a clear red line being drawn by the Narendra Modi-led government, stating that any future Pakistan-linked terror activity will provoke a response similar to the recent Operation Sindoor.

“This step formalizes India's commitment to a hardline approach,” said a senior official, noting that any future terror incident will be treated not merely as a security lapse but as a hostile act equivalent to war.

The decision is viewed as a strong message to Pakistan, which India holds responsible for harbouring and aiding terrorist organizations that target Indian civilians and infrastructure. Sources said the move was finalized after a series of high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Modi, involving security and defense leadership.

Since taking office in 2014, the Modi government has adopted an increasingly assertive stance on cross-border terrorism. The response to the Pahalgam attack came in the form of Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces carried out precision missile strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.

Following this, Pakistan launched multiple retaliatory attempts targeting military installations and civilian areas across northern and western India. The Indian military has stated that it effectively repelled these efforts and will continue to maintain robust defense measures.

This newly declared policy marks a pivotal moment in India's counterterrorism doctrine, suggesting a zero-tolerance threshold for cross-border terrorism moving forward.

Karachi, May 8 – Pakistan’s benchmark stock index, the KSE-100, experienced a sharp crash of over 6 percent on Thursday amid unverified rumors of an Indian military strike near Karachi. The speculation caused panic among investors, leading to a massive sell-off and a temporary halt in trading for one hour.

As per agency report, before trading was paused, the KSE-100 index had dropped by 6,948.73 points, or 6.32 percent, to settle at 103,060.30. Although the rumors were later proven to be baseless, the damage had already been done as market sentiment was deeply shaken by the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.

Fatima Bucha of AKD Securities confirmed that trading resumed once the panic subsided slightly. However, she warned that investor anxiety remains high, with no clear indication of how Pakistan may respond to India’s recent show of military strength. “No one is sure what will happen next,” she said, reflecting broader concerns over the regional crisis.

The steep fall was largely driven by declines in major sectors such as cement, energy, banking, and technology, which collectively dragged the index down.

In response to the turmoil, the Pakistani government announced steps to stabilize its foreign exchange reserves. Effective immediately, the Ministry of Commerce has imposed a 60-day ban on the import and export of precious metals, gems, and jewelry. This temporary restriction suspends the provisions of SRO 760 of 2013, which governs the trade of valuable metals.

Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan has informally advised currency dealers to closely monitor dollar outflows in both inter-bank and open markets, anticipating a surge in demand for U.S. dollars if the situation escalates further.

New Delhi, May 8 – India on Thursday confirmed that it successfully thwarted Pakistan’s attempts to launch drone and missile strikes on 15 key locations across northern and western India, including Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces destroyed an air defense system in Lahore, escalating tensions amid fears of a broader conflict.

As per agency report, the Indian Ministry of Defence revealed that the Pakistani military attempted to target strategic locations such as Avantipora, Srinagar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and several others using unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. These attacks, however, were neutralized by India’s integrated counter-drone and air defense systems.

The Pakistani offensive came in response to India’s precision missile strikes conducted early Wednesday under ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammed stronghold in Bahawalpur.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry emphasized that India’s anti-terror operation was deliberate, precise, and unprovoked, strictly avoiding any military installations in Pakistan. However, it reiterated that any attack on Indian military bases would be met with an appropriate and firm response.

On Thursday morning, Indian forces launched a targeted counterstrike, disabling several Pakistani radar and air defense systems. Confirmed reports indicate that an air defense unit in Lahore was successfully taken out. The ministry described this as a strong and proportional response to Pakistan’s provocation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has intensified unprovoked cross-border shelling using mortars and heavy artillery along the Line of Control (LoC) in sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri. According to the Indian government, these attacks have resulted in the deaths of 16 innocent civilians, including three women and five children.

In light of these developments, India reiterated its commitment to avoid further escalation, provided that Pakistan ceases its military provocations. The Defence Ministry noted that Indian forces were compelled to respond to continued Pakistani shelling to protect civilian lives.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had stated that India was forced to launch proportionate strikes after Pakistan failed to act against terrorist infrastructure within its territory, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian civilians.

As tensions continue to rise, both nations remain on high alert, with India maintaining its stance of measured retaliation aimed solely at dismantling terror operations, while holding Pakistan accountable for any further escalation.

In the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has blocked access to the Instagram accounts of several prominent Pakistani celebrities, including actors Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, Mawra Hocane, and acclaimed singer Abida Parveen. When Indian fans attempted to visit these celebrities’ Instagram profiles, a message appeared stating, “This account is not available in India. We restrict content in response to legal requests.”

As per agency report, Fawad Khan was slated to return to Bollywood after nearly nine years with the film "Abeer Gulal," but following the attack, the release of the film now remains uncertain. The crackdown has also affected accounts belonging to former Jal band member and actor Farhan Saeed, "Pasoori" singer Ali Sethi, and popular actors Saba Qamar and Adnan Siddiqui, known for their roles in "Hindi Medium" and "Mom," respectively.

Earlier this week, Instagram access was also restricted in India for several other Pakistani stars including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Sanam Saeed, Ali Zafar, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Ayeza Khan, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly. The move appears to be a direct response to heightened tensions following the April 22 terrorist incident in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian tourists were killed.

New Delhi, May 3 – In a significant policy decision prompted by national security concerns, India has imposed an immediate ban on the direct and indirect import of all goods originating from or transiting through Pakistan. The move follows last month’s deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed.

As per agency report, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification on May 2, stating that the measure is in the interest of national security and public policy. The restriction applies to all categories of goods regardless of whether they were previously classified as freely importable or allowed under existing trade agreements. Any exception to this new rule will require explicit approval from the Indian government.

The updated provision has been inserted into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 under a new clause titled "Prohibition on Import from Pakistan." It states that the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods made in or exported from Pakistan is now prohibited with immediate effect until further notice.

This move effectively halts the limited trade that remained between the two neighboring countries. From April 2024 to January 2025, India exported goods worth approximately USD 44.76 million to Pakistan, while imports stood at just USD 4,200. The primary imports from Pakistan during this period included fruits and nuts (USD 80,000), certain oilseeds and medicinal plants (USD 260,000), and organic chemicals.

Following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, India took several retaliatory steps, including the closure of the Attari border checkpoint used for limited goods movement, expulsion of the Pakistani military attaché, and suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. These steps mark a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations and an effective freeze on any form of trade cooperation.

India and Pakistan had already witnessed a near-complete breakdown in trade following the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, after which both nations imposed reciprocal trade restrictions. Pakistan also responded by suspending all commercial exchanges with India, including trade conducted through third countries routed via Pakistan.

During the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s exports to Pakistan stood at USD 1.18 billion, while imports were recorded at just USD 288,000. In previous years, bilateral trade remained marginal, with India exporting goods worth USD 627.1 million and USD 513.8 million in 2022-23 and 2021-22 respectively, while imports were valued at USD 2.01 million and USD 2.54 million in those years.