Pakistan says US confirmed no F-16s flown, shot down during India standoff

Short Url
Updated 04 June 2025
Follow

Pakistan says US confirmed no F-16s flown, shot down during India standoff

  • Deputy PM says Pakistan had approached US authorities who confirmed no F-16s involved in May 7-10 fighting with India 
  • Ishaq Dar says Pakistan “ready but not desperate” for talks, underlining lack of a thaw in relations between the archrivals 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday the US had confirmed to Pakistani officials that no F-16 fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) were flown or shot down during the four-day conflict with India last month. 

Militaries of nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan faced-off in four days of fighting between May 7-10, which saw the use of fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery by both sides before a ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump.

In the days that followed, Indian media claimed the Indian Air Force had shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet during the conflict.

“Turned out to be a lie that the F-16 they claimed of shooting down,” Dar said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. 

“It was proved when we approached relevant authorities in America, they confirmed in 24 hours that no F-16 was flown from Pakistan or went down.”

The US has not commented on the Pakistani deputy PM’s remarks.

The use of F-16s in the latest conflict could have raised concerns due to the strict end-use monitoring agreements imposed by the US. 

In February 2025, the US had released $397 million for a program aimed at ensuring that Pakistan’s F-16s were used exclusively for counterterrorism operations and not against other nations, particularly India. 

The funds will support the Technical Security Team (TST), a group of contractors stationed in Pakistan to oversee the use of F-16s under strict end-use monitoring rules. 

According to Pakistan-specific defense and analysis group Quwa, TST has been present in Pakistan since 2019 when the US approved its current deployment with a $125 million support package for the PAF F-16 fleet.

Pakistan in 2019 invited US officials to conduct a count of its F-16 jets after India made a similar claim of shooting down a Pakistani F-16 during a dogfight in the skies that year. According to a Foreign Policy magazine report, the officials had said that all F-16s were present and accounted for.

In 2022, the US government had notified Congress of a proposed $450 million foreign military sale to Pakistan to support the sustainment of the PAF’s F-16 program.

Tensions between Pakistan and India remain high after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10. Both sides accuse each other of supporting militancy across their respective borders, allegations both governments deny.

“Whenever they ask for a dialogue, at whatever level, we are ready but we are not desperate,” Dar told the news conference.

The spark for the fighting was an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. New Delhi blamed the incident on “terrorists” backed by Pakistan, a charge denied by Islamabad.

Dar said Pakistan wanted a comprehensive dialogue on a range of issues including water, whereas India wanted to focus only on terrorism.

“That’s not on. Nobody else is more serious than us. It takes two to tango,” he said, referring to comments by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar that the talks should only cover the issue of terrorism.

New Delhi has previously said the only matter left to discuss with Pakistan was the vacation of what India describes as Pakistani-held territory in Kashmir — a disputed Himalayan region that both nations claim in full but rule in part.

Pakistan is keen to discuss water rights after India held “in abeyance” the Indus Waters Treaty following the April 22 attack. The treaty guarantees water for 80 percent of Pakistan’s farms from three rivers that flow from India.

With inputs from Reuters
 


In meeting with UN chief, Pakistan deputy PM calls for settlement of Palestine, Kashmir disputes

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

In meeting with UN chief, Pakistan deputy PM calls for settlement of Palestine, Kashmir disputes

  • The meeting came amid Dar’s visit to the US to preside over key UN Security Council events during Pakistan’s presidency for July
  • The South Asian country is using its presidency of the UN Security Council to help refocus global attention on the crisis in Gaza

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, has called for a just settlement of the Palestine and Kashmir disputes, the Pakistani foreign office said on Monday, following Dar’s meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York.

The meeting came amid Dar’s week-long visit to the United States (US) to preside over key events in the UN Security Council during Pakistan’s presidency for the month of July, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

The Pakistani deputy PM reassured the UN chief of Pakistan’s resolute commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in addressing the most pressing global challenges.

“The DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian statehood, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and firm opposition to Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said. 

Pakistan has maintained that the only viable remedy to the Palestine dispute was the realization of the two-state solution, which includes the establishment of Palestine as a viable, secure and contiguous state on the basis of pre-1967 borders.

The South Asian country is using its presidency of the UN Security Council to help refocus global attention on the crisis in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Dar reassured Secretary-General Guterres of Pakistan’s focus on strengthening the UN’s role in resolving conflicts, promoting sustainable development and upholding fundamental rights of all peoples, according to the foreign office. He said

Pakistan is fully committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the need to advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Pakistani deputy PM also discussed issues of critical national and regional importance to Pakistan, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India’s violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and “externally sponsored terrorism” in Pakistan.

“He stressed the imperative of a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council,” the Pakistani foreign office said. “The DPM/FM lauded the Secretary-General’s leadership and sincere efforts for de-escalation of recent tensions between Pakistan and India.”

The Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir has been divided between Pakistan and India since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both countries rule parts of the Himalayan territory but claim it in full.

In May, the two neighbors engaged in a four-day military conflict over a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied the charge.

Soon after the attack, which killed 26 tourists, New Delhi suspended the World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty, which ensures water for 80 percent Pakistani farms, while Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian aircraft in a raft of measures against each other.


Pakistani consortium launches first Sharia-compliant Agri-Infrastructure Sukuks worth $7 million

Updated 21 July 2025
Follow

Pakistani consortium launches first Sharia-compliant Agri-Infrastructure Sukuks worth $7 million

  • The funds will be used to bolster renewable energy efforts, enhance essential food items production
  • The transaction reflects private sector’s commitment to facilitating sustainable financing solutions

KARACHI: A consortium of Pakistani corporate entities on Monday launched the country’s first, fully subscribed Rs2 billion ($7 million) Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk to bolster renewable energy efforts and enhance production of essential staple food items, with a ceremonial gong strike at the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

Sukuk are financial certificates, often referred to as Islamic bonds, that represent ownership in an asset or a collection of assets and are designed to be Sharia-compliant by adhering to Islamic law, which prohibits interest-based transactions (riba). Instead of interest, sukuk holders receive a share of the profits generated by the underlying asset.

The Shariah-compliant Sukuk is backed by a 100 percent principal credit guarantee from InfraZamin Pakistan, which mobilizes private investment in pioneering infrastructure. The financial certificate carries a long-term AAA rating by VIS Credit Rating Company and is fully subscribed by institutional investors, a major step toward sustainable financing via capital markets in the country’s agricultural sector.

The funds raised through the Sukuk, whose issuance is led by BankIslami Pakistan Limited as the mandated lead arranger, will be utilized to advance Sunridge Foods’ Balancing, Modernization, and Replacement (BMR) projects, focused on upgrading production facilities with sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, according to InfraZamin Pakistan.

“Key components of the BMR include the installation of 1MW wind turbines and a 0.5MW solar power plant to bolster Sunridge’s renewable energy efforts, alongside the construction of new silos and warehouses to substantially expand agricultural produce storage capacity,” InfraZamin said in a statement.

“Additionally, the proceeds will provide working capital support for Sunridge’s critical wheat and rice processing plants in Karachi and Lahore, facilitating increased production of essential staple food items.”

On the occasion, Deputy British High Commissioner in Karachi Lance Domm lauded the initiative as a significant step toward climate-resilient and sustainable economic growth through capital market innovation.

“This Sukuk represents a significant step in expanding access to climate-friendly, Shariah-compliant finance in Pakistan’s agri-infrastructure sector,” Domm said.

“It reflects growing confidence in the country’s capital markets and the role of partnerships in mobilizing private investment for development. The UK, through its support to InfraZamin and other financial institutions, remains committed to strengthening Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.”

InfraZamin Pakistan CEO Maheen Rahman highlighted the strategic importance of the transaction, saying it reflected their commitment to facilitating sustainable financing solutions that empower Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

“By providing a principal credit guarantee, InfraZamin strengthens investor confidence and unlocks capital market access,” she said.

Amir Shahzad, chairman and executive director of Sunridge Foods, emphasized the operational and environmental benefits of the development at the ceremony.

“At Sunridge Foods, we are proud to be part of this landmark issuance that channels Islamic finance toward strengthening Pakistan’s agri-infrastructure,” Shahzad said.

“This Sukuk enables us to modernize our production capabilities, invest in renewable energy, and significantly expand our storage and processing capacity for essential food staples. It is a testament to how purpose-driven partnerships can unlock sustainable growth in critical sectors like food and agriculture.”

The event at PSX underscored the collective vision of all stakeholders to foster innovative, Shariah-compliant financing avenues that drive Pakistan’s sustainable infrastructure and agricultural development, according to InfraZamin.

“We are pleased to play our role in the launch of Pakistan’s first Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk, marking a significant step forward in sustainable financing for the country,” said Rizwan Ata, president and CEO of BankIslami.

“This transaction highlights the growing recognition of Shariah-compliant finance as a core tool for driving economic growth while supporting sustainable development.” 

PSX Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Akhtar emphasized that Pakistan’s intersecting crises of climate vulnerability and food insecurity demand bold, homegrown solutions. She commended the launch of the Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk as a defining example of how private sector leadership and financial innovation, particularly within Islamic finance, can mobilize capital toward climate resilience and agricultural development.

“[Such initiatives are] powerful catalysts for inclusive growth, food system transformation, and a sustainable future built on values, ingenuity, and collaboration,” she was quoted as saying.

PSX CEO Farrukh Subzwari reaffirmed the Exchange’s commitment to transforming the capital market into a platform for purposeful solutions, especially in addressing climate risk, food insecurity, and the structural gaps facing Pakistan’s economy.

“Banks, fund managers, corporates, regulators like SECP, and institutional investors must work together to build the ecosystem for sustainable finance,” the statement quoted him as saying.

“PSX will continue to serve not just as a marketplace, but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and resilience— where ideas translate into impact and capital is mobilized for national priorities.”


At UN forum, Pakistan urges global financial reforms, debt relief to bridge SDG funding gaps

Updated 21 July 2025
Follow

At UN forum, Pakistan urges global financial reforms, debt relief to bridge SDG funding gaps

  • The comments by Pakistani deputy PM came at a debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York
  • Deputy PM Ishaq Dar will preside over key events at the UN Security Council during Pakistan’s presidency for the month of July

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday stressed the need for concessional financing and debt relief for developing nations to bridge funding gaps in meeting global sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The comments came during Dar’s address at a debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development’s (HLPF) Ministerial Segment in New York for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs.

The 2025 HLPF is themed around advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs, including good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.

Speaking at the forum, Dar said only 35 percent of the Agenda 2030 SDGs were on track and the compounding effects of the pandemic, food, fuel and finance crises as well as intensifying climate impacts had reversed the hard-won development gains and deepened inequalities.

“While national efforts are essential, these cannot succeed in isolation,” he said, calling for a “deep reform” of the international financial architecture to implement the SDGs.

“Developing countries need scaled up access to concessional and grant-based resources, meaningful debt relief, and scaled-up climate finance in order to bridge the SDG financing gap.”

The statement comes as Pakistan treads a long path to economic recovery while facing adverse impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events frequently affecting the South Asian country in recent years. So far this monsoon, more than 200 people have lost their lives in Pakistan as heavy rains continue to last parts of the country.

Dar said his country was scaling up climate action, targeting 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, and enhancing resilience through various initiatives.

“Our revised nationally determined contribution is nearing finalization,” he said. “We have also undertaken key macroeconomic reforms to stabilize our fiscal outlook and make the investment climate even more attractive.”

The Pakistani deputy PM said the Compromiso de Seville, a renewed global framework adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development this month, offered a clear roadmap to tackle the challenges of financing sustainable development.

The framework focuses on closing the $4 trillion annual financing gap for the SDGs, addressing debt crises, and reforming the international financial system.

“Its implementation must begin without delay,” Dar added.

Dar is on a week-long visit to the United States to preside over the key events in the UN Security Council during Pakistan’s presidency for the month of July, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with UN secretary-general as well as president of the UN General Assembly in New York.


Pakistan confers military award on Saudi commander for strengthening bilateral naval ties

Updated 21 July 2025
Follow

Pakistan confers military award on Saudi commander for strengthening bilateral naval ties

  • The award was conferred on Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi at a special investiture ceremony held in Islamabad
  • President Asif Ali Zardari expresses satisfaction over ongoing engagements between both navies, calls for further collaboration

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz military award on Royal Saudi Naval Forces Chief Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi in recognition of his contributions to strengthening naval ties between the two countries.

The award was conferred during a special investiture ceremony at the President House in Islamabad, which was attended by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and other senior officials.

“The president congratulated Vice Admiral Al-Gharibi on receiving the award and acknowledged his efforts in promoting cooperation between the navies of the two brotherly nations,” the president’s secretariat said in a statement.

President Zardari later held a meeting with the Saudi commander and expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s support during challenging times. He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing engagements between the two navies and called for further collaboration, according to the statement.

The Pakistan president appreciated the participation of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in Exercise AMAN-25 and AMAN Dialogue-25, held in Pakistan in February, noting that such joint activities contribute to promoting maritime cooperation and mutual understanding. He expressed appreciation for the trust placed by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in the Pakistan Navy’s training system and emphasized the importance of expanding training cooperation between the two navies.

“The President also praised the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which he said is steering the Kingdom toward transformation, progress, and long-term prosperity,” the statement read.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan maintain close religious, cultural, diplomatic and strategic ties, particularly in trade and defense. The Kingdom is home to over two million Pakistani expatriates, who are the largest source of remittances to the South Asian country.

The Kingdom has provided substantial support to Pakistan during its prolonged economic challenges in recent years, including external financing and assistance with International Monetary Fund loan programs.


Pakistan PM condemns Balochistan ‘honor killing,’ calls for bringing perpetrators to justice 

Updated 21 July 2025
Follow

Pakistan PM condemns Balochistan ‘honor killing,’ calls for bringing perpetrators to justice 

  • A video clip of the couple’s killing last week went viral online, sparked public outrage
  • Provincial authorities say they have arrested 12 suspects, including a tribal chieftain

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday condemned ‘honor killing’ of a young couple in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province and called for bringing the perpetrators to justice, following public outrage over a video clip of the incident that has gone viral online since last week.

In the video circulating on social media, more than a dozen men are seen gathered in a remote, mountainous desert area, with SUVs and pickup trucks parked nearby. A woman is ordered to stand facing away from the group before a man pulls out a gun and shoots her in the back. He then turns the weapon on a man and shoots him dead as well. 

Several news outlets reported that the man and woman had just gotten married and were shot dead for marrying by choice upon the orders of a traditional tribal council formed to settle disputes. However, speaking to reporters at a news conference, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said the victims were not husband and wife. 

On Monday, PM Sharif spoke with CM Bugti over the phone and instructed him to hold investigation into the incident and punish those behind the killing in accordance with law, according to the prime minister’s office.

“No one is above the law and no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” Sharif said. “All legal steps should be taken to bring the suspects to justice.”

Meanwhile, a judicial magistrate in Balochistan’s capital of Quetta on Monday ordered the exhumation of the body of the woman, local media reported. Police were still probing suspects to locate body of the slain man. The couple was shot dead in Dagari area on the outskirts of Quetta.

Bugti earlier announced the arrest of 12 suspects in the case, saying a tribal leader was also among the arrestees. He, however, said relatives of neither of the victims had filed a complaint. 

“Not a single person is ready to come forward as a victim in this case or file an FIR [first information report],” he said. 

On Sunday, Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind said the incident captured in the viral video had taken place in Balochistan a few weeks ago.

“This area [where the incident took place] has been identified,” Rind said. “Both families did not report the incident. We will have a case registered with the state as complainant.”

So-called honor killings are common in Pakistan, where family members and relatives sometimes kill women and men who don’t follow local traditions and culture or decide to marry of their own choice.

On Sunday, the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC), a group of clerics and religious scholars, called the couple’s killing “un-Islamic, anti-Sharia and terrorism,” urging the registration of terrorism cases against the ones involved in such incidents.