Rigging in Pak, but fair polls in India: Pakistani Senator highlights contrast
Pakistani Senator Shibli Faraz praised India for holding free and fair elections, while he lashed out at the electoral system in Pakistan that saw blatant rigging. He said a flawed election, like the one Pakistan has seen, makes the Islamic Republic hollow. Key Points
India TodayPakistan PM to unveil CPEC Ph-II in China
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China in the first week of next month to join the formal launching of the second phase of the USD 60... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaSuicide bombing that killed 5 Chinese was planned in Afghanistan, says Pakistan
Maj. Gen. Ahmad Sharif said four men behind the March 26 attack in Bisham, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, had been arrested. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesTwo Pakistan Army soldiers, wanted terrorist killed in encounter in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in terrorist incidents in recent months with KP and Balochistan accounting for over 92 per cent of all fatalities and 86 per cent... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaSaudi crown prince meets Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz, mentions Kashmir as he stresses on India-Pak dialogue
Sharif was making his first overseas visit since winning power in elections in February. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said dialogue was needed to... Key Points
The Tribune India
India-Pakistan row: ‘Will not get into middle’, US encourages talks on ‘targeted killings’ report
The United States encourgaed talks between India and Pakistan over ‘targeted killings' report row. ‘If any terrorist will run towards Pakistan [from India], Pakistan mein ghus ke marenge….’ Rajnath Singh had said. Key Points
mintPakistan Defence Minister optimistic of improving bilateral ties with New Delhi post-Lok Sabha elections
Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, expressed optimism for improved ties with India post its upcoming elections from April to June. Amid strained relations due to alleged terrorism support and territorial disputes, Asif hopes for a shift after India's elections. He also addressed Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan and ongoing efforts against terrorism. Key Points
Economic TimesAttacks on Chinese infrastructure in Pakistan disrupt CPEC, raise security concerns
Attacks by Baloch separatists and Islamist groups on Chinese nationals and infrastructure in Pakistan have disrupted China's economic plans, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Despite Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for cooperation on CPEC, recent attacks, including a suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers, have raised concerns. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for some attacks, while suspicion falls on groups like Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISKP). The incidents highlight challenges to China's investments in Pakistan and the complex security situation in the region. Key Points
Economic TimesPakistan second-largest naval air station PNS Siddique in Turbat under attack
PNS Siddique in Turbat, Pakistan's second-largest naval air station, was attacked by the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) Majeed Brigade. The group opposes Chinese investments in Balochistan and accuses China and Pakistan of exploiting resources. The attack marks the third this year, highlighting increased terror activities in the region. Key Points
Economic TimesPakistan launches bid for non-permanent seat on UN Security Council for 2025-26
Pakistan launches bid for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2025-2026, promising to contribute meaningfully to international peace and security. Ambassador Munir Akram seeks support for the candidacy, highlighting Pakistan's commitment to UN principles. Key Points
Economic Times
'India not in mood to overlook terrorists': S Jaishankar's swipe at Pakistan
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar slammed China and Pakistan while speaking at an event in Singapore. While he called out China for the country's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, the minister asserted India cannot "overlook" terrorism to mend ties with Pakistan. Key Points
India TodayPakistan: President Zardari's daughter Aseefa to make political debut, files nomination for by-polls
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari joins politics by filing for father's NA seat. Speculated to become First Lady. PPP supports Shehbaz Sharif. Asif Zardari re-elected President. Pakistan elections faced controversy. PPP and PML-N form government. } Key Points
Economic TimesEarthquake of 5.5 magnitude jolts Pakistan
Pakistan struck by a 5.5 magnitude earthquake on 20-03-2024 at 2:57 am. National Centre for Seismology confirmed. Previous months saw 4.3 & 6.0 magnitude quakes. Islamabad, Lahore, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa felt tremors. Key Points
Economic TimesAfghanistan retaliates against Pakistan after air strikes kill eight
Pakistani military air strikes kill Afghan civilians, prompting Afghan forces to retaliate. Tensions rise since Taliban's 2021 power seizure. Taliban condemns attacks on civilian homes. Malak Noor Khan witnesses drone bombings targeting Waziristan refugees. Key Points
Economic TimesTensions high after Taliban says it targeted Pakistani troops at Afghanistan border in retaliation
Taliban spokesperson says the ‘reckless’ Pakistani strikes took place at 3 am (local time) Monday, killing 3 women and 3 kids. Islamabad is yet to issue an official response. Key Points
ThePrint
Pakistan launches two air strikes in Afghanistan killing 8 civilians, claims Taliban
The strikes came as Taliban refutes claims of militant attacks on Pakistan's soil. The latter’s army and foreign office did not immediately comment on the strikes. Key Points
ThePrint‘Iron-clad China-Pakistan ties choice of history’: Chinese President Xi Jinping greets Asif Ali Zardari
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday congratulated Asif Ali Zardari on his election as the President of Pakistan, saying the... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaI declined Ambanis’ invite because I had to select the PM—Pakistani General X
My approval ratings are as high as 88% in the Gallup survey. But as Pakistan's Army chief, am I happy? Absolutely not. My jihad will continue until I find the 12 percent who think otherwise. Key Points
ThePrintCaught in crossfire, Shehbaz Sharif faces an uphill task ahead
The US ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), that he is looking forward to working with the government and the people of Pakistan. However, before accepting the results, the US had to coin a new term of elections being clearly competitive to sidestep the rigging allegations. Key Points
Economic Times'Next, prepositions in outer space?' Pakistanis target Maryam Nawaz again after school visit
Visiting a girls' school in Pakistan Punjab, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif flipped through a student's textbook and read 'Geography' on the cover page. It was a blunder, considering the attack from her critics. Key Points
ThePrint
PM Narendra Modi congratulates Shehbaz Sharif for his 2nd Term as Pakistan PM
President Arif Alvi administered the oath to the 72-year-old Shehbaz in a ceremony held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the presidential residence. This is his second term since 2022. Key Points
Business TodayDRI to investigate nuclear link in Pakistan-bound vessel
Indian authorities are investigating a Karachi-bound ship from China suspected of carrying a dual-use consignment for Pakistan's nuclear and ballistic missiles programme. The consignment, falsely declared as a CNC machine, was intended for Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd linked to Cosmos Engineering. Indian customs officials stopped the ship due to faulty paperwork. Key Points
Economic TimesPakistan rains: At least 36 killed as heavy winter rains collapse buildings, trigger landslides
Pakistan hit by heavy rains, resulting in 36 deaths and 50 injuries. Baluchistan province reports 5 fatalities. Karakoram Highway blocked, delaying travel. Winter rains caused significant damage in 2022. Afghanistan also faces harsh winter conditions. Key Points
mintIndia halts Pakistan-bound ship from China suspected of carrying nuclear cargo
Indian security agencies have intercepted a Pakistan-bound ship from China at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port, suspected to be carrying a 'dual-use consignment' for Islamabad's nuclear and ballistic missile programme. The consignment included a CNC machine by an Italian company, inspected by customs officials and DRDO. This highlights concerns of Pakistan using China as a conduit for restricted items. Previous instances include China supplying an autoclave under the cover of an industrial dryer to Pakistan in 2020. Key Points
Economic TimesShehbaz to take oath as Pak premier today
Top PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif is set to become the 33rd PM of Pakistan on Sunday, once again as the head of a coalition government. Shehbaz, who is... Key Points
The Tribune India
Pak-bound ship from China stopped at Mumbai port over suspected nuclear cargo
Security agencies had stopped a ship bound for Karachi from China at Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port in January. They suspected the ship might be carrying items for Pakistan’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme. Key Points
India TodayWhy 'halwa' on dress can get people killed in Pakistan
A woman was almost lynched in Lahore for Arabic designs on her dress. What the mob mistook for Quranic verses was in fact 'halwa' in Arabic script. In 2022, a mob saw an "image of Prophet Muhammed" on a QR code of a soft drink bottle and threatened mayhem. What is it with Pakistan and blasphemy? Key Points
India TodayPakistan to probe trolling of officials over ‘rigging’ in February 8 polls
The joint investigation team has 15 days to submit its report to the relevant office. Pakistan’s caretaker government has constituted a joint... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaShehbaz Sharif to be Pakistan PM and Asif Ali Zardari President. What it means for India
Sharif, 72, is the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, the three-time former PM of Pakistan. Unlike Imran Khan, Nawaz has been seeking rapprochement with India in the recent past and has made many conciliatory statements, especially after his return from exile in the run-up to polls. Key Points
mintShehbaz set to be PM, Zardari Prez candidate
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party have struck a power-sharing deal to form a coalition government led by ex-prime... Key Points
The Tribune India
Pakistan elections: PPP and PML-N agree to form coalition government, Shehbaz Sharif as PM candidate
Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz agree to form coalition government. Shehbaz Sharif set to be Prime Minister and Asif Zardari to be President again. Key Points
mintPakistan: PML-N, PPP strike deal on coalition government
The agreement between Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of three-time Premier Nawaz Sharif ends days of uncertainty and negotiations after the Feb. 8 elections produced a hung national assembly. Key Points
Economic TimesAsif Ali Zardari tipped to become Pakistan President as PPP, PML-N enter into alliance: Media
After the February 8 polls produced a split mandate, there has been no government in place in the country for almost a week now. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)... Key Points
The Tribune India'India Occupied Pakistan'? WE becoming part of YOU will only be your headache
There was no Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in Fighter, hence there was no mention of the world-famous 'tea is fantastic'. What a bummer. Key Points
ThePrintEnsure transparent election process, respect will of people: White House on Pakistan polls
The White House has called for a transparent election process in Pakistan and respect for the will of the Pakistani people. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean encouraged every voter in Pakistan for making their voices heard. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari withdrew from the prime ministerial race, while the PML-N nominated Shehbaz Sharif as its candidate. Key Points
Economic Times
PPP to support Pakistan PM candidate from rival PML-N, Bilawal Bhutto rules himself out of race
Bilawal said PML-N was only party to reach out to PPP for govt formation & that PPP won’t take any ministries. He asserted he’d like to see his father Asif Ali Zardari as president. Key Points
ThePrintShould India talk to the new Pakistan Government? Imperfect peace is better than a crisis
PM Modi is skilled at communicating by not picking up the phone. Even as panic grew in Pakistan during the Balakot crisis, he declined a midnight call from his counterpart Imran Khan. Key Points
ThePrintUncertainty ahead for Pakistan after indecisive election
Pakistan's post-election scenario brims with uncertainty as legal challenges, coalition negotiations, and potential protests unfold. Imran Khan's PTI, largely represented by independent candidates due to a crackdown, emerges victorious, unsettling the PML-N. Despite PTI's claim of a people's mandate, forming a government remains complex. Legal battles over results, potential alliances, and economic challenges loom, underscoring the nation's fragile political landscape and pressing economic woes. Key Points
Economic Times