Latest News
Iran denies role in bomb scare at British airbase
Iran categorically denied involvement on Monday in a suspected plot to attack a British airbase used by the United States to strike Iranian sites, just as British police announced they were releasing on bail five men arrested over explosives and terrorism offences.
In a statement on X, Iran’s embassy in London said it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations”.
It said claims in the British media linking Tehran to the incident would only fuel “Iranophobia propaganda” in the UK.
The five men, British nationals from London in their mid-20s, were arrested early on Sunday after police were alerted to three suspicious white vans heading towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which houses US bombers that fly missions against Iran.
Police said on Monday the men had been released on bail after extensive interviews and inquiries. But Laurence Taylor, the assistant commissioner and head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said this did not mean the investigation was over.
Officers were considering the incident “from every possible angle”, he told reporters, “including that this may be activity committed by proxies, or individuals either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state”.
Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said she was aware of speculation about the motive and geopolitical questions that were being raised, but asked that police be given “the space to work carefully and clearly”.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called an emergency meeting of senior officials to ensure they had “the full picture”. He pulled out of several events at Labour’s annual conference on Sunday to monitor the situation.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact nature of the threat. A bomb disposal robot was seen operating around the vans, which were examined by forensic experts with military support. Armed police guarded the main entrance to the base while heavy machinery blocked other access points.
A farmer from the nearby village of Whelford, who alerted police after seeing “hooded and masked men” running into fields, said she believed her 999 call had foiled any plot. Speaking anonymously, she said she believed police had “dropped the ball” over the threat.
The defence secretary, Wes Streeting, told the BBC the farmer had only a “partial picture” of the investigation. He declined to speculate about motives during a live inquiry but said the UK faced a general threat from Iran.
“We know that Iran and their proxies wish to do us harm,” he said. “We know that they hate our democracy, and we know that we regularly have to thwart Iranian attempts to threaten either our interests or indeed our allies.”
After the Fairford arrests, the US Embassy issued a security alert saying US citizens should “exercise caution” and be “mindful of personal security”. Security was stepped up at other US airbases in Britain. Donald Trump, speaking during a visit to Chicago on Sunday, said the suspects had been looking to do “big damage to our fort” and had been under investigation by British and American authorities.
“You’ll be hearing about it very soon. We caught them,” the US president said, appearing to nod when asked about an Iranian connection.
In March, the UK government authorised the US to use bombers based at Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
After the arrests, police put a 400-metre cordon around the base and evacuated residents from 85 homes. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said on Monday afternoon that the scene was now safe and residents would shortly be able to return.
Latest News
IHC direct Islamabad administration to issue domicile to Lakki Marwat citizen
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Islamabad district administration to issue a residence certificate to Hamadulla, who lives in Lakkimarwat, within five days.
The order was issued while considering the citizen’s application for Islamabad Domicile Certificate.
The court also expressed strong displeasure over the district administration’s decision to send a lower division clerk (LDC) to represent the deputy commissioner’s office instead of a senior official.
During the proceedings, the clerk informed the court that a domicile certificate is issued one year after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the applicant’s previous district. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar questioned the official about his appointment and asked why the junior officer was being sent to represent the district administration.
Expressing indignation, the Chief Justice pointed out that the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner were not present in the court. He questioned the rationale behind making citizens wait for a year after issuing NOC and directed the government to complete the household registration process within five days.
The court also warned that if the residence certificate is not issued within the stipulated time, the Deputy Commissioner will have to appear in person.
After issuing the directions, the IHC adjourned further proceedings until next week.
Latest News
PM Shehbaz to address COP31 summit in Turkiye, hold key meetings with world leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address the high-level climate conference COP31 in Antalya, Turkey today as he begins a busy schedule of engagements with international leaders.
The Prime Minister will attend a high-level meeting titled “Clean Energy Transition 2035: Powering the Future” hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He is expected to deliver an important address outlining his vision for renewable energy and the transition towards clean energy.
During the COP31 summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also present Pakistan’s National Statement, highlighting the country’s position on climate justice and the challenges faced by nations severely affected by climate change. The announcement is expected to underline Pakistan’s concerns about the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries and to emphasize the importance of global cooperation and climate justice.
In addition to the planned address, the Prime Minister will hold important bilateral meetings with several world leaders throughout the day. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common environmental and climate-related challenges.
Later in the evening, Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif will attend a gala dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet world leaders. His participation in the summit provides an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight its climate priorities and strengthen diplomatic engagement with the international community.
Business
Saudi delegation eyes Karachi port investments as Pakistan expands maritime trade
A Saudi business delegation led by Prince Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Saud has expressed interest in investing in Karachi’s port infrastructure, logistics links and green initiatives, Pakistani authorities said Monday, as Islamabad seeks to expand maritime cooperation with its longtime Gulf ally.
The visit comes amid efforts by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to expand economic partnership from traditional trade, remittances and financial support to investment-based cooperation in infrastructure, energy and other areas. Pakistan is also seeking to modernize its ports, improve connections with land transport networks and expand transshipment operations to strengthen its position in regional trade.
Prince Mansoor, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Chapter of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, led a high-level corporate delegation to Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, where officials were briefed on investment opportunities and ongoing modernization projects.
The briefings focused on the proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District in Karachi and the development of Manora Shipyard.
“Prince Mansour expressed keen interest in KPT’s Maritime Business District, Green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure expansion and connectivity initiatives, recognizing their scope for mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures,” the KPT said in a statement. The Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council serves as a platform for companies and investors from both countries to identify commercial opportunities, develop partnerships and form joint ventures. Prince Mansour has led several delegations to Pakistan as the two governments seek to translate their long-standing political and defense ties into greater private sector investment. In June, KPT signed a memorandum of understanding with its Saudi Arabian and Pakistani partners to explore the development of a maritime business zone on MT Khan Road in Karachi.
The proposed development involves the Saudi Arabian Business Council – Najd Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited and a consortium of Pakistani companies and is intended to accommodate commercial and maritime businesses.
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