Latest News
The Taliban are sending’mixed signals’ about the TTP, and Asif warns against trusting them and encourages decisive action.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned against taking the Afghan Taliban regime’s “mixed signals” on action against proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and said that no substantive change has taken place in backing for militant groups operating against Pakistan.
Asif responded to news that Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered the TTP to stop attacks inside Pakistan.
However, such reports have yet to convert into any actual improvements on the ground, the minister maintained, adding that support for TTP militants remained unchanged. He called on the Taliban leadership to clearly and firmly cease supporting the banned group.
Asif warned about mixed signals from Kabul saying it would be risky to bank on them and added that Pakistan has not seen any significant action against terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.
In February 2026 Pakistan started Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, months after a ceasefire was struck in October 2025 following border fighting between the two countries. Several rounds of talks have been held but Islamabad and Kabul have failed to bridge their differences with Pakistan constantly calling on the Afghan authorities to act against militant groups exploiting Afghan soil to launch strikes.
Separately, Asif dismissed the statement of India’s army commander last week, saying New Delhi was still trying to recover from its defeat in last year’s military standoff with Pakistan.
In response to claims that Operation Sindoor was still ongoing and might be expanded if needed, the defence minister said Pakistan was fully prepared to fight any future military action.
He also accused India of using Afghanistan as a venue for proxy war against Pakistan, and warned of a harsh response from Pakistan’s armed forces if hostilities were to be resumed.
Speaking about the earlier face-off, Asif said Pakistan had defended itself successfully and any future danger will be met with a strong response.
Latest News
Pakistan test-fires upgraded Fatah-4 with enhanced precision and survivability
Pakistan has successfully conducted a test launch of the extended version of its indigenously developed Fatah-4 Ground-Launched Cruise Missile, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The latest test focused on an extended-range variant of the weapon system and was aimed at validating additional technical parameters incorporated into its various sub-systems. The missile is equipped with advanced avionics and state-of-the-art navigational aids, enabling it to engage targets at extended ranges with high precision and lethality.
The development marks another test of Pakistan’s domestically developed Fatah-4 system, which was previously reported with a range of 750 kilometres.
According to the military’s statement, the extended version successfully demonstrated the performance of its upgraded systems during the launch.
The test validated additional technical parameters of various sub-systems designed to improve accuracy and enhance the weapon system’s survivability. The latest configuration is also intended to provide the capability to engage targets at greater distances while maintaining precision.
The Fatah-4 is a Ground-Launched Cruise Missile equipped with advanced avionics and modern navigation technology. Pakistan previously conducted a successful training fire of the system in May 2026, with ISPR saying the exercise was intended to enhance operational efficiency and validate technical parameters linked to accuracy and survivability.
The missile had earlier been publicly reported with a range of 750 kilometres. The extended version tested on Tuesday has been described by ISPR as capable of engaging targets at extended ranges, although the military statement did not specify a new maximum range.
The launch was witnessed by senior officers from the Pakistan Army, alongside scientists and engineers from the developing agency.
The Fatah-4 was first publicly confirmed by Pakistan in 2025, when the Army conducted a successful training launch of the newly inducted Ground-Launched Cruise Missile. At that time, ISPR said the system featured advanced avionics and state-of-the-art navigational aids and was capable of engaging targets with high precision.
A further training fire was conducted in May 2026 by the Army Rocket Force Command. ISPR said the exercise validated technical parameters of various sub-systems while focusing on improved accuracy and enhanced survivability.
The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, along with the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces and the Services Chiefs, commended the successful test launch of the Fatah-4 extended version.
They also appreciated the technical expertise, dedication and commitment of the scientists, engineers and other personnel involved in achieving the latest milestone.
Latest News
Syria, Saudi Arabia discuss reconstruction, investment
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday.They talked about Syria’s rebuilding efforts and ways to bring in Saudi investments.
Al-Sharaa officially invited the crown prince to visit Syria.
The Saudi official news agency, SPA, posted pictures of the meeting on X, but didn’t give more details.
The Syrian presidency said that Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani was also at the meeting.
They discussed the relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia and how to improve it to benefit both countries.
The Syrian presidency’s media office later said the talks were about improving relations in many areas and boosting political, diplomatic, and economic cooperation in a way that works for both nations.
They also reviewed plans for Syria’s reconstruction, including repairing damaged infrastructure and important facilities from the war, as reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA.
The discussions also covered bringing in high-quality investments to Syria and increasing the role of Syrian and Saudi businesses in energy, construction, industry, agriculture, and trade.
Al-Sharaa invited Mohammed bin Salman to visit Syria, with the presidency saying the visit would help build closer ties and start a new stage of Arab cooperation on regional and international matters.
They also talked about recent events in the region and shared views on issues that affect both countries, aiming to support security and stability in the area.
Latest News
Vance says Iran must cut enrichment to end war
US Vice President JD Vance told Reuters in an exclusive interview that Iran must make a “meaningful” cut in its nuclear enrichment programs to meet US demands and stop the seven-month war between the two countries.At the same time, Washington is unsure how Tehran makes decisions during negotiations.
Vance, who has long doubted US involvement in foreign conflicts, is leading efforts to reach a peace deal.
In June, he helped broker a temporary agreement, but it collapsed quickly.The war has affected global energy prices and has made President Donald Trump and other Republicans look weak ahead of the November midterm elections.
After a campaign trip in Alaska, Vance said any deal would require Iran to reduce its nuclear enrichment, not just promise to do so later.
“If you don’t want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel?
And if you want to show you’re not going to build a nuclear weapon, don’t build highly enriched fuel.That’s a basic issue,” Vance said.
He added, “If they want to show they’re not going to build a nuclear weapon, they should take meaningful steps on their enrichment programs.”
In recent weeks, Iran and the US have been discussing ways to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global energy shipping.
Trump rejected Tehran’s latest offer and warned that military action could get worse after the midterms.
Vance said the US is still open to a deal but wants real nuclear concessions from Iran.
“We won’t trade words for actions,” he said.
UNCERTAIN ABOUT IRAN’S DECISION-MAKING: VANCE
Vance also said Washington isn’t sure who makes decisions in Iran.
He has talked with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, but it’s unclear how much power they have in Iran’s leadership structure.This became even more complicated after joint US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the start of the war.
“One of the things we noticed is it’s not totally clear how decisions are made in Iran,” Vance said.
Trump also said on Tuesday that his biggest problem is not knowing who is in charge of Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that US officials know who the Iranian representatives are and how the decision-making process works.
“The real problem is the contradictory statements and mixed messages from US officials,” Esmaeil Baghaei said at a press conference.
Vance told Reuters he has spoken with field commanders to understand the battlefield.
He said there are no serious shortages of weapons and that while Iranian forces can hit commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, they can’t stop energy shipments through the waterway.
Vance did not say whether he is leading peace talks, even though he is often seen as the White House’s main negotiator.
“We are certainly involved,” he said.”Ultimately, the president of the United States is driving things.”
The war — costing about $3 billion a month — has become a big issue in the campaign.
Rising energy prices have hurt Trump and Republicans in key states that could influence the outcome of Congress.
Vance has tried to downplay criticism of Trump’s handling of the conflict, telling voters not to let this issue stop them from supporting Republicans in the coming election.
In Alaska, Vance supported Senator Dan Sullivan, who is in a close race against Democratic challenger Mary Peltola.
Trump won Alaska by 13 points in 2024, but higher living costs have put the state in question.
Before talking to Reuters, Vance focused much of his speech on affordability, especially energy prices.
In Alaska, remote location makes everyday items more expensive, and energy production is a big part of the economy.
Rallygoers cheered when Sullivan almost introduced Vance as the US president instead of the vice president.
Vance is seen as a top Republican candidate for the presidency in 2028.
Vance told Reuters he hasn’t decided yet whether he will run for president in 2028.
“He said, ‘I’m naturally someone who puts things off.
I haven’t really thought about it much.'”
-
Latest News5 months agoICC board meeting in India: Mohsin Naqvi gets invitation
-
Latest News3 months ago23 people have died during the monsoon as rain-related incidents plague Punjab and KP.
-
Latest News2 months ago‘Self-Reliance in Digital ID’: NADRA launches locally produced QR code-based National Identity Card
-
Business3 months agoGovt dedicated to resolving Balochistan issues: Dar
-
Latest News1 month agoTurkish FM, Dar discuss regional trends, bilateral connections
-
Latest News2 months agoPakistan making rapid progress in robotics, AI: Shaza Fatima
-
Entertainment5 months agoInterim bail given to YouTuber Rajab Butt in gambling app marketing case
-
Latest News2 months agoAfter a divorce, LHC decides that women who have been harmed by their spouses get their dower.
