Author: Sajjad Ali

BEIJING: China has voiced its opposition to any actions that could exacerbate tensions in the region, following reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan in Iran. Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, stated that China is aware of the reports and firmly opposes any actions that could escalate the situation further. This statement from China comes amidst US media reports suggesting that Israel carried out a missile strike on a site in Iran. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency confirmed the explosions in Isfahan, while official Iranian television announced flight delays in several cities. Iranian officials claimed to have downed…

Dubai-based flydubai airline announced the cancellation of its flights to Iran following an official alert, as stated in a release. The suspension of flights to Iran is in compliance with the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued. Additionally, one flight en route to Tehran had to return to Dubai as Iran’s airport was closed. Flight operations were disrupted across parts of Iran amidst reports of explosions in the central province of Isfahan, as per state media. Commercial flights were observed avoiding western Iran, including Isfahan, and altering routes to bypass the capital to the north and east. There has been no…

The Afghan economy, under Taliban rule since 2021, grapples with severe challenges, with over half of the population now living below the poverty line, as per the World Bank. In January 2024, inflation hit a record high of 10.2%, adding strain to citizens already facing financial difficulties. Afghanistan saw a substantial decline in exports by $32.9 million and imports by $99.2 million between February and March 2024, according to the Taliban National Statistics and Information Authority. A significant blow to the economy comes from an anticipated 87% drop in coal exports by 2024, as projected by the World Bank. Unemployment…

The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Seminar to launch the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). The seminar’s theme focused on ‘Reviving the Bandung Spirit of Afro-Asian Solidarity: Pakistan-Africa Relations,’ with Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR, delivering the keynote address. Moderated byAmina Khan, Director of CAMEA, the seminar featured esteemed speakers including Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director-General of ISSI; Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Envoys Corps and Ambassador of Morocco;  Mary Nyambura Kamau, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan; Jemal Beker Abdulla, Ambassador…

NAIROBI 10 people, including the army chief, died as a result of a helicopter crash in Kenya. Confirming the army chief’s death in the crash, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that a military helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing 10 people, including army chief General Francis Ogola. After the tragic accident, the President of Kenya declared three days of mourning in the country. The President further informed that two soldiers survived the helicopter crash and were shifted to the hospital. He continued to say that an investigation team has been formed to find out the cause of the…

The United States Embassy in Israel has implemented travel restrictions for its personnel in response to recent drone attacks in Iran. The embassy issued a statement outlining the measures, aiming to ensure the safety of American diplomats amidst heightened security concerns in the region. The decision to restrict certain trips comes as tensions escalate, prompting the embassy to take precautionary steps. Under these restrictions, US government employees and their families are prohibited from personal travel outside specific areas, including greater Tel Aviv (encompassing Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva until further notice. The embassy emphasized the dynamic…

An Israeli missile reportedly struck Iran, according to US officials speaking to CBS News, a partner station of the BBC. State media in Iran, as cited by Reuters, reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan, prompting the suspension of commercial flights over major cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran. However, flights at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport later resumed, as confirmed by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA. Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, attributed the “strong sounds” heard in various regions to the activation of air defense systems to counter unidentified mini-drones, citing “reliable sources.” According to…

RAWALPINDI:  Major General (Engineer) Talal Bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Assistant Minister of Defence, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) called on General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at GHQ on Friday. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and measures to further enhance bilateral defence collaboration including defence production and military training were discussed. COAS affirmed Pakistan Army’s continuing support towards capacity building of Royal Saudi Land Forces. The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan Army’s achievements and sacrifices in war against terrorism and Army’s valuable contributions towards regional peace and stability. The visiting dignitary also participated in the 5th Meeting…

Karachi: A suicide blast on a vehicle killed two people, while two sustained the injuries in Mansehra Colony of Landhi area of Karachi. According to Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Malir Tariq Mastoi, there was a suicide attack on the vehicle carrying foreigners. All the foreigners, however, in the vehicle were safe and shifted to an undisclosed location.. According to police, the vehicle was also fired at the time of the explosion. Police also stated that the persons who died in the incident have not yet been identified, however, the two persons who were injured in the blast have been identified…

PESHAWAR: Five officials of the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Customs (Peshawar) embraced martyrdom in a terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday. According to reports, the officials were performing an Intelligence-based Operation at Daraban Road, near the village Sagguu when terrorists ambushed them and fired upon them with automatic weapons. As a result, all five officials Intelligence Officers identified as Aslam Khan, Havaldar Inayat Ullah Khan, Havaldar Akbar Zaman, Sepoy Iftikhar Alam, and Sepoy Shahab Ali embraced martyrdom in the line of duty. Despite all odds, the officials remained committed to their mission, serving the nation with honor…