Asianet Newsable

What Is The Nuclear Missile Pakistan Is Developing That The US Has Warned About?

Divya Danu — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:33:27 +0530

The United States has raised fresh concerns over the rapid development of long-range missile systems by several countries, including Pakistan and China. Speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Tulsi Gabbard said that both nations are working on advanced ballistic missile technology that could one day target the United States. Her remarks came during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment report, which reviews major global risks to US national security.

Multiple countries expanding missile capabilities

The report highlights that several countries are developing powerful missile systems. These include Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan. According to Gabbard, these nations are working on both conventional and nuclear-capable missiles. Many of these systems are designed to travel long distances and avoid defence systems.

She warned that the number of missiles capable of threatening the US could rise sharply in the coming years.

North Korea already capable of reaching US

Among these countries, North Korea already has missiles that can reach American territory. Gabbard said that Pyongyang is committed to expanding its nuclear weapons programme. She also pointed to closer ties between North Korea, Russia and China.

Experts believe this growing cooperation could make it harder for the US to control global security risks.

Pakistan’s potential ICBM development

One of the key concerns raised in the report is Pakistan’s possible move towards developing Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). An ICBM is a missile that can travel more than 5,500 kilometres and carry nuclear warheads across continents.

At present, Pakistan does not have a tested ICBM. However, Gabbard warned that if its current efforts continue, it may develop such a system in the future. This would mark a major shift in Pakistan’s defence strategy, which has mostly focused on regional threats.

How far is the US from Pakistan

The distance between Pakistan and the US is around 10,000 kilometres. To reach that far, Pakistan would need to significantly improve its missile range and propulsion systems.

At present, only a few countries, such as Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom, have missiles capable of covering such long distances.

This shows how big a technological leap Pakistan would need to make.

Evidence of ongoing development

US officials believe Pakistan is working on larger rocket motors, which are key for building long-range missiles. Satellite images studied by the International Institute for Strategic Studies suggest that Pakistan has built a large testing facility at its National Defence Complex in Attock.

This facility is believed to be used for testing powerful rocket motors that could support future missile development.

Past US warnings and sanctions

This is not the first time the US has raised concerns about Pakistan’s missile programme. In recent years, American officials have warned that Pakistan’s technology is becoming more advanced.

In 2024, the US imposed sanctions on a Pakistani company and several Chinese firms for allegedly helping develop missile systems. Officials also pointed to the role of a Chinese research institute in supporting Pakistan’s programme.

Despite these concerns, Pakistan has maintained that its weapons are meant only for defence.

Pakistan’s current missile arsenal

Pakistan’s current missile systems are mostly short-range and medium-range. One of its most powerful missiles is the Shaheen-III, which has a range of about 2,750 kilometres. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.

Another important system is the Ababeel missile. It has a range of around 2,200 kilometres and uses MIRV technology. MIRV allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads that can hit different targets at the same time.

These systems are mainly designed with regional security in mind, especially in relation to India.

Why the US is concerned

The US believes that if Pakistan develops an ICBM, it could expand its reach beyond South Asia. This would mean the country could target areas far outside its current focus.

Some experts suggest that Pakistan’s aim may not be to target the US directly, but to act as a deterrent.

By developing long-range missiles, Pakistan could try to prevent the US from intervening in any future conflict.

Comparison with India's missile programme

Pakistan has often compared its capabilities with those of India. India’s longest-range missile, Agni-V, can travel more than 5,000 kilometres. This allows it to reach parts of Europe and northern China.

However, currently it cannot reach the US mainland. This is one reason why Washington does not see India’s missile programme as a direct threat.

Iran threat assessment differs

Gabbard also made comments about Iran. She said US strikes last year had disrupted Iran’s nuclear programme. According to her, Iran has not tried to rebuild it since then.

This statement was different from the views expressed by Donald Trump, who has argued that strong military action is still needed. Her remarks drew criticism from lawmakers, including Senator John Ossoff, who said it was important to clearly define the threat to the US.

Global risks likely to increase

The report also warned that even if major powers avoid direct war, smaller countries may still use force to achieve their goals. It mentioned that countries like Egypt, Israel, Pakistan, Turkey and the UAE are using proxy forces to influence regional conflicts.

This trend could make global security more unstable in the coming years.

A shifting security landscape

The 2026 threat report shows that the world is entering a more complex and risky phase. Missile technology is advancing quickly, and more countries are gaining access to powerful weapons.

For the US, this means dealing with multiple threats at the same time. For countries like Pakistan, it raises questions about future defence strategies and global responsibilities.

While Pakistan does not yet have the capability to strike the US with an ICBM, the concerns raised by the US highlight the fast-changing nature of global security. As technology improves and tensions rise, the risk of long-range missile threats could grow.

Experts say careful diplomacy and strong international cooperation will be key to avoiding future conflicts.

Pakistan Fuel Price Hike: 200% Increase Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:18:21 +0530

Pakistan decided on Sunday that it would increase the levy on high-octane fuel per litre by Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 200 from PKR 100 to PKR 300, as per ARY News. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has authorised a major hike in the duty on high-octane fuel used in luxury automobiles. The decision was made during a high-level meeting hosted by Sharif, when he discussed gasoline price and economic assistance. According to ARY News, the hike in high-octane gasoline prices will have no influence on public transport tickets or air travel expenses.

Ministers of Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, and other key government officials attended the meeting.

Earlier on March 6, the federal government hiked petrol and diesel prices by PKR 55 per litre as rising global oil prices, spurred by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, pushed up local energy expenses, according to ARY News. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik made the announcement at a news conference alongside DPM Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

What Will Be The New Prices?

According to reports, the new petrol price will be PKR 321.17 per litre, up from PKR 266.17; the diesel cost would be PKR 335.86 per litre, up from PKR 280.86 following the review. Meanwhile, Pakistani airlines boosted costs on March 10 in response to rising jet fuel prices, according to ARY News, citing airline sources.

According to these reports, domestic ticket rates have increased from PKR 2,800 to PKR 5,000. This hike applies to flights from Karachi to Lahore, Islamabad, and other domestic destinations, according to ARY News.

International travel has witnessed an even greater increase, with tickets rising by a whopping PKR 10,000 to PKR 28,000. Specifically, rates to Middle Eastern and Central Asian nations have increased by PKR 15,000.

Iran Bows to Pakistan Pressure? Deletion of ‘Thank You India, Kashmir’ Posts Triggers Backlash

Sunita Iyer — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:29:50 +0530

What began as a show of gratitude has quickly spiralled into a diplomatic embarrassment. Amid the raging war in the Middle East, the Iranian Embassy in India deleted multiple posts on X that explicitly thanked “India” and the “kind people of Kashmir” for humanitarian aid—after reportedly facing a barrage of criticism, largely from Pakistan-based users.

Also read: What Is ‘Energy Lockdown’? Iran War Triggers Global Power Crisis | Explained

One of the now-deleted posts had stated: “With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, India.”

Another, equally emotional, highlighted a widow’s sacrifice: “A respected sister from Kashmir donated the gold kept as a memento of her husband, who passed away 28 years ago, with a heart full of love and solidarity for the people of Iran. Your tears and pure emotions are the greatest source of comfort for the people of Iran and will never be forgotten.”

Within hours, both posts were gone—without explanation.

Pakistan pressure, Tehran response

The trigger appears clear.

Pakistan-based social media users flooded the embassy’s posts, objecting to Kashmir being described as part of India. Many insisted the region is “disputed” and demanded Iran correct its wording.

Soon after, the embassy blinked.

References to “India” and “Kashmir” began disappearing—not just from deleted posts, but even from reposted content.

A video that earlier ended with “Thank you #Kashmir. Thank you #India” was re-uploaded with a stripped-down caption:

“We will never forget your kindness.”

No India. No Kashmir.

We will never forget your kindness. pic.twitter.com/mLbk27DFKy

— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) March 24, 2026

Human stories caught in geopolitical crossfire

Lost in the diplomatic manoeuvring are the very people who triggered the gratitude in the first place.

Across Jammu and Kashmir, donation drives saw an outpouring of support—cash, jewellery, utensils, even livestock—especially around Eid-ul-Fitr.

Women parted with personal valuables. Children donated savings. And in one powerful moment, a widow gave away gold she had preserved for nearly three decades.

These weren’t symbolic gestures—they were deeply personal acts of solidarity.

Yet, in the end, even their acknowledgment became politically negotiable.

Also read: US Global Influence Has Collapsed, Diplomatic Overtures a Facade: Iran

India reacts, questions mount

Back home, the deletions have sparked sharp reactions.

Several Indian users questioned why references to India were quietly dropped, with some calling for the Ministry of External Affairs to step in.

The silence from the Iranian side has only added to the unease.

@Iran_in_India DELETED its post the second pressure kicked in.One line of gratitude. Gone. That is your level of commitment.Call it straight. This is diplomatic opportunism.You engage India for trade, access, and goodwill. That part is steady. But the moment it touches… pic.twitter.com/2CbjXRAXLi

— OsintTV (@OsintTV) March 24, 2026

The audacity to post UPI scanners and collecting money from India, specifically from Jammu & Kashmir, and then do this kind of cheap tricks.You (@MEAIndia) guys should talk to the Iranians. Any intent to harm the sovereignty of the country should not be entertained. https://t.co/jpQA0G8t62

— Elite Predators (@elitepredatorss) March 24, 2026

This proves how much @Iran_in_India is scared of Pakistan. https://t.co/71n98nWrxn

— Sniper (@avarakai) March 24, 2026

lol @Iran_in_India deleted its post ➡️Because Terrorist #Pakistan naraz ho jayega!! ❌❌Shame on Iran for this action. ⚡️Regardless, Iran’s current regime is important for India. Hope they continue on the same path as was laid down by #AyatollahAliKhamenei. Also, I… https://t.co/fz4V1y9D2o

— Paramjeet Singh Berwal (@ParamjeetBerwal) March 24, 2026

This needs to be answered @iran_in https://t.co/qbOD7i7yMA

— chakuchuri (@chakuchuri) March 24, 2026

Pura ka Pura Kashmir Bharat ka Hai @Iran_in_India https://t.co/0sJPjvgVPY

— Apolitical_Indian (@prasheverywhere) March 24, 2026

@Iran_in_India Deleting tweet is not done. This shows you are only using Indian people for money. The Kashmiri woman who donated using Indian Bank to you. Its the part of India. https://t.co/fitngevbjJ

— JOKER INSTINCT (@Joker_Instinct) March 24, 2026

A familiar pattern in India-Iran ties

This isn’t the first time Tehran’s messaging on Kashmir has stirred discomfort.

Iran’s leadership has, in the past, commented on Kashmir and broader issues concerning Muslims in India—remarks that have drawn strong responses from New Delhi.

In 2019, following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Iran’s then Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly voiced concern over the condition of Muslims in the region—prompting India to respond sharply by summoning the then Iranian Ambassador, Ali Chegeni.

The pattern didn’t stop there. In 2020, Khamenei also weighed in on the Northeast Delhi riots.

More recently, in 2024, he again referred to Muslims in India while speaking about what he described as the “repression of the Ummah.”

At the same time, both countries have maintained working ties, particularly in energy and regional connectivity.

But episodes like this underline a recurring tension: public posturing versus strategic partnership.

Pakistan steps up diplomacy amid West Asia tensions

Meanwhile, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has ramped up diplomatic outreach amid the escalating crisis, speaking with Mohammad bin Salman and reiterating Islamabad’s support for Riyadh while pushing for de-escalation.

“I also briefed His Royal Highness on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts for regional peace and stability. We agreed to remain in close coordination,” Sharif said, adding, “I stressed the urgent need for de-escalation".

According to the Saudi Press Agency, he “reiterated Pakistan's full support and commitment to standing firmly with the Kingdom against repeated Iranian attacks threatening its security and sovereignty.”

The outreach comes as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator—offering to host US-Iran talks, facilitating backchannel communication, and engaging key players including the UAE, UK and China—amid a widening conflict triggered after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation across the Gulf.

'Safety Risks': US Pulls Staff From Karachi, Lahore After Deadly Pro-Iran Protests Amid Tensions

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:46:08 +0530

The United States on Wednesday ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, citing rising security concerns in Pakistan amid escalating tensions linked to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the violent protests that followed across the country.

The move comes as anger over recent US-Israeli strikes against Iran has spilled onto the streets of several Pakistani cities, leaving at least 25 people dead over the weekend and prompting fears of further unrest.

Washington cites “safety risks” behind the decision

According to the US Department of State, the precautionary measure applies to non-essential government employees and family members posted at US consulates in Lahore and Karachi.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Pakistan said the decision was taken due to "safety risks".

Officials also clarified that there has been no change to the operational status of the embassy in the capital, Islamabad.

The State Department further said it has "authorized non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave" Saudi Arabia, Oman and Cyprus "due to safety risks".

Evacuation push as Americans leave the region

Amid the rapidly evolving conflict, US authorities say they are helping citizens who want to return home.

On Tuesday, the department said it was taking "historic action" to assist Americans wishing to leave the Middle East.

Officials added that in recent days more than "9,000 American citizens have safely returned from the Middle East, including over 300 from Israel."

Protests erupt across Pakistan after Khamenei’s killing

The security concerns in Pakistan come after widespread protests broke out following the death of Khamenei in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

According to an AFP tally, at least 25 people were killed during violent demonstrations over the weekend.

In Karachi, hundreds of protesters attempted to storm American diplomatic buildings, leading to clashes with police.

At least 10 people died and more than 70 were injured in those rallies, according to the office of the Karachi police surgeon. Hospital figures seen by AFP indicated that nine of the deaths were due to gunshot wounds.

Violence spreads to Gilgit-Baltistan

Clashes were also reported in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, where officials said at least 13 people were killed.

A rescue official confirmed that seven people died in Gilgit, while a doctor told AFP that six others were killed in Skardu.

Authorities imposed a late-night curfew until Wednesday in both towns, and the army has been deployed on the streets to maintain order.

Tensions flare in the capital

In Islamabad, thousands of protesters gathered, many carrying portraits of Khamenei.

Two more people were killed during demonstrations in the capital.

On Sunday afternoon, AFP journalists saw police firing tear gas to disperse crowds near the diplomatic enclave housing the US embassy, as authorities tried to keep protesters away from the area.

Pakistan government reacts

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticised the killing of Khamenei, calling it a breach of international norms.

"It is an age old convention that the Heads of State/Government should not be targeted," Sharif wrote on X.

He added that the "people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom" of Khamenei.

(With inputs from AFP)

Viral Video Of Pakistan President Zardari Seeking Talks With India Triggers Meme Frenzy (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:51:33 +0530

Months after a tense military standoff between India and Pakistan, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has called on India to move towards negotiations. Speaking at a joint session of Pakistan's Parliament, Zardari said India should step away from what he described as a 'war theatre' and return to meaningful talks. His remarks came during a speech that called 'for diplomacy'.

Amid protests in Parliament, he reportedly said, "India’s leaders say they are preparing for another war. As a lifelong advocate of regional peace, I would not recommend it."

“My message to them is to move away from the war theatre to meaningful negotiation tables, because that is the only path for regional security,” he added. A video of his speech quickly spread on social media. Many users reacted strongly, and the clip triggered a wave of memes online. His speech was delivered amid loud interruptions from opposition members inside Parliament, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari says they are ready for negotiations with India.Zardari says:My message to them (India) is to move away from the war theater to meaningful negotiation tables, because that is the only path for regional security. pic.twitter.com/Kfh0aDSCy7

— OsintTV (@OsintTV) March 2, 2026

Also Read: Smooth-Coated Otters Spotted For First Time In Uttarakhand, Sign Of Clean Rivers

Anti-Pakistan reactions as Zardari video goes viral

The video of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari asking India to move from a 'war theatre' to a 'negotiation table' quickly went viral. Within hours, social media platforms were flooded with strong reactions, memes and sharp comments. A large section of users responded with anger and sarcasm.

Many posts demanded that Pakistan first act against terror groups before even speaking about peace. Some users said talks and terrorism 'cannot go together'. Others went further and listed conditions such as handing over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, acting against wanted terror accused, or addressing internal conflicts in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Several comments mocked the timing of the speech. Some users claimed the statement was made to divert attention from Pakistan’s internal political and economic problems. Others linked it to regional tensions involving Afghanistan and Iran, suggesting that Islamabad was under pressure.

A few accounts questioned what exactly Pakistan wanted to negotiate. They argued that unless there is visible action against cross-border militancy, calls for dialogue would not be taken seriously in India.

Also Read: Mangaluru Man Ends Life in Oman After Girlfriend Stops Calling, Texting

There were also posts accusing Pakistan’s leadership of double standards. Some suggested the English wording of the speech was aimed at global audiences rather than domestic listeners. The tone in many reactions was critical, blunt and openly dismissive.

Pro-India voices call for firm stand

Many users strongly defended India's position when it comes to Pakistan. They said New Delhi has made it clear in the past that dialogue is only possible in an atmosphere free of violence. Several comments repeated the view that India should not return to talks unless there is concrete proof that terror camps and networks targeting India have been dismantled. The name of past incidents and cross-border tensions were mentioned to argue that trust remains low.

Some users praised India's military preparedness and said Pakistan’s warning of being 'ready' would not change India’s security policy. A few posts framed the speech as a sign that Pakistan is seeking relief from diplomatic isolation.

At the same time, a smaller group of voices called for calm. They said any step towards dialogue, even if symbolic, is better than open conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbours.

India Pakistan tensions

The latest tensions between the two countries trace back to April 22, 2025 when a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 Indian tourists. India blamed a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot called The Resistant Front for the attack.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor. Indian forces carried out strikes on what they described as terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan responded with drone strikes. India then imposed a blackout along the Line of Control and the International Border. The four-day military standoff pushed relations to one of their lowest points in recent years.

India's response and official stand

India has strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations on several issues. The Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly said that Pakistan shelters terrorist organisations.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a press briefing that Pakistan often blames its neighbours for its internal problems.

He also rejected Pakistan’s claims related to Afghanistan. India has denied any involvement there.

Last month, after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Afghan territory that reportedly caused civilian deaths, India condemned the action. The MEA said it was wrong to target civilians, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Expert view on Pakistan’s position

Retired Major General and defence expert P.K. Sehgal in an interview to news agency IANS said that Pakistan currently does not have the capability to take on India in a full-scale conflict.

He suggested that Zardari’s speech could be political messaging aimed at both domestic and international audiences.

Delhi: Retired Major General and defence expert, PK Sehgal says, "At this time, Pakistan does not have the capability to take on India. I don’t think Pakistan can do anything against India... However, globally, the largest concentration of Shia communities is in India, and they… pic.twitter.com/DP8PedFtMR

— IANS (@ians_india) March 3, 2026

Analysts say Pakistan is facing economic and political challenges at home. Some believe strong statements against India are often used to show strength internally while also keeping the door open for talks.

'No Hospital Targeted': Pakistan Remains in Denial Over Kabul Rehab Attack, UN Seeks Probe

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:24:24 +0530

Pakistan on Tuesday rejected allegations from Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government that its military deliberately bombed a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, even as Afghan authorities said the strike may have killed around 400 people, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the latest round of tensions between the two neighbours.

Islamabad has insisted the operation targeted militant infrastructure, not civilians. But officials in Kabul say the attack flattened a treatment facility packed with patients battling addiction.

The starkly different accounts have deepened an already volatile standoff between the two countries.

Also read: 'Shame on Genocider Asim Munir': Pakistan Faces Backlash After Deadly Airstrike On Kabul Drug Rehab Centre

Pakistan Rejects Kabul’s Allegations

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed the accusations as unfounded and defended the air strikes as part of the country’s counter-terror campaign.

Tarar wrote on X that Pakistan carried out six strikes late Monday in Kabul and the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar.

“No hospital, no drug rehabilitation centre, and no civilian facility was targeted. The targets were military and terrorist infrastructure, including ammunition and technical equipment storage sites and other installations linked to hostile activity against Pakistan.”

He also described the operation as “precise, deliberate and professional”, saying it was aimed at preventing militant attacks inside Pakistan.

Afghan Officials Report Hundreds Dead

Authorities in Kabul paint a drastically different picture.

According to Afghanistan’s health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman, the strike hit a major drug rehabilitation centre in the capital where patients from across the country were undergoing treatment.

“The toll is not final as the rescue operation is still going on but we have around 400 martyrs and more than 200 wounded,” Zaman said, calling the strike “against the Geneva Convention and all international laws.”

Interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani provided a similar figure during the same briefing, saying 408 people were killed and 265 wounded.

The numbers could rise further as rescuers continue to dig through rubble.

UN Seeks Independent Probe

Meanwhile, the UN called for a swift and independent investigation after the Afghan government said a Pakistani strike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation clinic killed hundreds.

"Last night's tragic blast at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, that reportedly left scores of patients dead, must be investigated promptly, independently and transparently, and those responsible held to account in line with international standards," UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva.

"Those results must be made public. Victims and victims' families are entitled to reparations," he said.

The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, also said he was “dismayed” by reports of civilian casualties and urged both countries to step back.

Also read: After Kabul Massacre, Pakistan’s ‘Iron-Clad Friend’ China Calls For Dialogue With Afghanistan

Families Search Desperately for Loved Ones

Outside the destroyed facility, families gathered in anguish, hoping for any news of relatives admitted for treatment.

Among them was Baryalai Amiri, a 38-year-old mechanic who said his brother had entered the centre about 25 days earlier.

“We are not given the proper information,” he said. “So far, we don’t know where he is.”

Another man, Habibullah Kabulbai, arrived looking for his brother Nawroz, who had been admitted only days earlier.

“I can't find him,” he said, weeping. “What should we do? I have no words... We are helpless. This has not only happened to me but the whole of Afghanistan.”

Clashes between Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan have intensified since February 26, with the UN confirming at least 75 civilian deaths during the recent escalation.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups responsible for deadly cross-border attacks, while Kabul denies providing safe haven.

No End to Conflict in Sight

Diplomatic efforts to calm tensions have struggled to gain traction.

China said its special envoy spent a week mediating between the two sides and called for an immediate ceasefire. But analysts warn the confrontation could intensify.

South Asia expert Michael Kugelman of the Atlantic Council said traditional mediators in the Gulf are currently distracted by their own regional conflict.

“Pakistan appears intent to keep hitting targets in Afghanistan, and the Taliban determined to retaliate with operations on Pakistani border posts and potentially with asymmetric tactics — from launching drones to sponsoring militant attacks in wider Pakistan,” he said.

“There are no off-ramps in sight.”

(With inputs from AFP)

Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Why Experts Warn Islamabad Is 'Playing With Fire'

Sunita Iyer — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:14:01 +0530

A fresh wave of air strikes and retaliatory attacks has pushed tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan to one of their most dangerous points in recent years. What began as cross-border clashes has now spiralled into open military action, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

While officials from both sides are trading accusations and casualty figures, strategic experts say the situation may reflect deeper problems inside Pakistan and a miscalculation about Afghanistan’s battlefield realities.

Also read: How Afghanistan-Pakistan Standoff Is Rapidly Turning Into a Full-Blown Conflict

Air Strikes Mark Major Escalation

Pakistan launched night-time air strikes on multiple locations in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, the southern city of Kandahar, and parts of Paktia province.

According to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the targets were defence positions. The strikes came after Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border troops following earlier air raids by Islamabad.

Though neither country has formally declared a full-scale war, Tarar said on X that the situation has effectively crossed that line, describing it as “open war.”

Islamabad maintains that the operation is a response to militant attacks originating from Afghan territory — an allegation the Taliban-led government in Kabul continues to deny.

Border crossings remain largely shut, and dozens of people have been killed in clashes over recent months, deepening fears that diplomacy may be failing.

Conflicting Claims Over Casualties

Both sides are presenting sharply different versions of the fighting.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers, while acknowledging 13 Afghan troop deaths.

Pakistan’s military, however, claims a far higher toll on the other side. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, head of the army’s publicity wing, said 274 Taliban members and militants were killed, while Pakistan lost 12 soldiers.

Independent verification of these numbers remains difficult.

Meanwhile, civilians are also caught in the crossfire. Officials in Nangarhar said multiple civilians were wounded in a Pakistani strike near a camp for returnees close to the Torkham border crossing. One woman was reported killed and several others hospitalised.

The Core Issue: Militants and the TTP

At the heart of the confrontation is Pakistan’s long-running accusation that Afghanistan is not doing enough to control the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, attacks inside Pakistan have increased, according to analysts. Islamabad says many of the militants operate from Afghan soil — something Kabul denies.

The renewed militant violence has deepened mistrust between the neighbours and pushed relations into a cycle of retaliation and denial.

Former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi told AFP that Islamabad’s current approach appears aimed at forcing Kabul to act against the TTP.

Also read: Operation Ghazab Lil Haq: Meaning Behind Pakistan’s War Name Against Afghanistan Explained

Experts Warn Pakistan Could Face Severe Consequences

Indian military experts say Pakistan may be underestimating the risks of confronting Afghanistan directly.

Major General Sudhakar Jee (Retd) offered a stark assessment of Islamabad’s strategy:

“Internal instability in Pakistan being externalised. ⁠The Pakistan Army is playing with fire,” he told Asianet Newsable English.

“⁠Afghanistan has a historical and traditional name of being the ‘ graveyard of empire’. Afghanistan Taliban may not have the Air Force, but they have the hybrid force to defeat strongest of attackers like Soviet Union and USA. They sent them packing with body bags and destruction. They will destroy and obliterate Pakistan from the map of the planet,” the defence expert added.

His comments reflect a growing belief among some strategic observers that Afghanistan’s unconventional fighting capability could make a prolonged conflict extremely costly for Pakistan.

Another security expert, Major General Ashok Kumar (Retd), DG CENJOWS, also warned that Islamabad may have misjudged the situation following the Taliban’s return to power.

“After installation of Taliban government in Afghanistan, Pakistan was buoyant to feel safe on it’s backyard reinvigorating the feeling of having claimed it’s strategic depth. It attempted to exploit Afghanistan’s core sensitivities and in the process, major differences erupted not only on and around Durand Line but all over including issues related to refugees and their mishandling by Pakistan. The aerial attacks by Pakistan along with declaration of war on Afghanistan may give some momentary gains but given the war fighting dynamics in this region, Pakistan will suffer huge losses as it goes ahead. This could be also a diversionary tactics by Pakistan to move away from its commitment of deployment of forces in Gaza.”

According to Kumar, what Pakistan once saw as a strategic advantage — the Taliban’s control in Kabul — may now be turning into a major strategic challenge.

Diplomacy Struggling to Keep Pace With Escalation

Several countries have attempted to mediate between the two sides in recent months.

A truce brokered by Qatar and Turkey last year briefly reduced tensions after deadly clashes that killed more than 70 people. However, subsequent negotiations failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Saudi Arabia recently helped secure the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghan forces. Iran has also offered to assist with dialogue between the neighbours.

But some analysts now believe diplomacy may be struggling to keep up with the pace of military escalation.

A Conflict Rooted in History

The tensions are also tied to long-standing disputes, particularly over the Durand Line, the colonial-era border that Afghanistan has never formally recognised.

Cross-border militancy, refugee issues, and accusations of interference have strained relations for decades.

Since the Taliban returned to power, the relationship has swung between cautious engagement and open hostility. Frequent border closures have disrupted trade and movement for communities living along the frontier.

Now, analysts say the latest violence marks a turning point — especially because Pakistan appears to be targeting Taliban government sites rather than only suspected militant positions.

South Asia experts warn that this shift could make the conflict far harder to contain.

'Only a Messenger': Ex-Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran Exposes Pakistan’s Limited Role in West Asia Crisis

Asianet News Central — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:55:57 +0530

Amid Pakistan's push for a mediatory role in the West Asia crisis, former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran has said that the United States has given clear indications that Islamabad's role so far is only to pass messages and if Pakistan was so confident about its capability to bring peace, there would not have been three other countries and "they would have done on their own". In an interview with ANI, Pankaj Saran said India has its own position and geo-strategic significance and the asymmetry of the relevance of India and Pakistan is going to grow in the years to come.

"What we know so far is what has come out from the Americans that they are telling, they are saying that the Pakistani role so far is only to pass messages...pass messages from one side to the other now. If there is a ground attack or a ground offensive, I don't think the Americans are going to allow the Pakistanis to come in the way of, or ask them to help the American military action. I don't think that's going to happen. They're going to tell the Pakistanis you stay away...," Saran said.

Pakistan's Role a 'Political Theatre'

He was asked if there is a certain element to play political theatre of mediation with Pakistan's co-option by the US Administration before real on-ground operations by America or US-Israel against Iran.

"It's a theatre because you had these four countries. If Pakistan was so confident about its capability to bring peace, they would not have co-opted the other three countries. I mean, they would have done it on their own. After all, you would like to take the limelight and not share the stage with anyone. But countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, they are experienced and we basically have no problems with Egypt. We have no problems with Saudi Arabia. We have pretty friendly ties with both of them. And they have a very healthy regard for us," Saran said.

"It could be part of the theatre. The fact is that this is pretty much part of the strategy we have seen that, he talks, President Trump says many things in terms of the will stretch to the limits of any given situation and then back off....so like this ground offensive, I mean, it's possible. I mean, he may go in, but I would only say that what strikes me is what the Iranians have said welcome to hell because you're not...it's not going to be so simple," he added.

Saran said it is also that if you do manage to exercise control over a certain piece of territory, how long can you keep it for? "I mean how long can you sustain," he asked.

Pakistan's Offer of Services to Trump

Answering a query, Saran said Pakistani leadership realized that in Trump 1.0, they had developed very close links with the US Administration, with the Trump people, because of the Taliban deal.

"And they had actually delivered the Taliban. So if you look at that experience, you know, obviously they used that very much. It also kind of merged nicely with the US plan to fix the Iran problem. And that's where Munir and the Pakistanis... stuck their neck out and offered their services as far as Iran is concerned. And I think that's what happened in the middle of last year. So a lot of the discussion we should presume between Munir and Trump was not so much about us, but about Iran and what Trump was planning to do. Because after this lunch and everything else, that's when all the bombing took place of Iran and so on," Saran said.

Complexities of the Peace Process

Asked about the complexity of the negotiation process, Saran said problems have persisted despite talks over the decades.

"If you want to dissect the complexities, you can. It's like an onion. You can keep peeling one layer after the other and you will still not. I mean, American presidents, legions of them have spent their full terms trying to find a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dating back 25 years starting from Hillary Clinton, starting from Reagan, Bill Clinton...they've just spent their life, and every President, it's almost like our prime ministers try wanting to fix the Pakistan problem...," he said.

Analysis of the Mediating Group

"Let's look at the players involved. It's Saudi, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan. This business that you can bring the strengths together and four becomes 40, but it's not going to happen. It's also a Sunni grouping. It's also a Sunni grouping. So, Iran will not necessarily accept...the irony over here is that this idea of an Islamic grouping was completely silent when the Gaza Board of Peace was constituted. The rights of Palestinian people were completely put to the side and they were part of this grouping when the resolution was passed."

India's Growing Geo-Strategic Significance

Saran said no one can underestimate India's geo-political significance.

"Is India not going to be a systemically significant player on the global stage. I mean, how much money can the United States or the Trump family or the administration earn from Pakistan? I mean, in the days to come, in the years to come, you know, the asymmetry of the relevance of India and Pakistan is going to grow. It's not going to... Now, it's another matter if every step of Pakistan and if you want to compare yourself to Pakistan, you can do that. But that's hardly the template or the litmus test for which you should check whether you're doing well or you're not doing well."

Saran said that expectations from India are "far more than what our own expectations are of ourselves".

"And you hear that wherever you travel out of India. And they all say that you're punching below your weight or that they are betting on you from a strategic sense, from a geopolitical lens."

India's Strategic Choice

Saran also said there are good reasons India is not among the negotiators in the West Asia crisis.

"Why is China not getting into this? Why is Russia not getting into this? Why is Europe not getting into this? I don't understand. Why is Turkey not getting into this as they did in Ukraine? Why are they riding on Pakistan's back?...It's a strategic choice you make. We have made phone calls. We've got lines open with everyone," he said.

Pakistan's Historical Leverage

He said there's something about the DNA of a country or a nation.

"As far as Pakistan is concerned, look, they have a history starting from 1971, where if you don't have many cards to play, you are going to leverage your geographical location, your identity as an Islamic nation. So both Islam and geography are working in your favour. And so you use that to the extent you can. So they did it in 71 between the United States and China. Much more recently, they did it right up to Afghanistan also," he said

Saran noted mediation also requires the right tipping point.

"I mean, you want to get into mediation when, you know, missiles and aircraft are flying left and right. And you say, I'm going to sit and mediate. And number one. Number two, who's asking you? You know, you can't insert yourself into a wall and say, look, you know, I live here, so I must mediate. It doesn't work that way. I mean he's not waiting for you or asking you or saying, can you please come and mediate? So if they are asking the Pakistanis or Pakistan is inserting itself, I would just say best of luck. I mean, let's see what comes out of it and frankly if they succeed, good for us. At the end of the day, we get our oil, we get our trade, we get our diaspora, we get our remittances. And we benefit and, and we carry on with our own business as we were doing before," he said.

India's Economic Clout

He noted that India is the second-largest energy market in the world.

"Despite the fact that they are Muslim, they are Sunni and there's that and the other, our relationships, I think with each of the Gulf States is actually pretty good. And if you look at the numbers, they're way ahead of the Pakistanis. We are talking hundreds of billions of dollars. In the last three weeks, the amount of food we have sent to the Gulf because of the war. So why are they still investing here? Why are they... And frankly, we are the second-largest energy market in the world. Whether you mediate or you don't mediate, it doesn't matter because the numbers speak for themselves. You can't sell oil to Pakistan of the nature and the scale that you can sell to us," he said.

The conflict between Israel-US and Iran has entered its second month and has caused global energy supply disruptions. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Video Of Pakistan Politician Nabeel Gabol Goes Viral Amid Dhurandhar 2 Success And Character Debate

Divya Danu — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:57:51 +0530

The huge success of the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge has started a fresh debate online. Many viewers are discussing whether some characters in the movie are based on real people. One such discussion is about the character Jameel Jamali, played by actor Rakesh Bedi. Some people believe the role may be linked to Pakistani politician Nabeel Gabol. As this debate grew, an interview of Gabol has started circulating on social media. The video has gone viral as people try to connect the film’s story with real-life politics.

Nabeel Gabol criticised his portrayal in Dhurandhar

In the resurfaced interview, Gabol clearly said he was unhappy with the way the character was shown in film Dhurandhar. He argued that the film did not reflect the real culture of Lyari, the area in Karachi where he grew up and built his political career.

Gabol said that the film showed scenes like discos and people speaking Punjabi in Lyari, which he claimed was not accurate. According to him, Baloch people in Lyari do not speak Punjabi, and such details made the portrayal unrealistic.

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A post shared by Ahsan Minhas Journalist (@theworldnewshub)

He also said that the character shown in the film looked like a person who flatters others, which did not match his image. Gabol said he had a strong and dominant role in Lyari and that the film’s version did not fit him.

Early reactions after the film's release

After the first film in the series released, Gabol initially appeared comfortable with the comparisons between him and the character. In several television debates and media interactions, he talked about the connection and even suggested that the character might have been inspired by him.

Aditya Dhar 's #Dhurandhar was so GOATED that Pakistanis started calling Nabil Gabol as Jameel Jamali and he was very happy about that Now after the part 2 #Dhurandhar‌TheRevenge he is criticizing movie pic.twitter.com/tH8VDvEjLX

— Chota Don (@choga_don) March 25, 2026

#Dhurandhar was so GOATED that Pakistanis started calling Nabil Gabol as Jameel Jamali #Dhurandhar2‌ pic.twitter.com/8luwOf2ZCR

— Banger (@isrivastavas) March 23, 2026

The real life “Jameel Jamali” was boasting ever since Dhurandhar released, claiming the character was based on his life.He had no idea what was coming in Part 2!Most tensed guy right now after #Dhurandhar2 released #DhurandharTheRevenge pic.twitter.com/W9wulpJA9u

— AS1992 (@SurekaA123) March 22, 2026

This led to more discussion across social media and news platforms. Many viewers began sharing clips from the film along with Gabol's earlier comments.

However, after the release of the second part, which shows the character as an Indian operative, reports say Gabol has stayed away from the spotlight. His reduced public appearances have added to the online chatter.

Social media reactions and online jokes

The success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge has brought a lot of attention to the character of Jameel Jamali. Internet users have been sharing memes, comments and short videos discussing the similarities.

Netizens have been reacting strongly, especially after the film’s twists became widely known. Many posts online mention Gabol while talking about the character, which has kept the discussion trending.

Some reports also noted that before the second film came out, Gabol appeared in interviews and online videos where he seemed to enjoy the attention. But after the new storyline revealed more about the character, he has reportedly kept a low profile.

Who is Nabeel Gabol?

Nabeel Gabol is a senior Pakistani politician from Karachi. He represents the Lyari area and has been associated for many years with the Pakistan People’s Party.

Gabol currently serves as a Member of the National Assembly from NA-239 Karachi South-I. Over the years, he has held several important roles in politics. He served as the Minister of State for Ports and Shipping between 2008 and 2011. Earlier in his career, he also became the youngest Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, serving from 1993 to 1996.

While he has mostly been linked to the PPP, his political journey has seen changes. He briefly joined the Muttahida Qaumi Movement between 2013 and 2017 before returning to the PPP.

Dhurandhar franchise draws attention across borders

The film Dhurandhar: The Revenge was directed by Aditya Dhar and released in several languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. It features actors such as Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun and Danish Pandor.

The film had a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, and was released alongside Ustaad Bhagat Singh starring Pawan Kalyan.

According to reports mentioned in discussions online, the film’s box office collections have reached close to Rs 700 crore worldwide within four days. This strong performance has helped the film dominate headlines and social media trends.

Reel and real life blur again

Films often create strong reactions when audiences feel a story resembles real life. In the case of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the conversation about Jameel Jamali and Nabeel Gabol has added another layer to the film’s popularity.

With the interview circulating widely, discussions about the film’s inspiration continue. Whether the character is truly linked to Gabol or not remains a topic of debate, but the film’s success has ensured that the conversation is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

Why Pakistan’s ‘War on Afghan Civilians’ Risk Igniting a Dangerous Flashpoint? Ex-Diplomat Decodes (WATCH)

Sunita Iyer — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:19:13 +0530

A deadly Pakistani air strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul last week has triggered sharp condemnation from Afghan officials and reignited tensions between the two neighbours. In an exclusive interview with Asianet Newsable English’s Somya Jaiswal, former Afghan diplomat Zardasht Shams accused Pakistan of carrying out a “massacre” and warned that the escalating hostilities could destabilise the wider region.

The strike, which Afghan authorities say killed around 400 people and wounded more than 200, has become the deadliest incident in the latest round of cross-border violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has vowed that Kabul will “seek accountability” for the attack, describing those responsible as “criminals” during a mass burial ceremony for victims.

Pakistan, however, has denied targeting civilians, claiming its forces conducted precision strikes on “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure”.

‘Pakistan committed a massacre’

Reacting to the attack, Shams strongly condemned Islamabad, calling the strike an act of mass murder.

“So, in fact, what Pakistan done was a mass murder, massacre of civilian Afghan people,” Shams said. “I strongly condemn this act of aggression, this inhuman act of Pakistan, this barbarism of Pakistan. It’s in no way acceptable.”

He argued the strike violated international humanitarian law because the target was a civilian rehabilitation centre.

“It’s against international law… by targeting drug addicts or a rehabilitation centre. They were hoping for a bright future and most of them were completing their recovery treatment over there,” he said.

According to Shams, the attack fits into a long pattern of Pakistani interference in Afghan affairs.

“This is not the first time. Pakistan is doing this aggression for the last five decades,” he said. “Previously they were using proxies to interfere… now they have come forward directly.”

Pakistan’s denial ‘part of policy’

Pakistan’s Information Ministry has rejected accusations that its military deliberately targeted civilians, calling the Taliban government’s claims “propaganda”.

Shams dismissed the denial outright.

“The thing is that Pakistan is a liar state. It’s part of their policy,” he said.

He also referenced Pakistan’s historical military actions, claiming the country has repeatedly denied responsibility for civilian casualties.

“When you look at the track record of Pakistan military, their hands are stained with the blood of innocent people,” Shams said.

‘This is not a war against Taliban’

Despite the ongoing confrontation between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government, Shams argued that Islamabad’s actions go beyond targeting the ruling authorities.

“I would say this is not a war against Taliban. It’s war against Afghanistan. It’s war against Afghan people,” he said.

According to Shams, Pakistan’s goal is to destabilise the country and trigger internal conflict.

“They want a civil war and civil fighting between different factions,” he said, adding that the strategy would ultimately fail because “almost 100 percent of Afghan people… are against Pakistan”.

Regional tensions and geopolitical calculations

Shams also suggested the conflict cannot be viewed in isolation, pointing to broader geopolitical developments.

“It’s a planned war from the Pakistani side,” he said. “We cannot ignore international developments… the fight in the Middle East and how they try to become closer to the new US administration.”

He also referenced the strategic importance of the Bagram Air Base, suggesting external geopolitical calculations could be influencing developments in the region.

“It seems there are things that maybe in the background they have committed some projects to implement in this area,” he said.

The Durand Line dispute

A longstanding dispute over the Durand Line, the contested border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, remains a major source of tension.

“One of the core issues is the Durand Line,” Shams said. “None of the Afghan governments has ever accepted this international boundary.”

He noted that the same tribes and communities live on both sides of the border, which historically made the area sensitive.

But Shams argued that Pakistan’s ambitions now go beyond the border dispute.

“What Pakistan envisages is beyond Durand Line,” he said. “They want to control Kabul even. They want access to Central Asia.”

‘Afghanistan is not an Indian proxy’

Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that Afghanistan is acting as a proxy for India, particularly after renewed diplomatic engagement between India and Kabul.

Shams rejected the claim as baseless.

“I firmly believe that this is totally baseless,” he said.

“Pakistan doesn’t accept Afghanistan as a sovereign state… How does Pakistan dare to point at what type of relationship Afghanistan is supposed to have with any nation, including India?”

He also highlighted historical ties between India and Afghanistan, dating back to the early 20th century independence movements.

Taliban policies weakening Afghanistan internally

While sharply criticising Pakistan, Shams also acknowledged that the Taliban government’s domestic policies are undermining Afghanistan’s stability.

“That’s one of the disasters of the Taliban government right now,” he said, referring to restrictions on women.

“It’s unbelievable in the 21st century that you are banning girls from attending school… you are banning women from work,” he said.

According to Shams, such policies weaken Afghanistan at a time when national unity is needed to confront external threats.

“The unity of Afghanistan is possible only when you give equal rights… when you give political rights, civil rights and human rights,” he said.

TTP and Pakistan’s security narrative

Pakistan has justified many of its cross-border operations by accusing Afghanistan of harbouring militants linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Shams argued the threat is exaggerated.

“It’s not that major or bigger problem for Pakistan,” he said.

According to him, militant groups in Pakistan’s tribal regions are partly the result of decades of policies pursued by Islamabad itself.

“When you pump communities with weapons and extremist ideology to fight in Afghanistan and Kashmir… what do you expect the third and fourth generation to do?” he said.

Calls for regional response

Shams urged the international community and regional powers to pay closer attention to the crisis.

“The Pakistani military is destabilising the region,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that Afghanistan’s diplomatic isolation under the Taliban government has limited its ability to raise the issue internationally.

“They have no representation in the United Nations or international forums to project what Pakistan is doing,” he said.

India-Afghanistan ties may expand

Shams also suggested that relations between India and Afghanistan could deepen beyond economic cooperation.

“India–Afghanistan relationship should go beyond only rehabilitation or economic development,” he said. “They should think on defence cooperation also.”

He argued that Pakistan’s growing aggression could push regional powers closer together.

“I would say not only both nations… the whole region should become unified in fighting Pakistani hegemony and this aggressive policy,” he said.

Rising tensions after deadly strike

The Kabul strike has intensified hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with both sides accusing each other of harbouring militants and conducting cross-border attacks.

While Islamabad insists it targeted militant infrastructure, Afghan officials maintain that the strike hit a civilian rehabilitation centre, causing one of the deadliest single incidents in recent Afghan history.

As tensions escalate, Shams warned that the conflict could become a major regional flashpoint.

Energy Crisis, Rising Prices: Pakistan Cancels Republic Day Parade As Fuel Shortage Hits Hard

Divya Danu — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:34:54 +0530

Pakistan has cancelled its Republic Day parade and major celebrations due to a deepening energy crisis. The government said the March 23 event will now be observed in a simple way, without the usual military display, according to a report by Arab News. The decision comes as fuel shortages and rising costs continue to affect daily life across the country.

Energy crisis linked to global tensions

The crisis has been triggered by disruptions in oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. This key route is used to transport a large share of the world’s oil. Ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have affected supply, causing sharp price rises.

Pakistan depends heavily on imported fuel. Around 85 to 99 percent of its crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through this route. With the supply chain disturbed for over a week, the country is facing serious shortages.

Pakistan cancels National Day Parade and associated ceremonial events on 23rd March.Decision taken in the backdrop oil crisis and austerity measures announced by the @PakPMO pic.twitter.com/aozQt2hCX4

— Abhishek Jha (@abhishekjha157) March 17, 2026

Also Read: Who Is Joe Kent And Why He Quit Over Iran War, Slamming 'No Imminent Threat' Claim

Government announces austerity measures

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the parade and all related events have been cancelled as part of austerity measures. Officials said the day will still be marked, but with “simplicity and dignity”.

The government has also introduced steps to reduce fuel use. These include a four-day work week, work-from-home policies, and online classes. Ministers and lawmakers are facing salary cuts, and foreign travel has been limited to essential trips in economy class. Authorities have also been asked to closely monitor fuel reserves. Reports suggest Pakistan currently has only around 11 days of crude oil and nine days of LPG left.

A rare break from tradition

Pakistan Day is one of the country’s most important national events. It marks the 1940 Lahore Resolution, which led to the creation of Pakistan. The country officially became a republic on March 23, 1956.

Each year, the day is celebrated with a grand military parade in Islamabad. The event usually includes gun salutes, aircraft fly-pasts, and displays by the armed forces.

Cancelling the parade is a rare move and shows how serious the current crisis has become.

Rising costs and economic pressure

The energy crisis is also putting heavy pressure on Pakistan’s economy. The country’s monthly fuel import bill could rise sharply from about $1.7 billion to between $3.5 and $4.5 billion.

LNG shortages have forced the country to look for alternative fuels. Power cuts and rationing are also being considered in some areas. Inflation has already increased, making daily life more difficult for many people. Higher fuel prices affect transport, food costs, and electricity bills.

Also Read: Oil Wavers, Stocks Jump As Markets Await US Fed Decision Amid War Tensions

Impact on overseas workers and remittances

The crisis may also affect remittances, which are a key source of income for Pakistan. More than 4.7 million Pakistanis live and work in Gulf countries. If the regional crisis continues, it could impact their jobs and earnings.

This would further strain Pakistan’s economy, which is already facing challenges.

Simple celebrations planned

Despite the cancellation of large events, the government has said Pakistan Day will still be observed with respect. Flag-hoisting ceremonies will take place, and officials have been told to ensure the importance of the day is maintained.

After Kabul Massacre, Pakistan’s ‘Iron-Clad Friend’ China Calls For Dialogue With Afghanistan

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:44:17 +0530

China — widely regarded as Pakistan’s closest strategic partner — on Tuesday called for “calm and restraint” after a devastating Pakistani air strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul reportedly killed hundreds of people. The strike, which Afghan authorities say targeted a treatment facility for drug addicts in the Afghan capital, has triggered outrage and deepened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Despite its long-standing alliance with Islamabad, Beijing signalled concern over the escalating violence, urging both countries to halt hostilities and seek a diplomatic solution.

China’s foreign ministry urged the two countries to "swiftly implement a ceasefire" and resolve their differences through dialogue.

BREAKING: More videos from tonight's Pakistani airstrikes which hit a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, killing or wounding an unspecified number of people, according to an Afghan Taliban spokesperson. Pakistan’s government rejects this, claiming they targeted "military… pic.twitter.com/GtRmnicTLW

— Yalda Hakim (@SkyYaldaHakim) March 16, 2026

This is not Iran, Lebanon or Israel.This is Kabul, Afghanistan, after airstrikes by it's nuclear armed neighborpic.twitter.com/ZHXzISpNyy

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 17, 2026

#WATCH | At least 400 people were killed and 250 injured in an air strike by Pakistan on a rehabilitation hospital in Kabul(Video Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/f4k48rPOTz

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2026

China’s Message To Its Closest Partner

Responding to the latest escalation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was actively trying to ease tensions.

"China... will continue to leverage its own channels to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating the improvement of bilateral relations," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"Dialogue and negotiation constitute the only effective means of resolving issues between the two countries."

China also revealed that a special envoy had recently spent a week mediating between the two sides, reflecting Beijing’s growing concern over instability in the region.

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan on Monday night, which reportedly hit a medical center in Kabul, raise concerns about potential heavy casualties. Asked whether China is still mediating between the two countries, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday… pic.twitter.com/NFRDM05bME

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 17, 2026

Hundreds Killed In Kabul Strike

Afghan officials say the scale of the tragedy is enormous.

"The toll is not final as the rescue operation is still going on but we have around 400 martyrs and more than 200 wounded," health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman told a news conference.

Interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani gave a similar figure during the same briefing, saying there were "408 killed and 265 wounded".

The strike hit a drug rehabilitation centre — a place meant to treat addiction and provide shelter to some of Kabul’s most vulnerable residents. Instead, it has now become the site of one of the deadliest attacks in the capital in recent months.

Authorities say the number of victims is so high that families have been asked to allow their loved ones to be buried together in a communal grave, particularly as the tragedy unfolded during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Pakistan Denies Civilian Targeting

Pakistan, however, denied deliberately striking civilians.

Islamabad said its military operation targeted militant infrastructure and insisted it had carried out precision strikes on "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure".

The Pakistani military has carried out multiple strikes in Afghanistan in recent weeks, claiming the Taliban government is harbouring extremists responsible for attacks across the border.

Kabul has consistently rejected those accusations.

Kabul Grieves As Questions Mount

For Kabul residents, the attack has turned a centre meant for recovery and treatment into a place of mass death.

With rescue operations still ongoing and hundreds feared dead, the strike has left the Afghan capital reeling — and has raised fresh questions about Pakistan’s cross-border military campaign.

Even as Islamabad insists the strikes were aimed at militant targets, the mounting civilian toll is fuelling anger — and forcing even its closest ally, China, to call publicly for restraint.

(With inputs from AFP)

Why Pakistan's Most Resource-Rich Province Remains Its Poorest: The Governance and Development Hurdles in Balochistan

Anish Kumar — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:21:30 +0530

New Delhi: On 2 March, when Baloch communities marked Baloch Culture Day, the contrast between celebrations and the grim reality of life in Pakistan’s largest province could not be starker. The very assertion of cultural identity has come to coexist with a climate of fear, where enforced disappearances, militarised roads and silenced voices have become routine features of governance.

Balochistan today illustrates how a state can invoke security and “development” while hollowing out both federalism and basic human rights.

Federalism without fairness

Balochistan occupies nearly half of Pakistan’s landmass and sits atop vast reserves of gas, copper, gold and other minerals, yet it remains the country’s poorest province by most human development indicators. This paradox is not accidental; it flows from a centralising model of federalism in which decisions on resource extraction, infrastructure and revenue sharing are made in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, not in Quetta or Gwadar.

The financial architecture of flagship projects in the province lays bare this inequity. Official disclosures presented in Pakistan’s Senate show that 91 per cent of Gwadar Port’s revenue goes to the Chinese operator, China Overseas Ports Holding Company, and the remaining 9 per cent goes to the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA); Balochistan is granted no direct share at all. The associated free zone is similarly skewed, with 85 per cent of revenue flowing to the Chinese firm and 15 per cent to the Gwadar Port Authority, again excluding the provincial government and local bodies. For a province already distrustful of the centre, these arrangements are less like partnership and more like exploitation.

Even in high-profile mining projects like Reko Diq, the trend is revealing. Although Balochistan has been given a 25 percent stake in projects like Reko Diq alongside federal entities and a multinational mining company, many people in the province feel that the real decisions are still made elsewhere. Contracts are negotiated at the federal level.

Key terms are settled far from the communities living closest to the mines and locals often hear about developments after the fact. To many Baloch families, that 25 percent can seem symbolic — a number on paper — rather than genuine control over how their land and resources are managed.

The same anxieties surface around the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

For fishermen in Gwadar, small landowners along new highway routes, or shopkeepers watching unfamiliar firms arrive, “development” can feel distant from daily life. Land acquisition, port expansion and security arrangements have brought visible change, but not always in ways that reassure local communities about jobs, consultation or long-term environmental impact. What is presented nationally as progress can, on the ground, feel like decisions made above their heads.

For many Baloch citizens, the frustration is not abstract ideology but lived experience: watching trucks carry minerals out while basic services remain weak, seeing checkpoints multiply while schools and hospitals struggle, and worrying that speaking out could invite trouble. In that emotional landscape, words like “federalism” ring hollow. What people often say they want is simpler — a real voice in decisions, a fair share of the benefits, and the dignity of being treated as partners in the future of their own province rather than bystanders to it. Job and service delivery promises are rarely kept, and this has further reinforced the perception that the social compact in Balochistan is not the same as in the rest of Pakistan.

Security state versus citizens

The presence of the security state in Balochistan is explained by Islamabad as a reaction to the threat of separatist insurgency and attacks on security forces and Chinese interests.

But Pakistan’s so-called counterinsurgency has increasingly blurred any line between militant and civilian, treating legitimate dissent, student activism and human-rights advocacy as security threats to be crushed rather than grievances to be heard.

Human Rights Watch has documented “kill and dump” operations in which suspected militants and opposition activists are abducted and later found dead, often bearing torture marks, with security agencies widely believed to be responsible.

Pakistan’s own Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has registered thousands of cases nationwide, with Balochistan accounting for at least 2,752 of them between 2011 and early 2024; human-rights groups believe the real numbers are higher.

Amnesty International and domestic organisations describe enforced disappearances as a tool systematically used to silence Baloch students, political workers and human-rights defenders.

This trend has continued to the present day. UN human rights experts in 2025 expressed alarm at the “unrelenting use of enforced disappearances” in Balochistan and condemned reports of widespread torture, extrajudicial killings, and indiscriminate violence against peaceful protesters.

They noted that Pakistan seems to equate minority rights advocacy and peaceful protests with terrorism and drew attention to the repeated shutdowns of the internet that inhibit transparency and political engagement.

Human Rights Watch has similarly criticised large-scale detentions, excessive force against marchers highlighting abuses in Balochistan, and the routine suspension of internet services around protests in Gwadar.

For ordinary Baloch citizens, this translates into a suffocating militarisation of everyday life: ubiquitous checkpoints, intrusive surveillance and the omnipresent fear that a son leaving for university or a husband travelling for work may simply not return.

Such governance erodes any residual trust in federal institutions and pushes politics out of the constitutional arena and into the shadows.

Development under the barrel of a gun

What Pakistan markets internationally as a development corridor looks, from the ground in Balochistan, like a security corridor.

Research on CPEC’s implementation in the province highlights land grabbing, ecological damage, restricted fishing rights for traditional communities, and the silencing of local voices in environmental and social-impact decision-making.

In major coastal cities surrounding Gwadar, residents and activists often say there are more military check-points than schools or hospitals, and more security briefings than public consultations.

The federal government’s apparatus generally has a tendency to view this militarisation as a necessary price to pay for securing investments and foreign labor.

However, this is exactly the opposite, since by denying the local population a voice in the planning process and by denying them a fair share of the revenue, as well as by criminalising peaceful protest, the state is actually creating the resentment that militant groups later exploit. Mega-projects are thus at risk of becoming physical manifestations of dispossession.

This is not just a domestic failure; it also places Islamabad in breach of its international obligations. UN experts have urged Pakistan to criminalise enforced disappearances in line with international law, ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and ensure independent investigations into alleged abuses.

Persistent non-compliance not only damages Pakistan’s already frayed democratic credentials but also undermines any claim that its counterterrorism posture is rules based.

For Balochistan, the path out of this spiral does not lie in bigger garrisons or more opaque deals with foreign investors; it lies in reimagining Pakistan’s federal compact on genuinely democratic terms. At minimum, this requires transparent and constitutionally entrenched revenue-sharing mechanisms that guarantee the province a significant, predictable share of earnings from its gas fields, mineral deposits, fisheries and ports. Agreements over assets like Gwadar and Reko Diq must be reopened to ensure that Balochistan’s government and affected communities have veto bearing seats at the table rather than token representation.

'Massacre Dressed Up As Military Operation': India Slams Pakistan Over Kabul Hospital Airstrike

Divya Danu — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:43:53 +0530

India has strongly condemned Pakistan over an alleged airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on March 16. Calling it 'barbaric' and 'cowardly', the Ministry of External Affairs said the attack killed many civilians at a non-military site. MEA accused Pakistan of attempting to portray the incident as a legitimate military operation despite heavy civilian casualties.

MEA statement read, "India unequivocally condemns Pakistan's barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on the night of March 16. This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation."

"This heinous act of aggression by Pakistan is also a blatant assault on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability. It reflects Pakistan’s persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its repeated attempts to externalize internal failures through increasingly desperate acts of violence beyond its borders. That this attack was carried out during the holy month of Ramzan, a time of peace, reflection, and mercy among Muslim communities across the world, makes it all the more reprehensible. There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients," the statement read further.

The Ministry of External Affairs stressed that the 'international community must hold the perpetrators of this criminal act accountable and ensure that the wanton targeting by Pakistan of civilians in Afghanistan ceases without delay'.

“India extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, wishes a swift recovery to those injured, and stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in this tragic moment. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan,” wrote MEA in its statement on Kabul hospital airstrike.

400 Killed in Deadly Airstrike on Kabul Rehab Centre

More than 400 people have been killed and over 250 injured after an alleged military airstrike by Pakistan struck a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, Afghan officials told TOLO News. The late-night strike caused massive destruction, with most victims reported to be patients and staff inside the facility.

Casualties Continue To Rise

According to Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the death toll has reached 400, with at least 250 injured. Authorities fear the numbers may climb further as many victims remain in critical condition. Emergency teams rushed to the site, while hospitals across Kabul struggled to treat the influx of wounded.

One Of The Deadliest Civilian Strikes

The attack is being described as one of the deadliest single strikes on civilians in Afghanistan in recent years. Afghan officials say the scale of destruction and loss of life highlights the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure during ongoing tensions in the region.

Global Outrage And Human Rights Concerns

The strike has drawn strong condemnation from international observers. Richard Bennett expressed deep concern, urging both Kabul and Islamabad to reduce tensions and respect international law, particularly the protection of civilians and hospitals.

The International Human Rights Foundation also condemned the attack, stressing that public facilities must not be targeted. It called for an independent international investigation to determine responsibility and ensure accountability.

Rising Tensions Between Kabul And Islamabad

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have long been strained due to border tensions and cross-border operations. Previous incidents have reportedly led to civilian casualties, including women and children, sparking protests within Afghanistan.

Taliban Warning Raises Escalation Fears

Zabihullah Mujahid issued a strong warning following the strike, stating that “the time for diplomacy with Pakistan is over” and that the attack must be avenged. His remarks have heightened concerns among regional observers about possible escalation.

The incident is expected to further strain ties between Kabul and Islamabad. Analysts warn it could undermine fragile regional stability, especially after years of conflict following the 2021 withdrawal of United States and NATO forces. Human rights groups and diplomats are urging both sides to de-escalate and adhere to international humanitarian laws to prevent further civilian casualties.

(With ANI inputs)

Pakistani Fighter Jet Shot Down In Jalalabad, Pilot Captured Alive; Pakistan Calls Claim 'Totally Untrue'

Divya Danu — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:01:29 +0530

A Pakistani fighter jet crashed in Jalalabad city on Saturday, officials in Afghanistan said. Police spokesman Tayeb Hammad said Afghan forces shot down the aircraft in the city’s sixth district. He confirmed the pilot was captured alive. Pakistan however denied the claims made by Afghan authorities.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry has rejected claims by Afghan authorities that a Pakistani jet was shot down and its pilot captured. Speaking to AFP, ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the reports were completely false. He stated that the claim made by Afghan military and police officials was 'totally untrue' and did not reflect the real situation.

Afghan Police on detaining pilot

Afghan police spokesman Tayeb Hammad said a Pakistani fighter jet was brought down in the sixth district of Jalalabad and the pilot was taken alive. Military spokesman Wahidullah Mohammadi also confirmed Afghan forces shot down the aircraft and detained the pilot.

Also Read: She Stopped The Wedding Mid-Ritual! Sringeri Bride Rejects Groom After Shocking Claims

An AFP journalist in the city reported hearing a jet overhead, followed by two explosions near the airport area.

BIG BREAKING Sources from Jalalabad say that the air defense forces of the Islamic Emirate have shot down an aircraft and captured its pilot alive. pic.twitter.com/6kgaihDWZt

— برهان الدین ‏| Burhan uddin (@burhan_uddin_0) February 28, 2026

Afghan Police official claims a fighter jet of Pakistan Air Force was shot down over PD6 of Jalabad city, while trying to bomb the airport and the pilot has been captured alive by Taliban forces.Confirmation of its veracity and further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/AKgjbFQ7ul

— WLVN (@TheLegateIN) February 28, 2026

Residents told AFP they saw the pilot parachute from the plane before he was detained by Afghan authorities. Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, also confirmed the jet belonged to Pakistan and that Afghan forces brought it down.

Also Read: How Reena Pushkarna Became A Symbol Of India-Israel Culinary Diplomacy

A day earlier, Pakistan carried out air strikes in Kabul and Kandahar, where Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is based. The strikes came after Afghan forces began a border operation against Pakistan, which the Taliban government said was in response to earlier Pakistani attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

'Begging Bowl to the Middle East Won't Work': Pakistan Trolled Over Its Fuel Crisis Response

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:04:19 +0530

Pakistan has announced sweeping austerity measures to cut fuel consumption as fears grow over disruptions to global oil supplies following tensions in the Middle East. The measures, which include school closures, reduced fuel allowances for government departments and a four-day workweek for public offices, have also triggered sharp reactions online, with many users trolling Islamabad.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday as the government scrambled to prepare for potential fuel shortages.

Pakistan is heavily dependent on imported energy, making it particularly vulnerable to global oil shocks — a weakness critics say repeatedly pushes the country into crisis whenever international tensions disrupt supply chains.

15 emergency austerity measures annouced by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as oil crisis hits Pak pic.twitter.com/ezui7EqOmH

— Megh Updates ™ (@MeghUpdates) March 9, 2026

Schools Shut, Universities Move Online

In a televised address, Sharif said schools across Pakistan would remain closed for two weeks starting March 16 in an effort to reduce fuel consumption.

“In the next 2 months, government departments will get a 50% cut in fuel allowances,” Sharif said.

He added that universities and higher education institutions would immediately shift to online classes to reduce daily commuting.

Also read: “Can’t Breathe, Oil Smoke Everywhere”: Iranians Describe Toxic Fallout After Tehran Oil Depot Strikes

Four-Day Workweek For Government Offices

As part of the emergency measures, Pakistan’s government offices will operate only four days a week.

“Government offices will operate four days a week to save fuel, and the decision would exclude banks,” Sharif said.

Under the plan, 50% of government staff will work remotely while the rest will attend offices on a rotational basis.

Pakistan's Punjab Announces Wider Restrictions

Pakistan’s most populous province has gone even further with additional restrictions.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the closure of all public and private educational institutions in the province until March 31.

"All public and private schools, colleges and universities will remain closed from March 10 to March 31, while examinations will be conducted as per the existing schedule. Educational institutions will be allowed to conduct online classes during this period," Maryam Nawaz announced.

The provincial administration also directed government offices to implement work-from-home policies and limit staff presence to only essential employees.

Fuel Allowances Slashed, Protocol Vehicles Banned

Punjab authorities have also cut back on official fuel usage within the government machinery.

"The use of protocol vehicles accompanying provincial ministers and senior government officials has also been banned. Only one vehicle will be allowed with ministers and senior officials for essential security purposes", the CM said.

The government has suspended official fuel allocations for provincial ministers and ordered a 50% reduction in petrol and diesel allowances for government officers’ vehicles.

Official outdoor events have also been banned as part of the austerity drive.

Also read: Centre orders oil refineries to boost LPG production for domestic use

Pakistan Trolled Online

The announcement quickly triggered reactions on social media, with many users mocking Islamabad’s repeated crises. The trolling quickly spread across platforms, with users describing the situation as yet another sign of Pakistan’s fragile economic condition.

“Pakistani PM should ask Mr. Trump for some assistance. I’m sure he’ll help his friend and favourite General in this crisis,” mocked one user on X.

Another quipped, “So the whole country is finished.”

A third user noted, “Perfect time to strike Pakistan & claim some parts of PoK. They are running out of energy resources.”

“He know this time even begging bowl to middle East won't work,” a fourth user said mocking Pakistan PM.

Here's a look at some of the reactions:

Crisis in Chaos Is it the right time to take back PoJK ? https://t.co/cO7k8AfYjE

— Brig Brijesh Pandey (@BPanIndian) March 9, 2026

Pakistan is a failed state. India needs to take advantage of this situation and strike Pakistani military assets and also the clerics abducting Hindu and Christian girls. Take action now against this cancer. https://t.co/r0KjVNaRSM

— Indian-Americans (@HinduAmericans) March 9, 2026

Paijaan ...nuclear power paijaan https://t.co/KFpueUpEtZ

— niyu (@niyuu_001) March 9, 2026

He know this time even begging bowl to middle East won't work. Otherwise he would have already taken a flight with this pic.twitter.com/7tMV7vNpV2

— Divyanayan awasthi (@Divyanayanfin) March 9, 2026

What about terrorists? Will they work from home as well?

— eXPOSE (@_BringToLight_) March 10, 2026

pic.twitter.com/GNq1JOILIS

— Rahul Negi (@rahulnegi2000x) March 10, 2026

Thats why Pakistan can't engage in war with india for more than 3 days

— Venkat Patakota (@PatakotaV) March 10, 2026

So the whole country is finished

— Akhand Bharat Sena (@AkhandBharatHQ) March 9, 2026

Pakistani PM should ask Mr. Trump for some assistance. I’m sure he’ll help his friend and favourite General in this crisis.

— Singh V.R. (@Singhcricguy) March 9, 2026

Isse fursat milte tab sochu pic.twitter.com/qr4QZyi5y2

— memes (@WaleUpsc) March 9, 2026

Pakistan's Strategic Trap – Why Islamabad Will Not Follow Riyadh Into US-Israel War With Iran

Anish Kumar — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:18:48 +0530

New Delhi: After its oil facilities, military bases and even areas near Riyadh being targeted by the Iranian missiles and drones, Saudi Arabia is now contemplating to attack Iran as its foreign ministry had stated that the kingdom “reserves the right” to act militarily after attacks on its territory.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Saudi Arabia has come under huge attacks by hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. Most of them were intercepted, as the Saudi official claims.

As per the report, the Iranian had targeted the city of Riyadh for the first time on Wednesday ever-since the war broke between US-Israel and Iran three weeks ago. So far, Tehran has attacked the US embassy in Riyadh, Prince Sultan Air Base, as well as the kingdom’s energy infrastructure.

If Saudi Arabia joins war on Iran, options for Pakistan

If Saudi Arabia joins the US-Israel coalition against Iran, the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement it signed with Pakistan in September 2025 places Islamabad at the centre of a crisis that it cannot afford.

The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) commits both countries to treating any act of aggression against one as an act against both.

If Saudi joins the war against Iran, the SMDA would invoke that clause.

Asianet Newsable English spoke to strategic affairs expert Major General Sudhakar Jee (Retd) to understand what would be the Pakistan’s stand in such scenario.

“Islamabad already fights on multiple fronts. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to bleed the army across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Balochistan Liberation Army's insurgency shows no signs of exhaustion. And the Afghan Taliban – theoretically a proxy Islamabad once cultivated – now governs a hostile state on Pakistan's western flank with little diplomatic deference to Rawalpindi.”

“Opening a fourth front by antagonizing Tehran would be, by any military assessment, national suicide,” he said.

“Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has demonstrated both the will and the capability to project force beyond its borders.”

“Tehran has already used proxy networks and direct strikes to punish perceived enemies. Should Pakistan be seen as a belligerent in an anti-Iran coalition, the IRGC would have both motive and means to systematically destabilise Pakistan's already combustible interior – through financial support to the BLA, through the Shia militant ecosystem in Gilgit-Baltistan, and through border pressure that Pakistan's western army corps cannot sustain simultaneously with its eastern commitments against India,” the expert said.

The defence pact is “much more risky for Pakistan than for Saudi Arabia.” Riyadh has strategic depth, oil revenues, and US basing infrastructure. Pakistan has none of those buffers.

“The situation for Pakistan will go from bad to worse. Hence, Pakistan is unlikely to join,” Sudhakar Jee said. The war between US-Israel and Iran entered its 20th day on Thursday, with both sides intensifying military operations.

The conflict was fueled further after Iran’s South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest, was attacked by Israeli forces.

In retaliation, Tehran struck Qatar and fired missiles at Saudi Arabia after vowing attacks on oil and gas targets throughout the Gulf.

Khamenei Death Fallout: 8 Killed as Protesters Storm US Consulate in Karachi, Set Parts on Fire (WATCH)

Asianet Newsable English — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:40:16 +0530

Tensions erupted in Karachi on Sunday as pro-Iranian regime protesters stormed the entrance of the US Consulate, setting fire to the guardhouse and breaking through security barricades. Eyewitnesses report that local security forces, including Pakistani troops, have opened fire to contain the unrest.

According to initial reports, eight protesters have been killed so far, while three US embassy staff sustained injuries during the chaos.

Also read: How Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, Who Ruled for 37 Years, Met His End - Key Dates

"We have moved at least eight dead bodies to Karachi's civil hospitals, while 20 others were injured in the consulate incident," said Muhammad Amin, a spokesman for the Edhi Foundation rescue service, adding most had bullet wounds.

Reports indicate that Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has ordered security forces to maintain strict control of the area amid growing tensions.

US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan is under attack following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.@FaytuksNetwork @Osint613 @sentdefender @Osinttechnical @AZ_Intel_ @RapidReport2025 pic.twitter.com/aVNsaSPMLC

— OSINT Spectator (@osint1117) March 1, 2026

BREAKING: People set fire to the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan.@FoxNews @Reuters @SkyNews @CNN @BNODesk https://t.co/7iTqAJ0hrW pic.twitter.com/PqfXVORvy5

— OSINT Spectator (@osint1117) March 1, 2026

#BREAKING: US Consulate in Karachi under attack in Trump’s favourite country Pakistan. Protestors have barged in and destroyed building and set portions on fire.pic.twitter.com/lZXYaVOtuY

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 1, 2026

⚡️- Pro Iranian Regime protestors are attacking the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan.Local security forces are dealing with the situation now, reports of shots being heard from the area. pic.twitter.com/3XlVVjCVUU

— Mil-Eye ️ (@mil_eyee) March 1, 2026

West Asia tensionsProtesters break security barricades, entered the US Consulate in Karachipic.twitter.com/nQImkylYfU

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 1, 2026

Pakistanis set the US consulate in Karachi on fire.#Iran #Karachi #Khamenei #Tehran pic.twitter.com/tG2bllXgqE

— Dieheart ❣️ (@Shekhar41168801) March 1, 2026

The American Consulate in Karachi was burned by angry protesters following the martyrdom of Ali Khamenei. In Skardu, millions of people are protesting. The situation is worsening globally. Many people are calling for revenge, and concerns about the safety of American citizens are… pic.twitter.com/Vrz8PZNTq2

— Naseem Abbas (@Naseemsawag) March 1, 2026

Protesters Rally in Response to Iranian Strikes

The protests in Karachi come in the immediate aftermath of a massive US and Israeli strike on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, along with other senior officials including Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Khamenei, and General Mohammad Pakpour of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The strikes prompted retaliatory missile attacks across the Middle East, with explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, and Tel Aviv. Iranian state media confirmed the death of Khamenei, describing it as a pivotal moment in Iran’s history.

“The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will teach an unforgettable lesson to the international oppressors,” said Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

While celebrations erupted in parts of Tehran after the news of Khamenei’s death, other gatherings turned somber, with mourners in Enghlab Square chanting:

“Death to America.”

Also read: Who Was Khamenei? A Ruthless Revolutionary and Iron‑Fisted Ruler at the Helm of Iran’s Theocracy

Regional Fallout and Escalation

The strikes have already caused casualties beyond Iran. In the UAE, two people were killed in Abu Dhabi and four injured in Dubai’s Palm area. In Israel, one woman died in a missile strike near Tel Aviv, with around 20 others wounded. Tehran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, though the enforcement of this measure remains unclear.

Airspaces across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, the UAE, and Israel have been closed to civilian flights, with multiple airlines canceling services to the region.

Unprecedented US-Israel Operation

The scale of the US-Israel operation in Iran is described as unprecedented, with 27 US bases in the region and Israeli military facilities among the reported targets. Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir commented that the operation is “taking place at a completely different scale” than previous engagements, including the 12-day June conflict last year.

US President Donald Trump emphasized that the campaign will continue until regime change is achieved in Tehran:

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country,” he said, warning of further force should Iran retaliate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added: “This is your time to join forces, to overthrow the regime and to secure your future.”

'Shame on Genocider Asim Munir': Pakistan Faces Backlash After Deadly Airstrike On Kabul Drug Rehab Centre

Sunita Iyer — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:38:25 +0530

A wave of outrage is sweeping across Afghanistan and beyond after a devastating airstrike in Kabul that officials say has killed at least 400 people, many of them patients undergoing treatment at a drug rehabilitation centre. The attack, blamed by Afghan authorities on Pakistan’s military, has triggered condemnation from political leaders, human rights groups, and public figures, with critics accusing Islamabad and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir of targeting one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

This is not Gaza or Iran, it’s Afghanistan.Pakistan carried out a airstrike on a rehab hospital in Kabul, killing over 200 people and injuring around 170, says fghan Health Ministry. pic.twitter.com/xMrcU9MGjN

— Globe Observer (@_GlobeObserver) March 16, 2026

Rehab Centre Turned Into Mass Casualty Site

The strike hit a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul late Monday evening, just after residents across the Afghan capital had broken their daily Ramadan fast.

Witnesses described hearing the sound of a jet circling above the city moments before explosions tore through the area around 9:00 pm local time. Anti-aircraft guns responded shortly afterward as residents rushed for safety.

When the firing subsided nearly an hour later, rescue teams rushed to the scene.

Journalists who reached the facility described a grim sight: burning buildings, ambulances rushing in, and medical workers pulling bodies from the rubble.

Also read: Afghanistan Cricketer Rashid Khan Blasts Pakistan For 'Sickening' Strike on Kabul Hospital

“The Pakistani military regime carried out an airstrike at approximately 9:00 PM this evening on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a 2,000-bed facility dedicated to the treatment of drug addiction. As a result of the attack, large sections of the hospital have been destroyed, and there are serious concerns about a high number of casualties. Unfortunately, the death toll has so far reached 400, while around 250 others have been reported injured. Rescue teams are currently at the scene working to control the fire and recover the remaining bodies of the victims,” Deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat wrote in a post on X.

The Pakistani military regime carried out an airstrike at approximately 9:00 PM this evening on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a 2,000-bed facility dedicated to the treatment of drug addiction. As a result of the attack, large sections of the hospital have been destroyed,…

— Hamdullah Fitratحمدالله فطرت (@FitratHamd) March 16, 2026

innocent civilians and addicts who were mostly killed last night at the 2,000-bed hospital due to the bombing by (Pakistani military circles).Indeed, we belong to God and to Him we shall return. pic.twitter.com/gjbgTKGuUO

— Hamdullah Fitratحمدالله فطرت (@FitratHamd) March 17, 2026

Witness: ‘All The Victims Were Civilians’

Survivors insist the victims were not combatants but people seeking medical treatment.

Omid Stanikzai, a security guard at the rehabilitation centre, described the terrifying moment the strike occurred.

“I heard the sound of the jet patrolling. There were military units all around us. When these military units fired on the jet, the jet dropped bombs and a fire broke out.”

He said the facility housed patients battling drug addiction and trying to rebuild their lives.

“All of the dead and injured were civilians.”

‘Act Of Inhumanity’: Afghan Government Responds

The Taliban government strongly condemned the attack and accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan had “once again violated Afghan territory,” calling the strikes “a crime” and “an act of inhumanity.”

The airstrike comes amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with cross-border clashes intensifying in recent weeks.

More than 200 people have been killed, and over 400 people wounded in a Pakistani airstrike against a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/gwyHUhlQs7

— Ahmad Mukhtar (@AhMukhtar) March 16, 2026

Pakistan Denies Targeting Civilian Facility

Pakistan rejected the allegations that it deliberately bombed a medical centre.

In a statement, the information ministry said the military had conducted precision strikes against “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure.”

Officials maintained that “Pakistan's targeting is precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted.”

Pakistan added it also hit targets on Monday in the eastern border province of Nangarhar, which was also being used "against innocent Pakistani civilians".

Also read: 400 killed in Pakistan's airstrike on Kabul rehab centre: Taliban

Human Rights Groups Demand Probe

The International Human Rights Foundation condemned the reported strike and urged an independent investigation.

In a statement, the organisation said: “Facilities dedicated to treatment, rehabilitation, and humanitarian care must never become targets in any conflict or security operation.”

It added that patients undergoing treatment are among the most vulnerable members of society.

“Patients in such institutions are among the most vulnerable members of society — individuals who came seeking help, dignity, and a chance to rebuild their lives.”

The group said it was deeply disturbed by reports that many victims were unarmed civilians undergoing treatment.

It called for:

An independent international investigation
Accountability for those responsible
Immediate protection of medical and rehabilitation facilities

The organisation warned: “Attacks on medical institutions violate the most basic principles of international humanitarian law and human rights norms. The world must not remain silent when places of healing are turned into sites of tragedy.”

Statement by the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF)The International Human Rights Foundation strongly condemns the reported bombardment by Pakistan of a rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan treating drug addicts, an attack that has reportedly killed a large… pic.twitter.com/wbaM3Y2nvT

— International Human Rights Foundation (@IHRF_English) March 16, 2026

Karzai Issues Strong Warning To Pakistan

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai also condemned the attack in strong terms.

“Hamid Karzai, the former president, strongly condemns in the harshest terms the intense and heavy bombardment tonight, carried out by Pakistani air forces on residential areas and civilian sites—including medical centres—in the city of Kabul, the capital of our beloved country, which resulted in casualties and loss of life and property among the civilian population.”

He warned Pakistan’s leadership that continued strikes would worsen the crisis.

“He warns the military rulers of Pakistan that continuing these attacks will not only fail to achieve their objectives but will also lead to a worsening of the situation to the detriment of their own country.”

Karzai also urged Islamabad to reconsider its policies toward Afghanistan.

“The former president once again emphasizes that if Pakistan seeks its own good and regional stability, it must review its misguided policies and engage with Afghanistan within the framework of neighbourly principles and civilized relations.”

حامد کرزی، رئیس‌جمهور پیشین، بمباران شدید و سنگین امشب را، که توسط قوای هوایی پاکستان بر محلات مسکونی و اماکن غیرنظامی به‌شمول مراکز درمانی در شهر کابل، پایتخت کشور عزیز ما صورت گرفت و باعث تلفات و خسارات جانی و مالی بر مردم ملکی گردید، با شدیدترین الفاظ محکوم می‌نماید و به…

— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) March 16, 2026

Afghan Cricketers Condemn Attack

The tragedy has also sparked emotional reactions across Afghan society, including from national cricket stars Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.

I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime. The sheer disregard for human lives,… pic.twitter.com/DbFRRh2qAJ

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) March 16, 2026

Tonight in Kabul, hope was extinguished at a hospital. Young men seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime. Mothers waited at the gates, calling their sons’ names. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives were cut short. pic.twitter.com/p12617D4de

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) March 16, 2026

Growing Anger Against Pakistan’s Military Leadership

The scale of the casualties has triggered fierce criticism of Pakistan’s military leadership, with many Afghan voices directly blaming Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Across social media, the phrase “Shame on Asim Munir” began trending as users condemned the strike and demanded international action. Several irked users even called the Pakistan army chief ‘genocider’.

Here's a look at some of the reactions:

Open letter to, Failed Marshal Asim Munir, https://t.co/Dyvq4MqPLm pic.twitter.com/ji3gIaAb4L

— Amit Pandey (मोदी का परिवार) (@freakyflick7) March 17, 2026

This is Asim Munir, a WAR CRIMINAL who just ordered the bombing of a rehabilitation facility in Kabul, Afghanistan killing over 400 addicts/patients who were in recovery program. He must be held accountable for this atrocities. @UN @antonioguterres @UN_HRC #KabulBombing pic.twitter.com/Z4cgnnqI7b

— Fawad Azizi (@fawadazizi22) March 17, 2026

Asim Munir and Shahbaz of #Pakistan has learnt well from their daddy #Trump..They have bombed a drug rehab centre in #Kabul #Afghanistan and murdered 100s of innocent civilians yesterday! pic.twitter.com/YhWP00BmEM

— Sandeep Mukherjee (@Libertarian196) March 17, 2026

Asim Munir: Butcher of Kabul

— Shakti Kesavan (@Shakt1K7) March 17, 2026

As a Pakistani I strongly condemn the attack that took place in Kabul today and the massacre of innocent civilians. I will never support the oppression of Asim Munir and his puppet Shehbaz Sharif. Asim Munir is not fighting for the sake of Allah, he is fighting a war for dollars. https://t.co/5JJCHnzaHA

— ashfauq✨ (@ashfauq) March 17, 2026

what evil zionist Asim Munir has brought upon Pakistan. He needs to go for good! he has turned Pakistan into fascist state. He’s pure Evil just like his Israeli-US masters. This psychopath has no humanity in him. He certainly has sold his soul the Devil. https://t.co/WWtE4amHgM

— Protagonist (@AskariZaraye) March 17, 2026

Shame on Genocider ASIM MUNIR and @CMShehbaz https://t.co/VDUnq8nbmv

— HalfSeriousGuy (@ywhy007) March 17, 2026

These images are not from Gaza. These people weren’t killed by Israel. They are patients of a rehabilitation centre for addicts in Kabul. They were massacred in the month of Ramadan by Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/9MrYGUvnCI

— Sangar Paykhar - سنګر پیکار (@paykhar) March 16, 2026

A hospital in Afghanistan struck by Pakistani bombs. If this is not a war crime, explain to me what is? Has Pakistan's world famous Field Marshal been given a blank cheque by the most powerful person on this planet?https://t.co/4D6sdvyrZ7

— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) March 17, 2026

The number of people martyred in the #Pakistani military regime’s #airstrike on a #hospital in #Kabul, Afghanistan, has reportedly risen to 400, with around 250 others injured. Targeting hospitals and #civilian areas is a clear and open war crime. Innocent civilians are being… pic.twitter.com/UneYViThQk

— Pathan Bhai (@PathanBhaiii) March 16, 2026

Expert Warns of Escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict

South Asia expert Michael Kugelman, from the Atlantic Council international affairs think-tank, told AFP the fighting showed little sign of ending soon.

"The Arab Gulf nations that mediated previous rounds of Afghanistan-Pakistan talks are now bogged down by their own war. Other mediators, including China, have had limited success," he said.

"Pakistan appears intent to keep hitting targets in Afghanistan, and the Taliban determined to retaliate with operations on Pakistani border posts and potentially with asymmetric tactics -- from launching drones to sponsoring militant attacks in wider Pakistan.

"There are no off-ramps in sight."

(With inputs from AFP)

'Shehbaz Sharif, Asim Munir Murdabad': Pakistan Faces Heat Over Killings Amid Iran-US-Israel War (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:08:28 +0530

Strong slogans were raised against Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after violence broke out in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). The protests with the chants of 'Asim Munir murdabad', 'Shehbaz Sharif murdabad' followed the reports that at least 13 people, including six young children, were killed during direct firing by the Pakistan Army in Skardu and Gilgit. The slogans were raised at Danyor Chowk, where locals gathered in anger. People accused the Pakistani rulers and the military of repression and heavy-handed action. Videos from the protest showing people shouting against the army chief and the prime minister quickly went viral on social media.

#BREAKING: Slogans against Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif after 13 people including six young children were reportedly killed after direct firing by the Pakistan Army Skardu and Gilgit of Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan. As a result, slogans against the… pic.twitter.com/wEOrsRyLbj

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 3, 2026

Also Read: Viral Video Of Pakistan President Zardari Seeking Talks With India Triggers Meme Frenzy (WATCH)

How the protests began

The unrest started after reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Anti-US and anti-Israel protests were held in parts of Gilgit and Skardu. Many protesters were also seen raising pro-Iran slogans.

However, the protests soon turned violent. According to reports, government buildings and offices were set on fire. In Gilgit, offices linked to the United Nations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), were targeted. In Skardu, the Superintendent of Police (SP) office and several other government buildings were torched. A private semi-government hotel in Skardu was also set on fire.

Security forces reportedly opened fire to disperse crowds. Seven demonstrators were said to have been killed during the clashes, while more than a dozen others were injured. Hospitals in the region declared an emergency to treat the wounded. Security personnel were deployed across key areas to prevent further escalation.

Also Read: Iran Urges UN Security Council To Act To Stop War With Israel And US

Tension spreads across Baltistan

Senior journalist Manzar Shigri, speaking from Gilgit’s central Salma Bazaar area, said that early morning announcements about Khamenei’s death led to people taking to the streets. Markets were shut down immediately. By afternoon, the situation had worsened.

Reports said exchanges of fire were heard in different parts of the region. Markets across Baltistan remained closed. The situation in Skardu was described as extremely tense. Local administrations were reportedly considering seeking assistance from the army to control the unrest, though no fresh deployment had been confirmed at the time.

Slogans directly target army chief and PM

Amid the unrest, slogans against Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif became the central focus. Protesters blamed the army leadership for ordering direct firing that allegedly led to civilian deaths, including children. Anger was clearly directed at both the military and the political leadership.

Locals at Danyor Chowk accused the authorities of suppressing public voices. The tone of the slogans reflected deep frustration over what protesters described as repression and misuse of force.

The viral video of people openly shouting against the army chief and the prime minister drew wide attention online. Many users debated the events and the larger political situation in the region.

Mixed and strong reactions on social media

The viral clips triggered sharp reactions online. Some users demanded strong international attention. One post said that opening fire and killing civilians, especially children, cannot be justified and that the world should watch what is happening in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Others criticised Pakistan, pointing to issues like inflation, power cuts and corruption. Some questioned the timing of the protests, while others suggested military action, mocking Pakistan. However, several posts expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives and warned that anger would grow if people felt unheard.

Security situation remains tense

Security agencies and police remain deployed in both Gilgit and Skardu. Authorities are on high alert to prevent further violence. With markets shut and public gatherings restricted, daily life in parts of Baltistan has been badly affected.

The situation remains sensitive. While protests began over international developments, the slogans against Pakistan’s top leadership have now become a major talking point. The coming days will likely determine whether tensions ease or rise further.

(With ANI inputs)