ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday told United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that Pakistan shall defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity with full force as Indian PM Modi gave the country’s military “operational freedom” to respond to last week’s attack in Kashmir, amid soaring tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Modi on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with army and security chiefs a week after the deadliest attack in years that killed 26 civilians, and told the armed forces that they had the “complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response to the terror attack,” AFP reported, citing a government source.
Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors have plummeted after India accused Pakistan of backing the attack on April 22. Islamabad has rejected the charge and both countries have since exchanged gunfire in Kashmir, taken diplomatic measures against each other, expelled citizens and ordered the border shut. Modi last week vowed to pursue those who carried out the attack in Pahalgam and those who had supported it.
Amid heightened tensions, UN chief Guterres called PM Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday and underscored “the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Gutterres offered his good offices to support the de-escalation efforts.
“While underscoring that Pakistan shall defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity with full force in case of any misadventure by India, the prime minister encouraged the UN Secretary-General to counsel India to act responsibly and exercise restraint,” Sharif’s office said.
“The prime minister categorically rejected any attempt to link Pakistan with the Pahalgam incident and reiterated his call for a transparent and neutral investigation into the incident.”
India on April 23 suspended the World Bank-mediated Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 that ensures water for 80 percent of Pakistani farms, saying it would last until “Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” Islamabad described India’s move as an “act of war” and closed the Pakistani airspace for Indian airlines.
Guterres’ call came amid fears that India may conduct limited airstrikes or special forces raids near its border with Pakistan.
In his conversation with the UN chief, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment toward fostering international peace and security as a responsible member of the international community and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
“He particularly highlighted India’s weaponization of the waters of the Indus Basin as unacceptable, while noting that water was the lifeline of 240 million people,” Sharif’s office said.
Also on Tuesday, Pakistani Deputy PM Ishaq Dar claimed India had been attempting to alter the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which determines the river water-sharing mechanism between both countries, for the past two years.
“I have my doubt, much like other people, that this drama was staged to suspend this treaty,” he said, referring to the Pahalgam attack.
“We obviously don’t have evidence that they have staged this drama,” he continued. “What we do say with full confidence is that Pakistan has nothing to do with this [attack].”
Tensions have been boiling between the two nations since the attack in Kashmir, which has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both countries have fought two wars over the disputed region they rule in part but claim in full.
The worst attack in recent years in Indian-administered Kashmir took place in Pulwama in 2019, when an insurgent rammed a car packed with explosives into a security forces convoy, killing 40 and wounding 35.
Indian fighter jets carried out air strikes on Pakistani territory 12 days later. The strikes were followed by the downing of an Indian fighter jet by Pakistan and the capturing of an Indian Air Force (IAF), who was released as a result of diplomatic efforts later.
The UN has urged the arch-rivals to talk, while China, which shares its border with both India and Pakistan, on Tuesday repeated its call on both sides to “exercise restraint.” Saudi Arabia has said Riyadh was trying to “prevent an escalation,” while Iran has offered to mediate the crisis.
Pakistan says will defend itself as Modi gives Indian army ‘operational freedom’ over Kashmir
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Pakistan says will defend itself as Modi gives Indian army ‘operational freedom’ over Kashmir
- Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors have plummeted after India accused Pakistan of backing an attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists
- PM Shehbaz Sharif rejects Indian allegations and calls for a neutral investigation in conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Islamabad says Iranian authorities confirm killing of two Pakistanis in Sistan-Baluchistan
- Pakistan says efforts underway to repatriate bodies of its nationals, Mujahid and Mohammed Faheem, from Iran
- Pakistan and Iran are often at odds over instability on their shared, porous border plagued by militant attacks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed the killing of two Pakistanis in Iran’s volatile Sistan-Baluchistan province, saying that efforts were underway to repatriate the bodies.
In a brief statement, the foreign office spokesperson said Iranian authorities have confirmed the killing of Pakistani nationals named Mujahid and Mohammed Faheem in Sistan-Baluchistan. However, the statement did not mention how the two were killed.
The spokesperson said Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran is in “active communication” with Iranian authorities, who were extending the necessary support and assistance.
“Efforts are being made to repatriate the dead bodies as soon as necessary administrative and legal requirements are fulfilled,” he said.
Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly from economically disadvantaged areas, frequently cross into Iran to take up informal work in sectors such as vehicle repair, construction and agriculture.
One of Iran’s poorest regions, Sistan-Baluchistan on the border with Pakistan has long been plagued by unrest involving drug-smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baloch minority and religiously motivated militants.
Eight Pakistanis were killed in its Mehrestan County in April. The attack was claimed by the Balochistan National Army (BNA), one of several separatist outfits operating in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province.
Pakistan and Iran have had a history of rocky relations despite a number of commercial pacts, with Islamabad being historically closer to Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Both countries are often at odds over instability on their shared porous border, routinely trading blame for not rooting out militancy.
Pakistan energy minister says net metering to be reformed, not scrapped
- Net metering allows consumers to generate electricity through solar panels and sell excess power back to the national grid
- Minister says expansion of net metering now impacting national grid, reforms needed to address this in a “timely manner”
KARACHI: Pakistan will not abolish its solar net metering policy but is working to reform the mechanism to make it more “transparent and sustainable,” Energy Minister Sardar Awais Leghari said on Wednesday.
Net metering allows consumers to generate electricity through solar panels and sell excess power back to the national grid, receiving credits or monetary compensation in return. The policy was introduced in 2017 to promote renewable energy and ease pressure on the national grid.
“The government is not abolishing net metering but is considering changing its current mechanism to a more effective, transparent and sustainable model,” the Ministry of Energy’s Power Division said in a statement.
The minister said the expansion of net metering was now impacting the national grid and reforms were needed to address this in a “timely manner.”
Pakistan’s current policy pays Rs21 per unit of solar electricity, resulting in a government subsidy of Rs1.90 per unit, according to the energy ministry. Officials say the cost is ultimately borne by domestic and industrial consumers, effectively subsidizing wealthier users who can afford to install solar panels.
Leghari said the government may align the solar purchase rate with overall energy procurement prices, allowing it to adjust with market fluctuations. However, he stressed that the aim was not to eliminate incentives.
“We are not saying that net metering consumers should provide us with electricity at the rates of the cheapest sources of electricity,” Leghari said. “These reforms are not a deterrent, but a step toward a better, balanced and sustainable system.”
He said the typical payback period for solar investments in Pakistan was around three years, provided that consumers use 40 percent of the electricity they generate.
Leghari also said the government was in discussions with the International Monetary Fund about the scheme but stressed “there is no direct financial pressure on us.”
In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Leghari said the government was reviewing all stakeholder proposals and would not take steps that harmed businesses.
“We strongly hope that any changes in these regulations will be in the best interest of all stakeholders, the national grid and the electricity consumers of Pakistan,” he said.
In January, Leghari called for a review of the net metering policy, saying it was becoming financially unsustainable. A government report from last year said the existing net metering framework had shifted a burden of Rs103 billion ($366 million) onto other electricity consumers in 2024.
Pakistan has set a goal of generating 60 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and cutting projected carbon emissions by 50 percent. But the country remains far behind on those targets, despite growing solar adoption and abundant sunlight across most regions.
Pakistani PM reiterates gratitude to Trump, Gulf nations for India ceasefire
- US President Donald Trump brokered ceasefire between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on May 10
- Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia on Thursday to thank Kingdom for support during India standoff
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump and Gulf countries for helping defuse Pakistan’s tensions with India following an armed conflict between the nuclear-armed nations last month.
Trump announced he had helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10 after the worst fighting between the two countries since 1999. Following weeks of tensions, India and Pakistan pounded each other with artillery, fighter jets, missiles and drones in May before agreeing to cease hostilities.
Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also engaged both Indian and Pakistani officials throughout the conflict to help defuse tensions.
“[US] President [Donald] Trump has shown, beyond a ray of doubt and imagination, that he is a man for peace,” Sharif said at a ceremony at the US embassy in connection with the upcoming American Independence Day.
“He is a man for promoting peace and beneficial business needs. He is a man who is against escalation,” he added.
Days after the ceasefire agreement was announced, Trump said he used trade to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan.
Sharif noted Trump had advised both countries to promote trade and investments instead of fighting each other. The Pakistani premier appreciated Trump’s “outstanding contribution” to broker the ceasefire.
The Pakistani premier hoped the ceasefire would last between the two countries and lead to increased trade and investment.
“I hope and pray to God Almighty that this will become a long, lasting ceasefire on which we can build an edifice of investments, trade, pollution and so on so forth,” he said.
The Pakistani premier also appreciated the role played by Middle Eastern countries in resolving the dangerous conflict.
“And here, obviously, I’d like to mention the role of our friendly and brotherly countries in the Gulf, in the Middle East, who proactively coordinated with us and supported President Trump’s genuine efforts,” Sharif said.
Sharif will travel to Saudi Arabia on a day-long visit to the Kingdom on Thursday, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said.
The Pakistani premier will thank the Saudi leadership for its solidarity and support to Pakistan throughout the India standoff, Dar said.
Pakistan, UK discuss strengthening cooperation in railways sector
- Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi meets British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad
- Pakistan’s railway sector faces several challenges which caused train derailments, fatal accidents
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Wednesday discussed bilateral cooperation between the two nations with a special focus on railways, state-run media reported.
Pakistan’s railway sector faces several challenges such as an aging infrastructure, outdated tracks, locomotives and signal systems. Poor maintenance and a lack of modern safety measures often contribute to train derailments and accidents. Notable tragedies include the 2005 Ghotki train disaster, which killed over 130 people and a 2021 train collision that left at least 65 people dead.
As opposed to that, the UK has one of the densest railway networks in Europe with almost all major towns and cities connected by rail.
“Pakistan and the United Kingdom have emphasized joint measures to further strengthen their bilateral trade and economic relations, with special focus on the railways sector,” state-run media reported following Abbasi’s meeting with Marriot in Islamabad.
State broadcaster Radio Pakistan said Abbasi called for “a comprehensive strategy” between Pakistan and the United Kingdom to develop and modernize the former’s railway sector.
“He said Pakistan is ready to fully benefit from UK’s expertise in modernizing the railways infrastructure in the country and improving performance of this sector,” Radio Pakistan said.
Abbasi said the two countries would continue to work together on mutual interest railways projects that will benefit their economies and improve public transportation.
Pakistan has recently attempted to improve its railway infrastructure to ensure economic growth and development.
In March, Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials agreed to expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the railways sector.
Abbasi had said Pakistan Railways is continuously working to improve its services through long-term agreements with domestic and international suppliers, emphasizing that Islamabad offers a business-friendly environment and presents significant opportunities for investors.
Pakistan reports second death of 2025 from deadly brain-eating amoeba
- Naegleria fowleri, with a 98 percent fatality rate, spreads when contaminated water enters through the nose
- Victim, a Karachi resident, used water at home and nearby mosque for ablution, says Sindh government
KARACHI: A 23-year-old man died in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi this week after contracting Naegleria fowleri, the Sindh Health Department said on Wednesday, marking the second death of the year from the deadly brain-eating amoeba.
Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, has a fatality rate of over 98 percent. It is transmitted when contaminated water enters the body through the nose and cannot be spread from person to person.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in Naegleria fowleri cases in recent years, with more than 100 reported deaths since the first confirmed infection in 2008. Five fatalities were recorded in 2024 alone.
In the latest case the deceased, a resident of Karachi’s Orangi Town area, was hospitalized on May 30 after suffering from symptoms on May 28. He died on June 3 after the presence of Naegleria fowleri was confirmed in the patient on June 1.
“Upon investigation, it was noted that the patient had not participated in any water-related activities,” the Sindh Health Department said. “His only exposure was regular use of water at home and use of water at a nearby local mosque to perform ablution.”
Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection include severe headache, altered sense of taste, high fever, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. Death typically occurs within five to seven days of infection.
The health department confirmed this was the second death in Pakistan from Naegleria fowleri in 2025. The first death was reported in March when a 36-year-old woman died from the same disease. She was also a resident of Karachi.
A 2021 study by the Sindh Health Department found that 95 percent of water samples in Karachi, Sindh’s provincial capital, were unfit for human consumption.
Experts say the contamination leads to the spreading of the brain-eating amoeba among the city’s residents.
