<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" version="2.0"><channel>
                        <title>Latest News, Breaking News &amp; Top News Stories | The Express Tribune</title>
                        <atom:link href="https://tribune.com.pk" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
                        <link>https://tribune.com.pk</link>
                        <description>latest news</description>
                        <lastBuildDate>Thu, 21 May 26 20:20:11 +0500</lastBuildDate>
                        <language>en-US</language>
                        <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
                        <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
                        <generator>https://laravel.com/</generator><item>
			<title>Serie A's UCL race goes down to the wire</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609353/serie-as-ucl-race-goes-down-to-the-wire</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609353/serie-as-ucl-race-goes-down-to-the-wire#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 13:46:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609353</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Juventus' season is at risk of turning into a disaster]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Juventus&#39; season is at risk of turning into a disaster ahead of Sunday&#39;s fraught Turin derby which could end with their absence from next season&#39;s Champions League.

In one of Europe&#39;s most one-sided derbies Juve have not lost to Torino in 11 years but the pressure is on for a victory over their local rivals whose mid-table position in Italy&#39;s top flight does not reflect their ability to make things difficult for the big guns.

Juve had looked set for a top-four finish but a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Fiorentina has left Luciano Spalletti&#39;s team sixth and needing a helping hand to reach the Champions League even with a win over Torino.

Spalletti was hired in October with Juve in seventh to ensure the club&#39;s objective for the season, and missing out on Champions League money will have a big impact on movements in the close season.

Two points separate Juve from fourth-placed Roma, who head to relegated Verona, and AC Milan who sit third ahead of their match with Cagliari at the San Siro.

Also in Juve&#39;s way are fifth-placed Como, who host Cremonese in a match which will have a say in both the Champions League race and who will go down down to Serie B with Pisa and Verona.

Jamie Vardy&#39;s Cremonese sit just inside the drop zone, one point behind Lecce who welcome Genoa.

Milan were deep in crisis before last weekend&#39;s key win at Genoa put the seven-time European champions in pole position to return to Europe&#39;s top club competition, with Cagliari having ensured safety last weekend.

Over 70,000 fans are set to pack the San Siro and generate a radically different atmosphere to the last time their team played at home, when the stands emptied in protest at going three goals down against Atalanta.

That defeat caused Milan&#39;s owner Gerry Cardinale to publicly defend himself from fan criticism of him being more interested in profits than on-field results, hinting big changes are expected this summer.

Antonio Conte is set to take charge of his last Napoli match on Sunday in one of the weekend&#39;s five dead rubbers, with Udinese rolling south to Naples with nothing to play for.

Napoli secured Champions League football last weekend and Conte is widely expected to leave southern Italy&#39;s biggest club for a second spell in charge of the country&#39;s beleaguered national team.

The name of the new Italy coach will only be made public after the election of a new football federation president on June 22, a couple of weeks after friendlies with Luxembourg and Greece.

Player to watch: Luka Modric

Star midfielder Modric was expected to miss the rest of the Serie A season after suffering a fractured cheekbone in a clash of heads with Juve midfielder Manuel Locatelli last month.

But less than a month after surgery on the injury, which at the time AFP was told would keep him out of action until this summer&#39;s World Cup, Modric is near-certain to start at the San Siro.

The Croatia captain has been training this week with a face mask and, save for any accidents, he will be in Allegri&#39;s starting XI against Cagliari.
Modric has an option to stay on at Milan for one more season after what will be the 40-year-old&#39;s last World Cup.&nbsp;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pg13-lead-jpg1779371242-0/pg13-lead-jpg1779371242-0.jpeg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Airbus, Air France found guilty of manslaughter over 2009 Atlantic crash</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609352/airbus-air-france-found-guilty-of-manslaughter-over-2009-atlantic-crash</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609352/airbus-air-france-found-guilty-of-manslaughter-over-2009-atlantic-crash#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 13:43:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609352</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Appeals court orders both to pay maximum fine of €225,000 ($261,720)]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Airbus and Air France were found guilty on Thursday of corporate manslaughter by a Paris appeals court over the 2009 Rio-Paris plane crash that killed 228 passengers and crew, three years after being acquitted in a lower court.

Relatives of some of those who died when the Airbus A330 vanished in darkness and plunged into the Atlantic during a storm listened to the verdict in silence after a 17-year legal battle over responsibility for France&#39;s worst air disaster. A lower court had in 2023 cleared the two French companies, both of which have repeatedly denied the charges.

Thursday&#39;s verdict is the latest milestone in a legal marathon involving relatives of the mainly French, Brazilian and German victims and two of France&#39;s most emblematic companies. The appeals court ordered them both to pay the maximum fine for corporate manslaughter, &euro;225,000 ($261,720), following the request of prosecutors during last year&#39;s eight-week trial.

The fines, amounting to just a few minutes of either company&#39;s revenue, have been widely dismissed as a token penalty. But family groups have said a conviction would represent a formal recognition of their plight.

Further appeals likely 

French lawyers have predicted further appeals to the country&#39;s highest court, potentially dragging the process out for years more and prolonging the ordeal for relatives. But the trial was seen as a cathartic moment for many relatives and turned the page on almost two decades of infighting within France&#39;s aviation establishment over the cause of the crash, which led to changes in training.

Read More: Pakistan extends ban on Indian aircraft in airspace until June 24

Any appeals following Thursday&#39;s verdict will shift the focus from the AF447 cockpit to the intricacies of law. Relatives and lawyers sat in a high-windowed courtroom that had witnessed some of France&#39;s most historic trials as a judge read out a list of victims, many sharing the same family names.

Flight AF447 vanished from radar screens on June 1, 2009, with people from 33 nationalities on board. The plane&#39;s black boxes were recovered two years later after a deep-sea search.

In 2012, BEA crash investigators found the plane&#39;s crew had pushed their jet into a stall, chopping lift from under the wings, after mishandling a problem to do with iced-up sensors.

Prosecutors, however, focused their attention on alleged failures inside both the planemaker and airline. Those included poor training and failing to follow up on earlier incidents. To prove manslaughter, prosecutors had to not only establish that the companies were guilty of negligence but also pull the threads together to demonstrate how this caused the crash.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/cockpit-r1779374654-0/cockpit-r1779374654-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>South Korea coach 'hurt' by support for North team</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609351/south-korea-coach-hurt-by-support-for-north-team</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609351/south-korea-coach-hurt-by-support-for-north-team#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 13:40:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609351</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Suwon went down 2-1 to North rivals Naegohyang Women's FC]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Suwon FC Women&#39;s coach has said his team felt &quot;hurt&quot; by a lack of home support after losing to the first North Korean sports team to visit the South in eight years.

South Korea&#39;s Suwon went down 2-1 to North rivals Naegohyang Women&#39;s FC in Wednesday&#39;s Asian Women&#39;s Champions League semi-final, which was played at Suwon&#39;s home stadium.

Interest in the rare North-South match was intense, and 7,087 general admission tickets sold out within hours of going on sale last week.

The official attendance for the game, which was played in torrential rain at the roofless Suwon Sports Complex Stadium, was 5,763.
A large group of spectators from civic groups backed by Seoul&#39;s unification ministry were in the stadium to support both teams.

Naegohyang&#39;s arrival at South Korea&#39;s Incheon International Airport on Sunday saw players and officials surrounded by throngs of reporters and supporters holding welcome signs.

Suwon coach Park Kil-young said the huge attention surrounding the game had affected his players.

&quot;We are Suwon FC Women of the Republic of Korea,&quot; he said, struggling to control his emotions.
&quot;Throughout the match, our players and our staff felt hurt.&quot;

There were no official away supporters at the game because North Koreans are generally not allowed into the South and the two countries have technically remained at war since 1950.

Suwon were backed by fans banging drums and chanting for their team.

Park said his team had &quot;never played in front of so many people and so many writers before&quot;.

&quot;We needed to win today to draw more attention to women&#39;s football here, and our players competed so hard with that in mind,&quot; he said.

&quot;Hopefully, this match will help people take more interest in our sport and make them come to more matches.&quot;
Naegohyang came from behind to win the game and book their place in Saturday&#39;s final against Japan&#39;s Tokyo Verdy Beleza, which will also be played in Suwon.

Suwon spurned a chance to equalise with just over 10 minutes to play when captain Ji So-yun missed a penalty.
Naegohyang coach Ri Yu Il said the atmosphere in the stadium had contributed to the occasion.

&quot;It was a very intense match and we were too caught up in it to be too conscious of the cheering,&quot; said Naegohyang coach Ri Yu Il, who formerly led North Korea&#39;s women&#39;s national team.
&quot;However, I felt that people here have such a high level of interest in football.&quot;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/whatsapp-image-2026-05-21-at-8-43-44-am1779371036-0/whatsapp-image-2026-05-21-at-8-43-44-am1779371036-0.jpeg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Ex stars differ on African team WC chances</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609350/ex-stars-differ-on-african-team-wc-chances</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609350/ex-stars-differ-on-african-team-wc-chances#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 13:37:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609350</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Morocco stunned Spain and Portugal en route to the FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-finals]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Former Senegal star El Hadji Diouf shares the belief of CAF president Patrick Motsepe that an African team can win the 2026 World Cup, but Nigeria great Jay-Jay Okocha is unsure.

Morocco stunned Spain and Portugal en route to the semi-finals at the last global showpiece in Qatar four years ago before falling to France.

Now, as the United States, Canada and Mexico prepare to co-host a record 48 nations, the football world wonders whether Africa can go even further, or was 2022 a flash in the pan?

&quot;Why not?,&quot; responded ex-Liverpool striker Diouf when asked by AFP if an African captain could lift the trophy near New York on July 19.
&quot;Take my own country. We have amazing players like Sadio (Mane), Idrissa (Gueye) and Edouard (Mendy).

&quot;They can match stars from any country. The 2026 World Cup -- Africa is going there to win the tournament.&quot;

Motsepe, a 64-year-old South African billionaire transformed from chairman of 2016 African club champions Mamelodi Sundowns to boss of CAF, echoes the views of Diouf.

&quot;We are confident that the 10 African national teams at the 2026 World Cup will make us proud and that an African nation will be champions.
&quot;What we lacked in the past was self belief. Morocco changed that in Qatar four years ago. We can match the best in the world.&quot;

&quot;I will work relentlessly until I see the captain of an African nation lifting the greatest football prize,&quot; he told AFP.

Midfield maestro Okocha featured for Nigeria at several World Cups, including the 1994 tournament staged in the United States.

&quot;My abiding memory of 1994 was the amazing atmosphere. Add the fact that it was the first World Cup appearance by Nigeria and it was special,&quot; he told reporters.

&quot;Regarding the 2026 tournament, I am concerned about the chances of an African team going all the way.

&quot;We talk a lot about the title contenders from Europe and South America, but what about the North Americans and Asians? They are improving rapidly.

&quot;I will be very happy to be proven wrong. African footballers have shocked the world before. Let us hope it happens again.&quot;

&nbsp;Morocco, Senegal strongest&nbsp;

The widespread belief among African footballers, coaches and officials is that Morocco and Senegal are the strongest of the 10 qualifiers from the continent.

Senegal beat Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, but CAF overturned the result after an appeal by the losers based on a temporary walk-off by some Senegalese over a penalty.

The Senegalese reacted to being stripped of the title by appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and await the verdict.
Achraf Hakimi-captained Morocco are in Group C with record five-time world champions Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. The Atlas Lions would be expected to finish second at least.

Senegal tackle France, Norway and Iraq in Group I, considered among the toughest of 12 mini-leagues.

Teranga Lions coach Pape Thiaw was a substitute when Senegal stunned then defending champions France in the opening match in Seoul of the 2002 World Cup.

&quot;That (2002) is history. We know the current French team well. It is going to be a special match and let us hope we win again,&quot; he said in Dakar.

While Africans dream of lifting the ultimate football prize, some competing coaches have lesser immediate goals.

&quot;Reaching the World Cup is complicated and playing there is even harder,&quot; Egypt coach and former star Hossam Hassan told reporters in Cairo.

&quot;However, I see great ambition in my players. They want to achieve more than what Egypt did in the past.&quot;
Egypt first competed in a World Cup 92 years ago and have made just two subsequent appearances. The record seven-time African champions are still seeking a first victory at the global event.

Recently appointed Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi was blunt when discussing a nation that has qualified for six World Cups, and exited after the first round each time.

&quot;I am not going to tell stories by pretending we will repeat what Morocco did in 2022. But who knows, maybe one day,&quot; he told the Tunisian media.

The African contenders are Algeria, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.&nbsp;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pg13-anchor-jpg-11779370774-0/pg13-anchor-jpg-11779370774-0.jpeg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Aston Villa win Europa League</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609349/aston-villa-win-europa-league</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609349/aston-villa-win-europa-league#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 13:33:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609349</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[They ended a 30-year trophy drought following a 3-0 victory over Freiburg]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Aston Villa ended their 30-year trophy drought in style as spectacular goals from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia inspired a 3-0 win against Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Unai Emery&#39;s side took the lead late in the first half in Istanbul through Tielemans&#39; thunderous volley.
Buendia increased Villa&#39;s advantage with a sublime curler seconds before the interval.

Morgan Rogers&#39; second-half goal finished off the outclassed Germans, sealing Villa&#39;s first silverware since the 1996 League Cup and their first major European prize for 44 years.

That famous European Cup final upset of Bayern Munich in 1982, secured by Peter Withe&#39;s goal in Rotterdam, has stood as the most iconic moment in Villa&#39;s 152-year history.

But Villa&#39;s current stars were determined to follow in the footsteps of the club&#39;s golden generation.

Now Tielemans, Buendia, John McGinn and company can share the rarified air previously reserved for Withe, Tony Morley, Dennis Mortimer, Nigel Spink and the rest of the Class of &#39;82.

Fittingly, with Withe and Mortimer watching from the stands, Villa crushed Freiburg while wearing white shirts instead of their traditional claret and blue kit -- just as they did against Bayern.

Villa&#39;s long-awaited continental conquest was the latest Europa League masterclass for Emery, who has now won the tournament five times after victories with Sevilla in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and Villarreal in 2021.

Emery said this week that he didn&#39;t feel like the &quot;king&quot; of the Europa League, but his team&#39;s coronation got the royal seal of approval from Villa fan Prince William, who was celebrating along with around 20,000 ecstatic supporters in the Besiktas Stadium.
Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, another famous Villa fan, joined the party, sending a good luck message to the team before kick-off.

It has been a memorable finish to the campaign for Villa, who sealed qualification for next season&#39;s Champions League with a win against Liverpool last week.

Villa&#39;s success over the last six days would have been impossible to imagine when they started the season with a run of six matches without a win, scoring just twice in that dismal streak.

Unforgettable night&nbsp;

Their maiden win this season came in the Europa League against Bologna, the first of 13 victories in 15 games in the competition that culminated in their ruthless demolition of first-time European finalists Freiburg.

Despite losing in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals in 2024, and the Champions League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals last year, Emery was convinced Villa would eventually cast off their &#39;nearly men&#39; tag.

The 54-year-old Spaniard&#39;s unshakable faith has been rewarded.

The Europa League triumph underlined Villa&#39;s impressive renaissance since Emery took charge in October 2022 with the club languishing just three points above the relegation zone.

Relegated to the second tier in 1987 and 2016 and beaten in their previous four domestic finals prior to arriving in Istanbul, Villa have endured some torrid times since winning the European Cup.

Those miserable memories were banished forever on an unforgettable night on the banks of the Bosphorus.

Villa dominated from the start and should have been ahead in the opening moments when Noah Atubolu denied Rogers.
Tielemans shattered Freiburg&#39;s resistance with his moment of magic in the 41st minute.

Rogers was catalyst in a clever short corner routine, lofting a pin-point cross towards Tielemans, who timed his run perfectly to slam a brilliant volley past Atubolu from just inside the area.

It was only Tielemans&#39; second goal this season and his first since December.

Even the Belgian midfielder&#39;s rocket had to take a back seat to Buendia&#39;s gem.

Setting his sights on the edge of the area after Freiburg failed to close him down, Buendia curled a majestic finish into the far corner.

Rogers put the result beyond doubt in the 58th minute, sliding to convert Buendia&#39;s cross as a Villa party three decades in the making went into full swing.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/whatsapp-image-2026-05-21-at-8-36-17-am1779370588-0/whatsapp-image-2026-05-21-at-8-36-17-am1779370588-0.jpeg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Scheffler counts on home comforts in CJ Cup title defense</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609348/scheffler-counts-on-home-comforts-in-cj-cup-title-defense</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609348/scheffler-counts-on-home-comforts-in-cj-cup-title-defense#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 13:29:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609348</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He tied the lowest PGA Tour 72-hole score to win]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As Scottie Scheffler&#39;s life continues to evolve on and off the course the world number one was happy to be home this week to defend his title at the PGA Tour CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Mckinney, Texas.

Scheffler tied the lowest PGA Tour 72-hole score to win by a whopping eight strokes last year at TPC Craig Ranch -- the course in the Dallas suburbs that is a comfortable commute from his home.

&quot;It was nice to have a home week, especially coming off a major championship,&quot; said Scheffler, who struggled on the demanding greens at Aronimink last week to finish seven strokes behind winner Aaron Rai at the PGA Championship.

Some rest on Monday, practice at another local course and Wednesday&#39;s pro-am made for a relaxed build-up to his title defense, Scheffler told reporters on Wednesday.

It&#39;s the kind of week he finds especially valuable since the arrival of his second child, son Remy, in March.

&quot;I think so far this year, when you add a second child to the mix, I think that&#39;s a whole different ballgame in terms of home life,&quot; said Scheffler.
&quot;There&#39;s a lot more activity for me at golf tournaments than there was early in my career. I think you just adjust. I can&#39;t spend as much time at the golf course as I did when I was younger, early in my career, and that&#39;s for a variety of reasons.

&quot;It&#39;s more important for me to get home in a timely manner now. A lot of it is just schedule adjustments. You just adjust your day and prioritize the things I need to prioritize.&quot;

Scheffler seems to keep firing on all cylinders whatever adjustments he has to make.
Although he couldn&#39;t conjure much Sunday magic at Aronimink, his 14th place finish marked his 10th top-25 of a 2026 campaign that included a win at La Quinta in the California desert and a trio of runner-up finishes, including at the Masters.

He&#39;ll try to get back to the winner&#39;s circle at a course significantly changed since his win last year. Scheffler says it plays &quot;fairly similar tee-to-green&quot; but the greens are &quot;definitely much more interesting.&quot;

Scheffler said it offers a chance to &quot;reset&quot; his putting after Aronimink.

&quot;Overall I feel like I&#39;m in a good spot,&quot; he said. &quot;I&#39;ve actually putted the best that I have in my career so far this year, and (I can) just kind of get a reset, get on some new greens, work on my reads, make sure I&#39;m checking all my fundamentals.&quot;&nbsp;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pg12-four-col-jpg-11779370223-0/pg12-four-col-jpg-11779370223-0.jpeg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Iran's Hormuz authority claims control of waters south of UAE port</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609345/irans-hormuz-authority-claims-control-of-waters-south-of-uae-port</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609345/irans-hormuz-authority-claims-control-of-waters-south-of-uae-port#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 12:46:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609345</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Emirati presidential adviser Anwar Gargash slams Iranian announcement]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Iran&#39;s new body overseeing the Strait of Hormuz said its claimed area of control extends to Emirati waters, drawing a sharp rebuke from the Gulf neighbour.

Traffic through Hormuz, a vital global shipping conduit, has come under Iranian control since the outbreak of war with Israel and the United States on February 28.

Iran, which has blockaded the strait since the war and is charging ships for passage, has insisted that vessels must obtain permission from its armed forces.

In a post on X on Wednesday, accompanied by a map, the newly-established Persian Gulf Strait Authority said it had outlined &quot;the regulatory jurisdiction for the management&quot; of the strait.



Iran&#39;s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) 🛳️ published an official map 🗺️ defining its controlled zone over the Strait of Hormuz 🌊.

Eastern boundary: Kuh-e Mubarak (Iran) to Fujairah (UAE )
Western boundary: Qeshm Island (Iran) to Umm Al-Quwain (UAE)

All vessels ⚓ must&hellip; pic.twitter.com/nEwHZeMSOl
&mdash; Embassy of Iran in Bulgaria (@IRANinBULGARIA) May 21, 2026


It said this covered the area between the line extending from &quot;Kuh-e Mubarak in Iran to the south of Fujairah in the UAE ... to the line connecting the tip of Qeshm island in Iran to Umm Al-Quwain in the UAE&quot;.

It added that &quot;transit through this area for the purpose of passing through the Hormuz Strait requires coordination with, and authorisation from, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.&quot;

The United Arab Emirates&#39; Fujairah port hosts oil infrastructure designed to bypass the strategic waterway.

Emirati presidential adviser Anwar Gargash&nbsp;slammed the Iranian announcement in a post on X today.

&quot;The regime is trying to establish a new reality born from a clear military defeat, but attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz or infringe on the UAE&#39;s maritime sovereignty are nothing but pipe dreams,&quot; he posted on X.



تعودنا على التنمر الإيراني عبر عقود طويلة حتى أصبح جزءًا من المشهد السياسي في الخليج العربي، وضاعت المصداقية بين خطاب عدواني وبيانات صداقة جوفاء.

واليوم، وبعد العدوان الإيراني الغاشم، يحاول النظام تكريس واقع جديد وُلد من هزيمة عسكرية واضحة، لكن محاولات التحكم بمضيق هرمز أو&hellip;
&mdash; د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) May 21, 2026


Relations between Iran and the United Arab Emirates have been severely strained since the war, after Tehran launched missile and drone strikes against Gulf countries in response to US-Israeli attacks.

Iran last week accused the UAE of playing an active role in the war,&nbsp;a claim Abu Dhabi has denied.

The UAE has also strongly opposed Iran&#39;s control of the strait and called for joint action to ensure freedom of navigation through the waterway.

Last week, the UAE announced it was fast-tracking the construction of a new oil pipeline bypassing Hormuz through Fujairah port.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said the West-East Pipeline would double state oil giant ADNOC&#39;s export capacity through Fujairah, adding that it was expected to become operational next year.

Iran has repeatedly accused Gulf states of allowing US forces to carry out attacks from their territory.

Gulf nations have repeatedly denied the accusations, saying even before the conflict that they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran.

On Wednesday, Iran&#39;s Revolutionary Guards said they had allowed 26 ships, including oil tankers and other vessels, to pass through the strait over the previous 24 hours.

Last week, Iran said &quot;more than 30 ships&quot; had been allowed to pass, including some Chinese vessels.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/hormuz-ships-r1779369016-0/hormuz-ships-r1779369016-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Aymen Saleem says her confidence came from being heard and respected at home</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609344/aymen-saleem-says-her-confidence-came-from-being-heard-and-respected-at-home</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609344/aymen-saleem-says-her-confidence-came-from-being-heard-and-respected-at-home#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 12:44:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609344</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor reflects on her upbringing and how family support played a key role in her success]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Actor&nbsp;Aymen Saleem recently appeared on the FWhy Podcast with Frieha Altaf, where she spoke about her upbringing, the support of her parents, and her transition into acting. The Chupke Chupke star reflected&nbsp;on her family environment, saying she never experienced patriarchy at home.

&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t just get confidence from education or an Ivy League degree alone. It can&rsquo;t give you that confidence. Parents have a big role to play,&rdquo; said Aymen, who graduated from the Wharton School of Business. &ldquo;I have always been disciplined, very studious, a bit of a nerd, and into sports.&rdquo;

She stated that her confidence largely came from how she was raised: &ldquo;Confidence comes from your parents and how you are treated at home. Something I got from my dad early on was agency. I did not even know what the word meant when I was receiving it at home because my voice was always heard.&rdquo;

She added, &ldquo;My opinions were always taken seriously. They were never dismissed because of my age or gender. I always felt what I had to say was important. I am worth it. My voice is important enough.&rdquo;





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





Aymen&nbsp;also recalled how her father involved her in&nbsp;conversations while she was growing up: &ldquo;I&rsquo;d always listen and think I had something I wanted to add when my father was speaking with adults at home.&rdquo; &quot;He would say, &#39;Everyone be quiet, let my daughter talk.&#39;&nbsp;He would literally treat me like an adult, not a little kid,&quot; she stated.

The actor&nbsp;shared that while she was at the top of her class and preparing to start a job at McKinsey, she was visiting Pakistan when she met filmmaker Sultana Siddiqui, a family friend.

&ldquo;Sultana aapa was there at my cousin&rsquo;s wedding. She hadn&rsquo;t seen me in a long time because I was abroad. She said I had grown older and prettier and encouraged me to try acting.&rdquo; &ldquo;She really wanted me to act&nbsp;and I was like I&rsquo;d love to and have always loved the camera,&rdquo;&nbsp;she said.

She added that&nbsp;she initially saw acting as a &ldquo;one-time fun gig&rdquo; and did not expect it to become a career. However, her breakthrough in Chupke Chupke changed her perspective.

&ldquo;It changed things for me in terms of my thinking. It was like, &lsquo;This is fun, I want to do more of it.&rsquo; I transitioned from the Aymen who had everything planned out to someone who started doing what felt right. I became more fearless in my decisions.&rdquo;





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





She added that her success was not individual but collective: &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think any part of my success is just mine, it takes an ecosystem. Even my mother contributes so much into everything I achieve and my dad.&rdquo;

Aymen&nbsp;also spoke about encouraging her mother to pursue entrepreneurship: &ldquo;Culturally, if one person has to stay back home, women think it&rsquo;s their role to give things up. I pushed my mom when I was going to university to do something.&rdquo;

She shared that her mother eventually started her own fashion brand, which she described as therapeutic rather than profit-driven. &ldquo;She started designing and doesn&rsquo;t take pressure. She has her selected people and doesn&rsquo;t want to expand too much. It is literally therapy for her.&rdquo;

The actor also highlighted her strong connection to Pakistan, saying it continues to influence her life, despite studying abroad and living in London after her marriage.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/aymen-saleem1779367616-0/aymen-saleem1779367616-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Taliban's new marriage separation decree draws UN criticism</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609343/talibans-new-marriage-separation-decree-draws-un-criticism</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609343/talibans-new-marriage-separation-decree-draws-un-criticism#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 12:15:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609343</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Official decree permits annulment of child marriage contracts in Afghanistan, raising UN concerns]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Taliban government&#39;s new decree governing the separation of spouses &quot;reinforces systemic discrimination&quot; and erodes the rights of Afghan women and girls, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Published in mid-May, the 31-article code sets out various grounds for separation in Afghanistan, including a husband&#39;s prolonged disappearance, &quot;incompatibility&quot; between couples, renunciation of Islam and &quot;failure on the part of the husband&quot;.

The decree, which appeared in the country&#39;s Official Gazette, also states that marriage contracts drawn up by relatives &quot;on behalf of a minor boy or girl&quot; can be annulled, which suggests child marriage is permitted in Afghanistan, according to the UN.

In most cases, the procedures for women seeking a separation are more complicated than those for men.

Read More: The corridor of chaos

The document, approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, &quot;is part of a broader and deeply concerning trajectory in which the rights of Afghan women and girls are being eroded&quot;, said Georgette Gagnon, deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general.

It &quot;further entrenches systemic discrimination in law and practice&quot;, the UN statement said, adding that women and girls are denied &quot;autonomy, opportunities and access to justice&quot;.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban government has banned girls from continuing their education beyond primary school, walking in parks and going to gyms, swimming pools or beauty salons.

They are required to cover themselves from head to toe and are barred from many jobs.

Any breach of the rules can result in arrest and imprisonment.

The UN&#39;s Afghanistan mission (UNAMA) said that following a decree issued in 2021 in which the Taliban authorities had &quot;recognised certain rights for women, including women&#39;s consent to marriage&quot;, subsequent legislation has ultimately eroded those protections.

Article 5 of the decree has drawn widespread criticism.

It sets out the procedures for the separation of minors whose family members enter into a marriage contract on their behalf, which &quot;implies that child marriage is permitted&quot;, according to UNAMA.

&quot;If any relative other than the father or grandfather concludes a marriage contract on behalf of a minor boy or a minor girl with a compatible spouse and for a customary dower, the contract shall be valid,&quot; the decree says, before outlining how the boy or girl can choose to annul at puberty if approved by a court.

According to a traditional practice that has been in place in some families in Afghanistan for decades, parents promise that their child will marry a child from the other family.

However, the marriage contract is only concluded later, as sexual relations before puberty are prohibited under Islamic law.

The Taliban government&#39;s Ministry of Justice did not respond when asked by AFP whether the minor should be required to live with their spouse at any age.

Marriage was only permitted from the age of 16 for girls under the law in force until the Taliban took back power.

The decree makes a distinction between girls and boys&#39; option to annul on reaching puberty, saying that if a &quot;virgin girl&quot; had previously remained silent, the decree considers her choice to separate as &quot;invalidated&quot;.

Also Read: UN says can feed a million more Afghan children if wars stop

However, &quot;the choice upon obtaining puberty of a boy ... is not invalidated by silence&quot;.

Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed criticism to the decree, telling the state-run RTA television channel on Wednesday it was coming from people &quot;hostile&quot; to Islam.



توضیحات در مورد انتقادها علیه اصولنامه تفریق زوجین. https://t.co/fFbYzRc6Rn
&mdash; Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) May 20, 2026


He defended fathers and grandfathers having authority over their children, including the power to enter into a marriage contract, provided they were &quot;kind and healthy&quot;.

However, he said such cases would be rare because the Taliban &quot;prohibits marrying off a girl without her permission&quot;.



بر اساس حکم عالیقدر امیرالمؤمنین حفظه الله تعالی، تعیینات ذیل صورت گرفت:
۱- مولوی حمدالله نعمانی، وزیر پیشین وزارت مخابرات و تکنالوژی معلوماتی، به حیث شاروال ولایت هرات؛
۲- ملا نعمت&zwnj;الله حسن، شاروال پیشین هرات، به حیث معاون فنی و مسلکی ریاست عمومی تنظیم امور شاروالی&zwnj;ها تعین شدند.
&mdash; Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) May 20, 2026



The procedures also set out how a woman may remarry if her husband has gone missing, but not in the event of war.

In such cases, &quot;the wife shall wait for such a period until his death becomes certain and until the people of his generation (peers) have all passed away.&quot;

If the missing person were to reappear after the woman had remarried, it would be up to him to decide whether to &quot;keep&quot; her, divorce or opt for mutual separation.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/afghan-girls-r1779366806-0/afghan-girls-r1779366806-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Ben-Gvir's detention video of Gaza flotilla activists draws condemnation globally and within Israel</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609341/ben-gvirs-detention-video-of-gaza-flotilla-activists-draws-condemnation-globally-and-within-israel</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609341/ben-gvirs-detention-video-of-gaza-flotilla-activists-draws-condemnation-globally-and-within-israel#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 12:00:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609341</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Governments call footage unacceptable, with Italy pushing for nationwide sanctions against Israel]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Israel faced mounting international criticism after its far-right national security minister released a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands bound following the interception of aid vessels in international waters, sparking international condemnation.

The video, shared on X a day ago by firebrand minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, was published after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla&#39;s vessels at sea and began detaining hundreds of foreign activists at the southern port of Ashdod.

The video drew swift international uproar, and Ben-Gvir&nbsp;was criticised by Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Captioned &quot;Welcome to Israel&quot;, the footage shows dozens of activists forced to kneel with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground. At some points, the Israeli national anthem can be heard playing in the background.

The footage also shows Ben-Gvir heckling and waving an Israeli flag among the detained activists.



ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור

Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC
&mdash; איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026


Read: Gaza flotilla activists to be deported after taunting by Israeli minister

Below are some national and international reactions to the footage posted on X by the minister on Wednesday:

European Union

European Council President Antonio Costa said he was &quot;appalled&quot; by Ben-Gvir&#39;s treatment of aid flotilla members attempting to enter Gaza. &quot;This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release,&quot; Costa said.



Appalled by the treatment of flotilla members by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release.
&mdash; Ant&oacute;nio Costa (@eucopresident) May 21, 2026


United Kingdom

Britain summoned Israel&#39;s charg&eacute; d&#39;affaires over the video, with its foreign ministry saying the content &quot;violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people&quot;. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was &quot;truly appalled&quot; by the video.



I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.

This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.

We are in touch with the families of a number&hellip;
&mdash; Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) May 20, 2026


Italy

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said EU foreign ministers should discuss imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir at their next meeting for &quot;unacceptable acts&quot;, including harassing and humiliating the activists.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Tajani demanded an apology for the activists&#39; treatment and what they called Israel&#39;s &quot;total disrespect&quot; for Italy&#39;s requests.



A nome del Governo italiano ho appena formalmente chiesto all&rsquo;Alto Rappresentante @kajakallas di includere nella prossima discussione dei Ministri degli Esteri UE l&rsquo;adozione di sanzioni contro il Ministro per la sicurezza nazionale israeliano Ben-Gvir per gli inaccettabili atti&hellip;
&mdash; Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) May 21, 2026




Quanto emerge dal video del Ministro Ben Gvir &egrave; assolutamente inaccettabile e contro ogni elementare tutela della dignit&agrave; umana.
D&rsquo;intesa con il Presidente del Consiglio ho fatto convocare immediatamente alla Farnesina l&rsquo;Ambasciatore d&rsquo;Israele in Italia.
&mdash; Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) May 20, 2026


Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the images were unacceptable and said Spain &quot;will not tolerate anyone mistreating our citizens&quot;.

Sanchez added that his government would push for Spain&#39;s ban on Ben-Gvir entering the country to be urgently extended across the EU.



Las im&aacute;genes del ministro israel&iacute; Ben Gvir humillando a los miembros de la flotilla internacional en apoyo a Gaza son inaceptables.

No vamos a tolerar que nadie maltrate a nuestros ciudadanos. En septiembre anunci&eacute; la prohibici&oacute;n de acceso al territorio nacional de este miembro&hellip;
&mdash; Pedro S&aacute;nchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 20, 2026


France

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he had summoned the Israeli ambassador after the video emerged, calling Ben-Gvir&#39;s actions &quot;unacceptable&quot;.

Barrot said French citizens must be treated with respect and freed as soon as possible, while adding that he opposed the flotilla&#39;s approach.



Les agissements de M. Ben Gvir &agrave; l&#39;&eacute;gard des passagers de la flottille Global Smud, d&eacute;nonc&eacute;s par ses propres coll&egrave;gues au gouvernement isra&eacute;lien, sont inadmissibles. J&#39;ai demand&eacute; que l&#39;ambassadeur d&#39;Isra&euml;l en France soit convoqu&eacute; pour exprimer notre indignation et obtenir des&hellip;
&mdash; Jean-No&euml;l Barrot (@jnbarrot) May 20, 2026


Israel

The backlash also prompted criticism within Israel. Netanyahu defended the interception of the flotilla but said Ben-Gvir&#39;s treatment of the activists was &quot;not in line with Israel&#39;s values and norms&quot;.

Saar criticised Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the activists, saying he had harmed Israel in a &quot;disgraceful display&quot; and undermined the work of Israeli soldiers and diplomats.

&quot;No, you are not the face of Israel,&quot; Saar said in a post on X.



You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display - and not for the first time.

You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people - from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.

No, you are not the face of&hellip; https://t.co/KOj6fhpyM7
&mdash; Gideon Sa&#39;ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 20, 2026


United States

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee added his voice to the chorus of condemnation, taking direct aim at the national security minister.

&quot;Universal outrage and condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official &hellip; for despicable actions by Ben-Gvir,&quot; he wrote on X, saying the minister had &quot;betrayed the dignity of his nation&quot;.

Huckabee acknowledged the flotilla itself was &quot;a stupid stunt&quot; but made clear that nothing about it justified Ben-Gvir&#39;s conduct.



Universal outrage &amp; condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official from @IsraeliPM @IsraelMFA @gidonsaar @IsraelPresident @yechielleiter @IsraelinUSA for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation. https://t.co/trK6VjeTIX
&mdash; Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 20, 2026


Iran

Iran&rsquo;s foreign ministry spokesman condemned the video images, saying they recalled &ldquo;the darkest echoes of history&rdquo; and said Western silence over what he called occupation, apartheid and genocide risked normalising &ldquo;lawlessness and atrocity&rdquo;.



Poland

Poland&#39;s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he had summoned the Israeli charg&eacute; d&rsquo;affaires over the detention of the activists, demanding their immediate release and an apology. He also requested that the interior ministry ban Ben-Gvir from entering Poland, a spokesperson said.



You may not treat Polish citizens who have committed no crime in this way.
In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody.
We demand justice for our citizens and consequences for you. https://t.co/7BmfoGi9a5
&mdash; Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) May 20, 2026


Ireland

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said 14 Irish citizens who joined the flotilla WEre in buses on their way to Istanbul, from where they wOULD be deported. &quot;We have raised in no uncertain terms the horror and dissatisfaction at the way in which our citizens have been treated,&quot; McEntee told parliament.



Full statement: https://t.co/F4yOucMhNR pic.twitter.com/n7sMCt83Pv
&mdash; Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) May 20, 2026


Greece

Greece urged Israel to release its detained nationals. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said: &quot;We call on the Israeli authorities to proceed with the rapid completion of all procedures and the immediate release of the Greek citizens.&quot;

Canada

Canada said it would summon the Israeli ambassador in protest at the video, described by Foreign Minister Anita Anand as &quot;deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable&quot;.

Prime Minister Mark Carney later described Israel&#39;s treatment of the detained activists as &quot;abominable&quot; and &quot;unacceptable&quot;.



I have directed my officials to summon the Israeli ambassador regarding the heinous treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla. Civilians must be protected at all times. The video shared by Ben-Gvir is deplorable and documents the mistreatment of civilians. Canada has already&hellip; https://t.co/AviEXpkdYG
&mdash; Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) May 20, 2026




The abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.

Canada&rsquo;s Minister of Foreign Affairs has directed officials to summon the Israeli ambassador to demand assurances regarding the&hellip;
&mdash; Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 20, 2026


Netherlands

The Netherlands will summon Israel&#39;s ambassador over what it called the &quot;unacceptable&quot; treatment of the activists.

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the images were &quot;shocking&quot;, adding he had raised the matter with Israel&#39;s foreign minister.



The images shared by extremist Minister Ben-Gvir of detained Flotilla activists are shocking and unacceptable. This treatment of detainees violates basic human dignity. I raised this directly with my Israeli colleague @gidonsaar and will summon the Israeli ambassador. 1/2
&mdash; Tom Berendsen (@ministerBZ) May 20, 2026


&nbsp;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/ben-gvir1676466161-0/ben-gvir1676466161-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Ishrat Fatima speaks out against ageism in media, defends senior artists</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609340/ishrat-fatima-speaks-out-against-ageism-in-media-defends-senior-artists</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609340/ishrat-fatima-speaks-out-against-ageism-in-media-defends-senior-artists#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 11:42:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609340</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Veteran broadcaster reflects on her decades-long career and personal struggles, including loss of her daughter]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Veteran broadcaster Ishrat Fatima has spoken out strongly against ageism in the entertainment and news industries, arguing that respect for senior artists should be based on talent, professionalism, and character rather than age.

During a podcast hosted by Tauseeq Haider, she defended senior performers, including Bushra Ansari, against online criticism, saying such remarks often reflect more on the critics than on the individuals being targeted.

She stressed that disrespect towards older women in showbiz highlights a broader societal problem, adding that experience and contribution to the industry should be valued instead of being diminished with age.

Ishrat further addressed colourism and the insecurities she faced growing up, recalling social pressure linked to her skin tone. She said she eventually learned to embrace her identity with confidence and dignity.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





Reflecting on her own decades-long career, Ishrat said her commitment to journalism was rooted in a deep love for the Urdu language and correct pronunciation.

She credited senior broadcasters for mentoring her early in her career and emphasised the importance of passing that guidance on to younger professionals entering the field. She said she has always aimed to uphold professionalism, objectivity, and independence despite public scrutiny, maintaining her integrity and self-respect throughout her career.

The veteran anchor also spoke candidly about her personal life, including her three-decade-long marriage with her husband Saqib and the profound grief of losing her first daughter. She said the experience taught her to continue life with patience and faith despite immense emotional pain.

The podcast concluded on an emotional note as Ishrat and Haider reflected on their long-standing friendship and professional bond. She encouraged audiences to show appreciation for the people around them, saying kindness and respect remain essential in both personal and professional relationships.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design-101779364486-0/untitled-design-101779364486-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Iran's UN envoy decries Security Council's failure to intervene in US-Israeli war</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609337/irans-un-envoy-decries-security-councils-failure-to-intervene-in-us-israeli-war</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609337/irans-un-envoy-decries-security-councils-failure-to-intervene-in-us-israeli-war#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 11:12:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609337</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Amir Saeid Iravani calls UNSC complicit through silence, lists US threats and war crimes committed]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Iran&#39;s UN envoy on Wednesday sharply denounced the UN Security Council&#39;s failure to address the US-Israeli war against his country, according to Iranian media.

&quot;Regrettably, the Security Council has failed to discharge its responsibilities in the face of this grave violation due to the obstruction of a permanent member that is itself an aggressor,&quot; Amir Saeid Iravani said in remarks delivered before the council.

&quot;The United States and the Israeli regime, and those who assisted and facilitated this aggression, must bear full legal and international responsibility for this heinous crime and serious violations. Impunity for such crimes not only betrays the victims, but also threatens international peace and security,&quot; he added.

Iravani further told the body tasked with ensuring international peace and security that it &quot;must not remain silent or indifferent to the repeated and daily baseless threats made by the President of the United States against Iran,&quot; saying US President Donald Trump&#39;s rhetoric &quot;sets a dangerous precedent.&quot;

The threats listed by the envoy included &ldquo;explicit threat to bomb Iran &lsquo;back to the Stone Age,&rsquo;&rdquo; destroy the country&rsquo;s energy, economic and industrial infrastructure, target Iranian nuclear scientists and senior officials, and &ldquo;even rhetoric implying the destruction of Iran&rsquo;s civilisation,&rdquo; according to IRNA news.&nbsp;&ldquo;The normalisation of such threats of force, acts of aggression, and inflammatory rhetoric by a permanent member of the Security Council sets a dangerous precedent,&rdquo; he said.

Also Read: Pakistan steps up diplomatic bid to get US-Iran peace talks on track

Iravani warned that civilians were bearing an ever-greater burden of deliberate attacks, collective punishment and the methodical destruction of civilian infrastructure. A &quot;tragic reality,&quot; he said, that is &quot;evident from Gaza to Lebanon, and most recently in the aggression against Iran.&quot;

The envoy said the US-Israeli war had once again laid bare the &quot;harsh reality&quot; of how international humanitarian law was being violated.

&quot;During forty days of this unwarranted and savage war, the aggressors have committed grave and systematic violations of international humanitarian law by deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure,&quot; he said.

He singled out what he called &quot;one particularly horrific attack&quot;, the deliberate targeting and complete destruction of a girls&#39; school in Minab, in which more than 168 students were killed. &quot;These are not collateral damages; they are war crimes,&quot; he asserted.

Read More: Mohsin Naqvi meets IRGC chief in Tehran during second visit in less than a week

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February&nbsp;28. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump on Wednesday said negotiations are in their &quot;final stages&quot; but insisted he is &quot;in no hurry&quot; to complete them.

&quot;I just wonder whether or not they have the good of the people, because some of the things they&#39;re doing, to me, mean they don&#39;t have the good of the people, and they have to have the good of the people. There&#39;s a lot of anger now in Iran, because people are living so badly,&quot; he said.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/iranunenvoy1779364447-0/iranunenvoy1779364447-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>UAE’s new pipeline bypassing Strait of Hormuz nearly 50% complete, oil chief says</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609335/uaes-new-pipeline-bypassing-strait-of-hormuz-nearly-50-complete-oil-chief-says</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609335/uaes-new-pipeline-bypassing-strait-of-hormuz-nearly-50-complete-oil-chief-says#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 11:03:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609335</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Project expected to double ADNOC’s export capacity via Fujairah, helping UAE move crude outside blocked Strait]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The UAE has completed nearly 50% of a second pipeline that will bypass the Strait of Hormuz, the head of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said on Wednesday, as Gulf producers seek alternative export routes amid the prolonged closure of the key waterway.

&ldquo;Right now, too much of the world&rsquo;s energy still moves through too few chokepoints,&rdquo; ADNOC CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said in an interview at the Atlantic Council.

The new pipeline is expected to double ADNOC&rsquo;s export capacity through Fujairah, a UAE port on the Gulf of Oman located beyond the Strait of Hormuz.

The construction of the project has been accelerated due to the Iran war, with the pipeline expected to become operational in 2027.

The UAE has already been redirecting some crude exports through an existing pipeline to Fujairah, which has a maximum capacity of 1.8 million barrels per day.

Al Jaber said Iran&rsquo;s blockade of Hormuz, which began in early March, has triggered the most severe energy supply disruption in history.

Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan steps up diplomatic bid to get US-Iran peace talks on track

More than 1 billion barrels of oil have been lost due to the strait&rsquo;s closure, while nearly 100 million additional barrels are lost every week the waterway remains blocked, he said.

Even if the conflict ends immediately, it would take at least four months to restore oil flows to 80% of normal levels, Al Jaber said, adding that full normalisation would not be expected until the first or second quarter of 2027.

&ldquo;This is not just an economic problem,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In fact, this sets a dangerous precedent once you accept that a single country can hold the world&rsquo;s most important waterway hostage.&rdquo;

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world&rsquo;s most critical energy chokepoints, has been blocked since Iran moved to restrict traffic after the US and Israel launched large-scale airstrikes against Iran on February 28.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said last week that Hormuz&rsquo;s importance to global energy markets would likely decline after the war as Gulf countries build more infrastructure to bypass the strait.

&ldquo;This is a card you can play once,&rdquo; Wright said of Iran&rsquo;s blockade. &ldquo;There&rsquo;ll be other routes for energy to get out of the Persian Gulf.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We will see a decreasing importance from the Strait of Hormuz, but not a decreasing importance of those nations&rsquo; energy production and energy supply,&rdquo; he added.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/1200x900-41779361714-0/1200x900-41779361714-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Temperatures may soar to 50°C during Eid holidays, warns PMD</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609333/temperatures-may-soar-to-500c-during-eid-holidays-warns-pmd</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609333/temperatures-may-soar-to-500c-during-eid-holidays-warns-pmd#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 10:50:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Aftab Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609333</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says moderate to severe heatwave conditions expected to develop from May 25-31]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday warned that a heatwave was likely to grip large parts of the country during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays, with temperatures expected to rise significantly above normal in several regions.

According to the Met Office, a high-pressure system was expected to form in the atmosphere on May 25 and could intensify further by May 26. Under the influence of this system, moderate to severe heatwave conditions were expected to develop across the country from May 25 to May 31.

According to the PMD advisory, Sindh was expected to experience the highest temperatures, with mercury levels likely to rise up to 47&deg;C to 50&deg;C. Karachi was also likely to experience hot weather conditions, with temperatures expected to remain between 35&deg;C and 38&deg;C during the period.



PMD Heatwave Advisory for Eid-ul-Adha Holidays: Severe Heatwave Likely Across Pakistan from May 25&ndash;31, 2026#EidulAdha #HeatwaveAlert #PMD #PakistanWeather #EidWeather #ہیٹ_ویو #شدید_گرمی #گرمی_کی_لہر #WeatherAdvisory #HotWeather #StayHydrated #موسمی_الرٹ #ExtremeHeat pic.twitter.com/5jsO2ck6nP
&mdash; Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 21, 2026


Meanwhile, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Matiari, Tando Mohammad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Mirpurkhas, Jamshoro, Panjgur, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhang and Sahiwal may experience maximum temperatures ranging from 47&deg;C to 50&deg;C.

Read: Eid in roasting heat

&quot;In Punjab and central regions, temperatures may range between 42&deg;C and 45&deg;C, while northern areas are expected to record temperatures between 38&deg;C and 40&deg;C, while in Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber, maximum temperatures are expected to remain 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal, reaching between 42&deg;C and 45&deg;C,&quot; it said.

PMD said that in the districts of Malakand and Hazara divisions, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures were likely to exceed 38&deg;C to 40&deg;C, warning&nbsp;that night-time temperatures were also expected to remain higher than normal during the heatwave period.

The Met Office added that the heatwave could have adverse effects on public health, particularly for children, women and senior citizens, and advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures.

The advisory further urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10am and 4pm, and advised outdoor workers to remain cautious according to weather conditions.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/heat-wave1775563951-0/heat-wave1775563951-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Trump, Netanyahu disagree on whether to resume attacking Iran in heated phone call: CNN</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609331/trump-netanyahu-disagree-on-whether-to-resume-attacking-iran-in-heated-phone-call-cnn</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609331/trump-netanyahu-disagree-on-whether-to-resume-attacking-iran-in-heated-phone-call-cnn#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 10:25:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609331</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ongoing negotiations frustrate Netanyahu, who has long pushed for an aggressive approach in dealing with Tehran]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday in a conversation that reflected their different views on how to proceed with the Iran war, a US official told CNN.

Earlier when the two leaders spoke on Sunday, Trump shared that he was likely to move forward with new targeted attacks on Iran early in the week, the official said &ndash; an operation that was expected to get a new name: Operation Sledgehammer.

Roughly 24 hours after that initial conversation, however, Trump announced he was halting strikes that he said were planned for Tuesday at the request of allies in the Gulf, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Gulf nations have since been in close contact with US and Pakistani mediators in working on a framework that could further diplomatic talks, the US official and a person familiar with the situation said, according to CNN.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re in the final stages of Iran. We&rsquo;ll see what happens,&rdquo; Trump told reporters on Wednesday morning about efforts to secure a deal. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll either have a deal, or we&rsquo;re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty,&rdquo; he went on. &ldquo;But hopefully that won&rsquo;t happen.&rdquo;

The ongoing negotiations have frustrated the Israeli prime minister, who has long pushed for an aggressive approach in dealing with Tehran. Netanyahu has argued that a delay only benefits the Iranians, according to Trump officials and Israeli sources.

Netanyahu made his disappointment known on Tuesday, telling Trump that he believed delaying the expected attacks was a mistake, and that the president should continue as planned, the US official said.

During the hour-long conversation, Netanyahu pushed for a resumption of military action, an Israeli source familiar to the matter said. The divergence was clear: Trump wants to see if a deal can be reached, but Netanyahu was expecting something else, an Israeli official said, according CNN.

Iran &lsquo;reviewing&rsquo; US proposal

Israeli concerns following Tuesday&rsquo;s phone call have rippled through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s inner circle, a separate Israeli source told CNN. According to the source, senior officials are increasingly eager for renewed military action, frustrated by what they perceive as Iran&rsquo;s slow diplomatic response under Trump&rsquo;s watch.

Netanyahu&rsquo;s unease with the US approach&mdash;and specifically Trump&rsquo;s pattern of issuing threats only to pause them&mdash;is not new, sources familiar with their discussions said. US officials have previously acknowledged differing objectives between Washington and Jerusalem regarding the conflict.

When asked about his conversation with Netanyahu the night before, Trump said on Wednesday that he is in control. &ldquo;He&rsquo;ll do whatever I want him to do,&rdquo; the president stated. Despite Netanyahu&rsquo;s push for active combat, Trump has so far prioritised diplomacy, claiming on Wednesday that talks with Iran are &ldquo;right on the borderline&rdquo; and worth a few more days if it saves lives.

Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that communications with the US have continued via Pakistan, according to state-linked Nour News. &ldquo;Based on Iran&rsquo;s initial 14-point text, messages have been exchanged on several occasions, and we have received the American side&rsquo;s viewpoints and are currently reviewing them,&rdquo; spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said.

Pakistan has played a central role in attempting a diplomatic resolution, hosting high-level meetings in April between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

However, it remains unclear whether significant gaps have narrowed. Iran has maintained its core demands, with disputes over its nuclear programme and frozen assets unresolved, a regional source said.

Trump has repeatedly warned that military action remains on the table. &ldquo;If we don&rsquo;t get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We&rsquo;re all ready to go,&rdquo; he stated on Wednesday.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/trump-netanyahu-r1774364271-0/trump-netanyahu-r1774364271-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Mamya Shajaffar details alleged workplace harassment on podcast with Iffat Omar</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609330/mamya-shajaffar-details-alleged-workplace-harassment-in-podcast-with-iffat-omar</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609330/mamya-shajaffar-details-alleged-workplace-harassment-in-podcast-with-iffat-omar#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 10:07:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609330</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor also speaks about her mental health struggles, including living with lupus and identity challenges]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Actor Mamya Shajaffar appeared on Iffat Omar&rsquo;s podcast Say It All, where she spoke about her personal struggles with self-identity, health challenges, and allegations of workplace harassment in the entertainment industry.

During the conversation, Mamya described what she called her worst acting experience in Pakistan, alleging uncomfortable behaviour from fellow actor Arsalan Khan. She said the experience left her feeling pressured and disrespected in professional settings.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





&ldquo;There was this guy, like every other thirsty man in our country, who saw my profile and assumed I would be fine with being touchy-feely or overly friendly,&rdquo; she said.

Mamya clarified that she is not comfortable with physical contact, adding, &ldquo;I am not a touchy-feely person. It takes someone becoming a close friend for me to even give a hug; otherwise, I prefer just a handshake.&rdquo;

She added, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t have any shame in naming him. I think his name was Arsalan Khan, and he started making me feel uncomfortable.&rdquo;

Commenting on his professionalism, she said, &ldquo;He is absolutely a nobody. I wouldn&rsquo;t even call him an actor. He could barely pronounce words properly. Yet he started lecturing me about acting while not doing the job himself.&rdquo;





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





Mamya alleged that the situation escalated to the point where a director had to intervene and instruct both parties to focus on work. She further claimed that despite her discomfort, the actor continued attempting to initiate physical contact.

&ldquo;When he realised I wasn&rsquo;t overly friendly and only communicated through work, I think he got intimidated,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Maybe he was insecure. I was very confused.&rdquo;

She also described another heated on-set exchange during a discussion about writer Manto, where she said the actor disagreed with her interpretation and the argument escalated. &ldquo;He stood up and started shaking his belt as if he wanted to take it off and hit me. He then started calling me names on set,&rdquo; she alleged.

Mamya further claimed that he repeatedly attempted to hug her despite her refusal. &ldquo;He said, &lsquo;Come give me a hug,&rsquo; but I kept saying please don&rsquo;t touch me. I had to repeat it multiple times before I eventually shouted.&rdquo;

She also alleged that he made inappropriate comments about her appearance, which added to her discomfort during shoots.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





Later, Mamya clarified on her Instagram story that she was not referring to another actor with the same name who was being mistakenly circulated online.

Beyond the allegations, the actor also reflected on the psychological impact of her acting career. She spoke about her film Lali, screened at the 76th Berlin Film Festival, saying her character &ldquo;Zeba&rdquo; continued to affect her long after filming ended.

&ldquo;I realised I was still coming out of Zeba. I had embodied the character, and she began living in my subconscious. I was stuck in her darkness without realising why I was reacting so strongly to certain things,&rdquo; she said.

She also discussed her ongoing mental health struggles, including living with lupus, and broader challenges related to identity and acceptance while growing up.

Disclaimer: The interview appears to have been taken down after this report was filed.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/mamya1779358149-0/mamya1779358149-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Section 144 imposed in Murree ahead of Eidul Azha</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609329/section-144-imposed-in-murree-ahead-of-eidul-azha</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609329/section-144-imposed-in-murree-ahead-of-eidul-azha#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 10:04:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609329</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Punjab Home Department imposes Section 144 for 30 days around airports, PAF bases]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab government on Thursday imposed Section 144 in Murree and around airports and PAF bases ahead of Eidul Azha, aiming to manage crowds, ensure public safety, and prevent any untoward incidents during the holiday period.

According to a notification issued by the Murree Deputy Commissioner, stated that only families would be allowed entry to Mall Road Murree during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays as the district administration moved&nbsp;to manage expected tourist congestion and maintain law and order

&ldquo;During the Eidul Azha holidays, a large influx of tourists is expected in Murree, which is likely to cause difficulty in maintaining law and order, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and avoiding any untoward situation,&quot; it said.

It further added that the police also recommended allowing only families on Mall Road, Murree, in order to facilitate tourists.

&nbsp;



The administration imposed Section 144 under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) across the area, with a specific ban on non-family gatherings. The order reads that &quot;any type of gatherings other than families&quot; within the vicinity of Mall Road shall not be allowed access to the area.

Authorities&nbsp;warned that strict action would be taken against violators during the enforcement period, while the restrictions would remain in force for 11 days, from May 20 to May 31.&nbsp;

Read: Govt declares May 26-28 public holidays for Eidul Azha

In a separate notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, Section 144 was imposed for 30 days around airports and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases across the province, banning several activities considered a threat to aviation safety.



بہ تسلیمات نظامتِ اعلیٰ تعلقاتِ عامہ پنجاب، لاہور
توصیف صبیح گوندل، ڈائریکٹر پبلک ریلیشنز، محکمہ داخلہ پنجاب
ہینڈ آؤٹ

پنجاب میں تمام ہوائی اڈوں اور پاک فضائیہ کی ائیر بیسز کے گرد دفعہ 144 نافذ
دفعہ 144 کے تحت ہوائی اڈوں اور ائیر بیسز کے گرد 13 کلومیٹر میں کبوتر بازی، لیزر لائٹ&hellip; pic.twitter.com/y8kl9qYa3i
&mdash; Home Department Punjab (@homedptpunjab) May 21, 2026


According to the notification, based on information received from reliable sources, that certain activities &mdash; including pigeon homing, the use of laser lights, and the disposal of meat (sadqa) in open areas for carnivorous birds &mdash; could &ldquo;pose a serious risk to flight operations and aviation assets&rdquo;.

It stated that there were sufficient grounds to impose restrictions under Section 144 as an &ldquo;immediate prevention to disturbance of public peace, safety of lives and property of the public and tranquillity&rdquo;.

Read More: Eid rush returns, inflation bites

The Home Department secretary imposed the restrictions under Section 144(6) of the CrPC. The ban applies within a 13-kilometre radius around all PAF bases and commercial airports in Punjab and came into effect immediately.

Officials said the disposal of meat near airports during Eidul Azha often attracts birds, creating hazards for aircraft operations and endangering passengers, flight safety and surrounding areas. Authorities added that awareness campaigns have been launched in recent years to discourage such practices and minimise risks to aviation operations.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/441777585373-0/441777585373-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Gaza flotilla activists to be deported after taunting by Israeli minister</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609327/gaza-flotilla-activists-to-be-deported-after-taunting-by-israeli-minister</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609327/gaza-flotilla-activists-to-be-deported-after-taunting-by-israeli-minister#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 10:02:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609327</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ben-Gvir's port video gave him a campaign reel, and Israel, five diplomatic summons]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Israeli authorities are currently deporting 37 French nationals who were part of the group of activists on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla to Turkey, a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Turkey planning special flights to bring back activists&nbsp;

Turkey is planning special flights from Israel on Thursday to fly out its citizens and some activists from third countries who joined a global aid flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli forces while trying to break its Gaza blockade, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.



K&uuml;resel Sumud Filosu&rsquo;na ger&ccedil;ekleştirilen hukuka aykırı m&uuml;dahale sonucunda alıkonulan vatandaşlarımızın g&uuml;venliğini ve &uuml;lkemize sağ salim d&ouml;n&uuml;şlerini sağlamak i&ccedil;in ilgili t&uuml;m kurumlarımızla birlikte &ccedil;alışıyoruz.

Bug&uuml;n d&uuml;zenleyeceğimiz &ouml;zel u&ccedil;ak seferleriyle vatandaşlarımızı ve&hellip;
&mdash; Hakan Fidan (@HakanFidan) May 21, 2026



Fidan said on X that all Turkish institutions were working to ensure the security and safe return of Turkish nationals.

Broadcaster NTV separately said Turkish Airlines has sent three planes to Israel for the repatriations.

Gaza flotilla activists who were detained by Israel and later pinned to the ground to the taunts of Israel&#39;s far-right ​police minister have been released from prison and will be deported to Turkey on Thursday, officials said.

The activists were arrested at a port in &zwnj;southern Israel after the Israeli navy intercepted their protest flotilla in international waters. Their treatment by police officers under Itamar Ben-Gvir&#39;s direction drew an international outcry and a rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ben-Gvir and at least one other minister in Netanyahu&#39;s government, transport chief Miri Regev, posted campaign-style videos of themselves visiting the port and lambasting the protesters, attention-grabbing antics ahead of potential early elections in Israel.

Activists to be flown to Turkey from Southern Israel

Flotilla organisers say they aim to break Israel&#39;s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance, something aid bodies say is ​still in short supply despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since October 2025 that includes guarantees of increased aid.

The ⁠flotilla departed from southern Turkey this week before being intercepted on Wednesday. Past flotillas - including one carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg - were also intercepted by Israel, with participants ​later deported.

In a statement, Israeli rights group Adalah said the estimated 430 activists had been released from prison in southern Israel and would be deported via the Ramon airport near ​Eilat on the Red Sea.

Read More: Israeli forces detain Saad Edhi, other volunteers after intercepting Global Sumud Flotilla

Turkey&#39;s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country was conducting special flights that would bring Turkish citizens as well as third-country participants to Turkey. Those on board the flotilla included citizens of Spain, South Korea and Ireland.

&quot;We will continue to uphold the rights of our citizens and fulfil our humanitarian responsibility toward civilians in Gaza,&quot; Fidan said.

Spain&#39;s foreign minister said its diplomats ​in Israel had been informed that some 44 Spanish flotilla members would depart from Israel at 3pm local time (1200 GMT).

Taunting of activists comes ahead of Israeli election

Ben-Gvir&#39;s ​video showed officers forcing an activist to the ground after she chanted &quot;Free, free Palestine&quot;.

The video also shows dozens of detained activists kneeling in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their backs, in what &zwnj;appears to ⁠be an outdoor Israeli port facility. In the background, soldiers armed with long guns can be seen patrolling the area from aboard a military vessel.



Israeli navy escorts vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla to Ashdod Port, in southern Israel. Photo: REUTERS

During Israel&#39;s two-year intensified military assault in Gaza since October 2023, Israeli troops frequently lined up detained Palestinians on the ground, with their hands bound.

&quot;Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything,&quot; Ben-Gvir says in the video as he walks by the activists while carrying a large Israeli flag.

Also Read: UN special rapporteur urges Mediterranean states to protect Global Sumud Flotilla

Posting her own video at Ashdod port, transport ​chief Miri Regev, a member of Netanyahu&#39;s political ​party, said: &quot;This is what should be ⁠done to supporters of terror who came to break the siege on Gaza.&quot;

Netanyahu, who leads the most right-wing government in Israel&#39;s history, said Ben-Gvir&#39;s conduct was &quot;not in line with Israel&#39;s values and norms.&quot; The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said he &quot;betrayed (the) dignity of ​his nation.&quot;

Ben-Gvir&#39;s political base includes some of Israel&#39;s most nationalist voters, a bloc that Netanyahu&#39;s Likud party has in the past ​tried to woo ahead ⁠of national elections, the next of which is due by October 27.

This week, Israel moved closer to a snap election after lawmakers gave an initial nod to dissolve parliament, with opinion polls showing Netanyahu would lose the first national vote since the 2023 Hamas attacks.

International outcry with Israeli envoys summoned

The detention and taunting of the activists led France, Canada, Spain, Portugal and the ⁠Netherlands to ​summon top Israeli diplomats in their countries.

Canada and Spain are among the countries that have imposed sanctions on ​Ben-Gvir and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, citing allegations that they incited violence against Palestinians.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that whatever one thinks of the flotilla, &quot;our compatriots who are participating in it must be treated ​with respect and released as quickly as possible.&quot;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/flotilla-r1779371675-0/flotilla-r1779371675-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>China and Russia rally behind Cuba as US indicts Raul Castro</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609325/china-and-russia-rally-behind-cuba-as-us-indicts-raul-castro</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609325/china-and-russia-rally-behind-cuba-as-us-indicts-raul-castro#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 09:42:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP / Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609325</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Indictment of 94-year-old former president has reignited Cold War fault lines]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[China said it supported Cuba and urged the United States to &quot;stop brandishing the judicial stick&quot; against the country, after Washington indicted the Caribbean island&#39;s former leader Raul Castro on murder charges.

The US charges against the 94-year-old former president -- announced on Wednesday -- fuelled speculation that President Donald Trump will try to topple the communist state.

&quot;The US side should stop brandishing the sanctions stick and the judicial stick against Cuba and stop threatening force at every turn,&quot; Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a press briefing Thursday, when asked about the US charges.

&quot;China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity and opposes external interference,&quot; Guo said.

Also Read: Cuba warns of &#39;bloodbath&#39; if US attacks

Russia also said on Thursday that it would provide active support ​to Cuba despite attempts by the United &zwnj;States to intimidate and tighten the &quot;sanctions noose&quot; around the Communist‑run island republic, Reuters reported.

&quot;We will continue to provide the most active support to ​the fraternal Cuban people during this extremely ​difficult period,&quot; Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told &zwnj;reporters.

&quot;We ⁠reaffirm our full solidarity with Cuba and strongly condemn any attempts at gross interference in the internal affairs of a ​sovereign state, intimidation, ​and ⁠the use of illegal unilateral restrictive measures, threats, and blackmail.&quot;

Zakharova gave ​no details of the support that ​Russia ⁠would provide but said the United States was showing its &quot;intolerance towards any form of ⁠dissent ​and a cynical embodiment ​of the revived Monroe Doctrine.&quot;

Read More: US weighs drone threat from Cuba: report

Castro is the younger brother of Fidel Castro, the late influential US nemesis who led Cuba&#39;s 1959 communist revolution.

The charges against him stem from the downing of two civilian planes manned by anti-Castro pilots in 1996, which resulted in four deaths.

Raul Castro was also charged with conspiracy to kill Americans and destruction of aircraft.

Trump hailed the indictment on Wednesday as a &quot;very big moment&quot; but played down prospects of moving on Cuba, whose economy has been in a deepening crisis for months, driven by a US oil blockade.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/China-Russia-flags1648648668-0/China-Russia-flags1648648668-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Hasan Raheem says ‘music and art will win’ as he reflects on fame, friendships and global success</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609323/hasan-raheem-says-music-and-art-will-win-as-he-reflects-on-fame-friendships-and-global-success</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609323/hasan-raheem-says-music-and-art-will-win-as-he-reflects-on-fame-friendships-and-global-success#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 09:25:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609323</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Singer reflects on Gilgit roots, global fame, Talwinder, and the growing reach of his music]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Singer Hasan Raheem opened up about his rapid rise to fame, global fan following, and personal journey during an exclusive backstage interview with Haroon Rashid at the London leg of his Dil Kay Parday World Tour.

Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Hasan reflected on how his roots in Gilgit continue to shape both his identity and music.

The singer shared that his upbringing naturally influences his songwriting and outlook, adding that he hopes younger people from Gilgit see his success as proof that they can pursue ambitious careers of their own, whether in music, medicine, or any other field.

Hasan also spoke about the overwhelming response to his recent wedding celebrations, which gained global attention online for their authentic Gilgiti traditions. According to the singer, the viral coverage introduced his music to audiences who may not have previously listened to his work.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





During the conversation, Hasan described himself as &ldquo;a fan&rdquo; while performing on stage, explaining that he values the energy exchange between himself and audiences during live shows. He added that he approaches every performance with the same effort and sincerity, regardless of the venue size. The interview further explored Hasan&rsquo;s collaborative approach to music and the strong friendships he has built with fellow artists, including Talwiinder.

Recalling the viral moment Talwiinder surprised audiences during Hasan&rsquo;s Toronto concert, the singer revealed the pair have already worked on three songs together, including one he described as being &ldquo;loved by millions.&rdquo; Hasan said he &ldquo;couldn&rsquo;t stop hugging him&rdquo; when Talwiinder walked on stage, while the crowd erupted with excitement at the unexpected appearance.

When Haroon reminded Hasan that he had introduced Talwiinder as his &ldquo;brother from another mother,&rdquo; the singer responded warmly, saying, &ldquo;He is the best lad. We had the best time on stage.&rdquo;

He explained that the surprise appearance was intentionally kept secret because they wanted audiences to experience a genuine moment of excitement. According to the singer, fans repeatedly asked Talwiinder to perform more songs even after the planned segment had ended. &ldquo;He kept saying, &lsquo;Let&rsquo;s do it again, brother,&rsquo;&rdquo; he shared.

Discussing collaborations more broadly, Hasan said modern artists are becoming increasingly open to working across borders and cultures.

&ldquo;Art is supposed to be borderless,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If I like someone&rsquo;s songs, their energy, or the way they talk, I&rsquo;ll just message them and say, Let&rsquo;s make something together.&rdquo; The singer added that such collaborations often end up benefiting both music and culture by connecting audiences from different backgrounds.

Haroon also asked Hasan where his willingness to share the spotlight with guest performers comes from, despite headlining his own tours.

In response, the actor said he grew up watching concert videos where surprise appearances would leave audiences stunned, adding that he always wanted to recreate those same moments for his own fans. He credited his parents for shaping his outlook on life, saying they taught him to value moments shared with loved ones because success and fame are temporary.

&ldquo;My parents always told me nothing is permanent,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The moments you have should be lived fully with your friends and loved ones.&rdquo;&nbsp;Ending the conversation on a hopeful note, the singer said: &ldquo;At the end, music and art will win.&rdquo;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design-91779361357-0/untitled-design-91779361357-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Military awards conferred at GHQ in recognition of gallantry, distinguished service</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609322/military-awards-conferred-at-ghq-in-recognition-of-gallantry-distinguished-service</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609322/military-awards-conferred-at-ghq-in-recognition-of-gallantry-distinguished-service#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 09:18:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Rawalpindi]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609322</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Decorations include 50 Sitara-e-Imtiaz, 12 Tamgha-e-Basalat, posthumously received with honour by families of martyrs]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[An investiture ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to confer military awards on officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army in recognition of exceptional gallantry in operations and distinguished services rendered to the nation, the military&rsquo;s media wing said on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir attended as the chief guest and conferred awards on the families of martyrs, as well as on serving officers and soldiers.



ISPR said the decorations included 50 Sitara-i-Imtiaz and 12 Tamgha-i-Basalat. Medals awarded posthumously were received with honour by the families of martyrs.



Paying tribute to the fallen and the wounded in service, Field Marshal Munir said, &ldquo;Shuhada and Ghazis remain the enduring pride of the nation. Their honour and sacrifice are a sacred trust for every Pakistani. Peace and security of our motherland are owed to their supreme sacrifices and unwavering devotion to duty.&rdquo;



He also expressed &ldquo;profound admiration for the resilience, dignity and steadfastness demonstrated by the families of Shuhada,&rdquo; acknowledging their &ldquo;unparalleled sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the homeland.&rdquo;



Commending the operational preparedness and resolve of the Pakistan Army and Law Enforcement Agencies, Field Marshal Munir lauded their continued efforts against terrorism and reaffirmed that &ldquo;the fight against terrorism will continue with full national resolve until enduring peace and stability are achieved across the country,&rdquo; ISPR added.



Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred 47 military awards upon distinguished officers and soldiers to recognise their exceptional bravery, leadership and meritorious services rendered for the defence of the country.

Three personnel, including one officer and two jawans who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, were posthumously awarded Sitara-i-Basalat for acts of gallantry and sacrifice.

The president also conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon 44 senior officers of the armed forces. The awards recognised their outstanding leadership and meritorious services.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design-361779358283-0/untitled-design-361779358283-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Mizna Waqas calls out on-set tantrums, poor hygiene in entertainment industry</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609319/mizna-waqas-calls-out-on-set-tantrums-poor-hygiene-in-entertainment-industry</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609319/mizna-waqas-calls-out-on-set-tantrums-poor-hygiene-in-entertainment-industry#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 08:44:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609319</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says actors should carry essentials such as tissues, soap bottles and mosquito repellent to shoots]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Actor Mizna Waqas recently appeared on Maya Khan&rsquo;s podcast, where she drew attention online for her candid and unfiltered remarks about hygiene and tantrums in the entertainment industry.

During the conversation, the actor reflected on her time working in film and television, offering a blunt look at on-set behaviour and the poor hygiene habits of some actors and staff members.

Clips from the episode went viral, with viewers reacting strongly to her confident tone and outspoken comments.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





In one widely shared clip, Mizna humorously mimicked actors who forget their lines on set, joking about the chaos of large productions and exaggerated demands such as constant requests for personal assistance.

&ldquo;&lsquo;What was my line?&rsquo;&rdquo; she said while flipping her hair dramatically. &ldquo;There are 70 people around you, and you are still saying things like, &lsquo;Give me a tissue, hand me my mirror, bring me my fan, what is my line again?&rsquo;&rdquo;

She also commented on hygiene habits and professionalism in general terms, saying some individuals appear overly particular about cleanliness while still showing poor personal hygiene on set. &ldquo;They care so much about hygiene, but when they come close to you, their breath smells so bad,&rdquo; said Mizna .

She joked, &ldquo;I have even tried offering people elaichi, and they would say, &lsquo;We don&rsquo;t eat it,&rsquo; and I&rsquo;d reply, &lsquo;Can you please eat it for me?&rsquo;&rdquo; &ldquo;The person in front of you is dying,&rdquo; she added while laughing.

Mizna said she prefers to stay prepared during shoots by carrying personal essentials with her. &ldquo;I always keep small tissues, disposable soap bottles, a hairbrush and a roll-on perfume with me,&rdquo; she said.

The actor further remarked, &ldquo;Some people have so many issues that I think it is better for them to just stay home. I get a migraine from hearing their complaints.&rdquo;

&ldquo;If someone has been complaining since morning that a certain product is not available in the bathroom, they should simply buy it and keep it in their bag. If you know you are going for a shoot, especially an outdoor one, keep mosquito repellent with you,&rdquo; she added.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





She also spoke about the professionalism of co-stars including Sonya Hussyn, Iqra Aziz and Yumna Zaidi, describing them as grounded and professional actors who do not create unnecessary demands on set.&nbsp;

Mizna is widely recognised for her role as Billo in the popular drama Suno Chanda, where she portrayed a lively character in a joint family setting.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/mizna-waqas1779353142-0/mizna-waqas1779353142-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Japan dismisses claims by Russia, China over its ‘remilitarisation’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609314/japan-dismisses-claims-by-russia-china-over-its-remilitarization</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609314/japan-dismisses-claims-by-russia-china-over-its-remilitarization#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 08:14:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609314</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Caught between a wavering US and an anxious neighbourhood, Japan is done apologising for building its military back up]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Japan on Thursday dismissed criticism from China and Russia over its &quot;remilitarisation&quot; as &quot;unfounded.&quot;

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a joint statement on Wednesday that Japan is accelerating remilitarisation and threatening regional peace and stability.

Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said at a news conference that Japan wants China to &quot;change its behaviour&quot; over issues such as Beijing&rsquo;s military activities, which he said are a &quot;cause for serious concern for the international community,&quot; and urged Russia to &quot;stop its invasion of Ukraine,&quot; according to Kyodo News Agency.

Putin concluded a two-day visit to China on Wednesday.

Japan&rsquo;s relations with China have deteriorated since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#39;s remarks last November that China&#39;s possible use of force against Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province, could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan, in which the country could exercise its right of collective self-defence.

Read: Japanese PM praises Pakistan&rsquo;s role in facilitating US&ndash;Iran talks in Islamabad

Since then, China has repeatedly expressed its opposition to Japan&#39;s rearmament efforts.

Japan, in a significant departure from its postwar security posture, scrapped longstanding restrictions on military equipment transfers last month, opening the door to the export of lethal weapons as it seeks to expand its defence industry and strategic reach.

Reuters reported in April that Japan&#39;s imminent easing of arms export rules sparked strong interest from Warsaw to Manila, as President Donald Trump wavers on security commitments to allies and the wars in Iran and Ukraine strain US weapons supplies.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#39;s ruling party approved the changes this week as she tries to invigorate the pacifist country&#39;s military industrial base. Her government will formally adopt the new rules as soon as this month, three Japanese government officials told Reuters.

Despite largely isolating itself from global arms markets since World War Two, Japan spends enough on its own military - $60 billion this year - to sustain a sizeable defence industry capable of manufacturing advanced systems like submarines and fighter jets.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/551779313565-5/551779313565-5.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>South Korea's Samsung labor union suspends general strike</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609313/south-koreas-samsung-labor-union-suspends-general-strike</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609313/south-koreas-samsung-labor-union-suspends-general-strike#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 08:01:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609313</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[From 93% strike mandate to a tentative deal, Samsung's labour standoff enters a new and uncertain phase]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Unionised workers at Samsung Electronics in South Korea have said they have decided to suspend plans for a general strike, according to local media.

&quot;We will postpone the general strike scheduled for May 21-June 7 until further notice,&quot; the joint headquarters of Samsung Electronics&#39; labour union said in a notice, Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday.

However, a group of shareholders said on Thursday they would take legal action against the tentative wage deal, calling it illegal.

The strike had originally been scheduled to begin on Thursday and last for 18 days.

Under the tentative agreement, Samsung will allocate a special semiconductor performance bonus equivalent to 10.5% of business performance earnings, without a cap.

Also&nbsp;Read: Samsung Elec, AMD sign MoU on AI memory, explore foundry partnership

The deal will be put to a vote by union members from Friday to Wednesday.

Samsung Electronics&#39; unionised workers in South Korea voted in March to authorise a strike, deepening a labour dispute ​over bonuses and raising the risk of production disruptions at the world&#39;s &zwnj;biggest memory chipmaker.

A total of 93% of its 66,019 workers who cast ballots approved the strike plan, the union said.

If the workers fail to agree on a deal, they plan to strike for 18 days from ​May 21, the union has said.

The union said the overwhelming support is a &quot;strong ​warning&quot; that management should respond to union demands.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/capturesamsung1773814227-0/capturesamsung1773814227-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PSX jumps over 3,680 points as oil prices retreat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609312/psx-surges-over-3000-points-in-early-trading</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609312/psx-surges-over-3000-points-in-early-trading#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 07:59:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondents]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609312</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Broad-based rally lifts KSE-100 to 168,514 amid US-Iran hopes]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The KSE-100 Index witnessed a strong relief rally on Thursday, climbing over 3,680 points to close above 168,500 as positive global cues and easing oil prices boosted investor sentiment across the board.

The KSE-100 Index closed at 168,514 points, advancing 3,683 points (+2.23% DoD) in a broad-based relief rally as sentiment improved sharply across the board. &quot;Trading activity also picked up versus recent sessions, with 270 million shares traded in the KSE-100 universe, signalling healthier participation after several muted days, although volumes still remain below phases of full risk-on momentum,&quot; said Ahmed Sheraz of KASB KTrade.

Sector-wise, gains were widespread with commercial banks, fertilisers, cement, E&amp;Ps and power names driving the move, supported by strength in stocks including UBL, FFBL, FCCL, HUBC, HBL, ENGROH, PPL, OGDC and NBP. Volume leaders included BOP (29m&nbsp;shares), KEL (26m) and TRG (17m), reflecting renewed appetite in selective high-beta counters.

On the macro front, sentiment received support from the sharp pullback in global oil prices, with crude retreating toward US$105/bbl after reports that a draft understanding between the US and Iran could be circulated within the next 24&ndash;48 hours, raising expectations of easing regional tensions and improved supply outlook.

Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic engagement aimed at facilitating dialogue also remained in focus. Meanwhile, positive cues from Asian and US equity markets added to local risk appetite.

Looking ahead, the market remains headline-driven, with near-term direction likely to depend on developments surrounding US-Iran negotiations, Strait of Hormuz dynamics, oil price trajectory, and follow-through in foreign and local risk sentiment. Continued easing in energy markets could remain supportive, but volatility tied to geopolitical headlines is expected to persist.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/aaa-canva-1200x900-191768934324-2/aaa-canva-1200x900-191768934324-2.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PM Shehbaz urges AKDN to expand partnership with Pakistan in meeting with Aga Khan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609311/pm-shehbaz-urges-akdn-to-expand-partnership-with-pakistan-in-meeting-with-aga-khan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609311/pm-shehbaz-urges-akdn-to-expand-partnership-with-pakistan-in-meeting-with-aga-khan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 07:58:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609311</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Prince Rahim expresses his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hosted a breakfast meeting for Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, wherein he encouraged the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to deepen and expand its partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where its institutional presence and community outreach were highly valued.

The prime minister warmly welcomed Prince Rahim, who is on his first official&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to Pakistan, and appreciated his commitment to fostering peace, stability, and constructive engagement with governments and international partners, besides assuring him of Pakistan&rsquo;s shared commitment to these ideals.

PM&nbsp;Shehbaz highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the AKDN, and commended its contributions in rural development, healthcare, education, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, digital skills training, and youth entrepreneurship.



Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the breakfast hosted in the honor of Prince Rahim Agha Khan at Prime Minister&#39;s House, Islamabad. 21 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/RoTDkIVMT2
&mdash; Prime Minister&#39;s Office (@PakPMO) May 21, 2026


He particularly appreciated AKDN&rsquo;s impactful work in G-B and Chitral, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.

The prime minister welcomed enhanced engagement with Aga Khan University (AKU), noting its major contributions in healthcare and higher education.

Recognising Prince Rahim&rsquo;s advocacy for environmental stewardship, the prime minister emphasised that AKDN remained a natural and trusted partner in Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, particularly in glacially vulnerable northern areas.

He thanked Prince Rahim for visiting Pakistan and assured him that Pakistan would always remain his second home, besides expressing the hope that his regular visits would further strengthen the longstanding bonds between Pakistan and the Ismaili community.

PM Shehbaz also expressed his gratitude to Prince Rahim&rsquo;s generosity for making the Serena Hotel available on a gratis basis for the Islamabad Talks between Iran and the United States on April 11-12, 2026.

Read More:&nbsp;Aga Khan reaffirms support for humanitarian causes

The prime minister also extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Prince Rahim&rsquo;s father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, paying tribute to the deceased&rsquo;s enduring humanitarian legacy and his longstanding association with Pakistan spanning nearly seven decades.

PM Shehbaz also presented a commemorative postal stamp issued by Pakistan Post to honour the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV for his services to Pakistan.

Prince Rahim thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome extended to him in Pakistan and expressed his desire to continue cooperation with Pakistan in various human development initiatives.

A day earlier,&nbsp;President Asif Ali Zardari received Prince Rahim upon his arrival at Noor Khan Airbase on an official visit to Pakistan. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari accompanied the president.

The visit marks Prince Rahim&rsquo;s first to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as the 50th Imam following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

The president also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif,&nbsp;Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, other officials, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/1200x900-31779354652-0/1200x900-31779354652-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Toffees and selfies: 'Melodi' duo steal spotlight at Italy-India talks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609308/toffees-and-selfies-melodi-duo-steal-spotlight-at-italy-india-talks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609308/toffees-and-selfies-melodi-duo-steal-spotlight-at-italy-india-talks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 07:52:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609308</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Modi gifting Italian PM Meloni a pack of Melody toffees sparks viral memes, brand frenzy, and political debate]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A Colosseum selfie and a pack of toffees triggered a series of memes that lit up the internet on Wednesday, as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, ahead of talks in Rome.

Modi, who arrived late on Tuesday and visited the Colosseum with the Italian leader, gave Meloni a pack of toffees branded &quot;Melody,&quot; as the two sought to cement their already close ties.

A video published by Meloni on social media later showed her thanking Modi for the toffees as they both laughed heartily at the camera. Meloni captioned the post: &ldquo;Thank you for the gift.&rdquo;

In about six hours, the video drew more than 110 million views on Meloni&#39;s social media accounts and tens of thousands of reposts.

&ldquo;(We have) a genuine friendship based on mutual respect and trust,&rdquo; Meloni said during joint press statements with Modi.

Italy, like other European countries, has looked to India as a strategic partner, and Meloni has had close ties with Modi since they met at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi in 2023.

There, the nickname Melodi, a blend of their surnames, was coined on social media.

Social media users in India marvelled at how such a small gesture as a gift of toffees could &ldquo;break the internet&rdquo;, while others questioned whether two prime ministers should engage in such public banter.

Brands jump on bandwagon

Brands quickly joined in. Quick-commerce firm Blinkit said it was seeing a surge in searches for &quot;Melody&quot;, made by unlisted Indian biscuits and confectionery maker Parle Products, while Air India posted a Rome-themed commercial referencing the toffee.

Shares of unrelated Parle Industries, which is into real estate and infrastructure, jumped 5% after the video was posted, with local media reporting that investors may have mistaken it for the toffee maker.

However, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Modi&rsquo;s gesture, saying it was ill-timed when India faced economic pressures from the Iran war and rising energy prices.

The two leaders met again on Wednesday morning at the 17th-century Villa Doria Pamphili, a diplomatic venue where Meloni usually receives high-profile foreign leaders.

After their meeting, Meloni and Modi were due to plant a black mulberry tree in the gardens of the villa as a symbolic gesture of friendship.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design1779351125-3/untitled-design1779351125-3.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Asma Abbas responds gracefully to online trolling over launch of fashion brand</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609307/asma-abbas-responds-gracefully-to-online-trolling-over-launch-of-fashion-brand</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609307/asma-abbas-responds-gracefully-to-online-trolling-over-launch-of-fashion-brand#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 07:49:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609307</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Veteran actor clarifies her brand is only for fashion sales, not for career or industry opportunities]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Veteran actor Asma Abbas was recently trolled online following the launch of her new brand, Asma Abbas Designs.

The actor took to Instagram to share a collaborative post from her personal account and her new fashion brand, sharing promotional videos of her Eid collection.





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





Many said the designs were &ldquo;loud&rdquo; and &ldquo;overly bright.&rdquo;

The backlash quickly sparked debate online, with many users calling out the unnecessary negativity directed at the senior actor.







One user wrote, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a humble request to not ruin other people&rsquo;s simple joys.&rdquo;

The actor took to her Instagram, ignoring the hate and responding with grace. &ldquo;Thank you for all the love for my designs and placing orders,&rdquo; she said.



The backlash quickly sparked debate online, with many social media users calling out the unnecessary negativity directed at the senior actor.

One user wrote, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a humble request to not ruin other people&rsquo;s simple joys.&rdquo;





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





She also clarified that this is a personal business she started from her home solely to share her designs with the world, not to offer career assistance to anyone.

&ldquo;If you are looking for connections in acting or want to speak to producers or writers, I request you do not come. This is only for people who are interested in shopping, not for those seeking help with their careers,&rdquo; Asma said. She concluded, &ldquo;My job is to make clothes that you enjoy.&rdquo;





&nbsp;


&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;




View this post on Instagram


&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;




&nbsp;

&nbsp;





The actor launched the brand at an event held on May 16.

At the same time, she is continuing her acting journey, appearing in several dramas this year, including Mirza Ki Heer.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/asma-abbas1779350031-0/asma-abbas1779350031-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Sindh sets 90-day deadline for Karachi University Road BRT project, approves off-budget funding for FWO</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609306/sindh-sets-90-day-deadline-for-karachi-university-road-brt-project-approves-off-budget-funding-for</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609306/sindh-sets-90-day-deadline-for-karachi-university-road-brt-project-approves-off-budget-funding-for#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 07:49:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleem Jhandir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609306</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cabinet OKs series of amendment bills related to higher education institutions]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Sindh Cabinet on Thursday endorsed a 90-day deadline, set by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, for the completion of mixed traffic lanes, underpasses, and elevated structures along Karachi&rsquo;s University Road, including off-budget funding for the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to ensure rapid relief.

The development emerged during a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Murad, which approved important decisions spanning the JPMC&ndash;NICH law, centralised medical residency policy, TVET and university amendments, BRT Red Line revival, SBOSS handover, and fishing ban relief.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister&#39;s House, &quot;In an effort to fast-track the long-delayed Karachi BRT Red Line Project, the cabinet approved a high-priority summary from the Transport and Mass Transit Department to accelerate construction on the Lot 2 corridor.&quot;

&quot;Following termination of the previous joint venture contractor over persistent delays and non-compliance, the cabinet authorised emergency engagement of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) under a direct contracting, government-to-government arrangement,&quot; it stated.



KARACHI (May 21, 2026) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presides over a meeting of the provincial cabinet at the CM House. pic.twitter.com/poD6YJsAby
&mdash; Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) May 21, 2026


It further added that the direct award covered priority works on Lot 2, a 12.85-kilometre urban stretch from Numaish Chowrangi to Mosamiyat. &quot;To ensure rapid relief along University Road, the cabinet endorsed a 90-day deadline, set by the chief minister, for the completion of mixed traffic lanes, underpasses, elevated structures, and the associated drainage network.&quot;

The cabinet also approved off-budget emergency funding to TransKarachi to enable quick financial mobilisation for FWO, which has already deployed personnel and heavy machinery to restore the corridor.

According to the statement, the cabinet also approved&nbsp;a series of amendment bills related to higher education institutions, expansion and establishment of new private university campuses within and outside Sindh.

The cabinet approved four major reform summaries, including legal and administrative changes submitted by the Universities and Boards Department aimed at strengthening governance in the education sector.

Approval for amendments to the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource, Research and Development Board Act, expanding eligibility for the chairperson&rsquo;s post to include industrialists, skills development experts, and public policy professionals, was also given during the meeting

The statement said that&nbsp;the Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA) Amendment Bill 2026 was approved, making registration mandatory for all public and private TVET institutions and introducing a strengthened quality assurance and governance framework.

Read: Karachi to get dedicated heavy transport terminal at Northern Bypass

Following approval, the chief minister directed that all four bills be forwarded to the provincial assembly for final approval.

The FWO began work on a section of the BRT Red Line project on April 29. After the contractor for Lot 2 -- from Mosamiyat to Hasan Square -- was stopped from working and their office was sealed, this portion of the project was handed over to FWO, who deployed machinery and staff at the site.

In the first phase, the FWO would repair the roads connected to the BRT project that are currently in use as alternative routes for traffic. The organisation has also placed banners and panaflex signs along the Mosamiyat to Hasan Square section, apologising to the public for the inconvenience caused by the construction work.

Read More: Part of BRT Red Line project given to FWO

After remaining a source of frustration for citizens for years, the Sindh government has finally resumed work on the long-delayed Red Line project in Karachi. The sight of heavy machinery and labour activity along University Road surprised and pleased residents.

The Red Line project, one of the largest development schemes in Karachi&#39;s history, had turned into a major hardship for commuters. On Monday, a team from The Express Tribune visited the stretch from Numaish Chowrangi to Mosamiyat and observed active construction work for the first time in over four and a half years. Heavy machinery and a large workforce were seen operating simultaneously at multiple points.

At New MA Jinnah Road, construction activity has been visible with machinery and labour working side by side. Near New Town police station, road levelling was underway using heavy equipment, while workers were engaged in clearing debris. Cement barriers that were previously scattered across different points, causing traffic disruption, were also being removed and repositioned, improving traffic flow.

Similar activity was observed near Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque, Mazaar-e-Quaid vicinity, and at Nipa Chowrangi, where drainage work was underway. Other sections of the route also showed visible construction progress.

The 24-kilometre-long Red Line project on University Road began in 2022 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2024. However, it faced repeated delays, negligence, and mismanagement, leaving the project stalled for years.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design-351779354814-0/untitled-design-351779354814-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Wanted commander among five terrorists killed in North Waziristan IBO: security sources</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609303/wanted-commander-among-five-terrorists-killed-in-north-waziristan-ibo-security-sources</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609303/wanted-commander-among-five-terrorists-killed-in-north-waziristan-ibo-security-sources#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 07:03:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609303</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Commander was carrying bounty of Rs3m, considered mastermind behind multiple attacks on security forces and civilians]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Security forces killed a highly wanted terrorist commander along with four other terrorists in a major intelligence-based operation in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan, security sources said on Thursday.

The operation was launched following intelligence reports about the presence of an extremely wanted terrorist leader identified as Umar alias Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib. According to security sources, the commander was carrying a bounty of Rs3 million&nbsp;due to his alleged involvement in militant activities.

&ldquo;Khwariji commander Umar alias Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib was involved in multiple terrorist attacks targeting security forces and civilians,&rdquo; security sources said.

Sources further stated that the militant commander had established underground bunkers, tunnels and explosive traps in the area surrounding Bobali Mosque in Spinwam.

&ldquo;Security forces encircled the terrorists through a coordinated strategy and eliminated them,&rdquo; the sources added.

Sources said the killing of the wanted terrorist commander marks a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Experts said the elimination of the target would likely help improve security and stability in the area, calling it a major setback for the terrorist network.

&ldquo;The killing of the militant commander during the intelligence-based operation is a major blow to the terrorists,&rdquo; analysts said.

They added that operations under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam against militant groups remain ongoing.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement, praised security forces for the successful operation and paid tribute to the security forces, saying the &ldquo;gruesome end&rdquo; of the wanted terrorist commander marked a major success for the country&rsquo;s counter-terrorism efforts.



وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی شمالی وزیرستان کے علاقے سپن وام میں فتنہ الخوارج کے دہشتگردوں کے خلاف کامیاب انٹیلیجنس بیسڈ آپریشن پر سکیورٹی فورسز کی ستائش
انتہائی مطلوب دہشت گرد سرغنہ عمر عرف جان میر سمیت 4 خوارجیوں کو جہنم واصل کرنے پر سکیورٹی فورسز کو خراج تحسین پیش کرتا ہوں۔
&mdash; Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 21, 2026


He said Pakistan&rsquo;s security personnel were demonstrating courage and determination in eliminating militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij. &ldquo;The brave sons of the soil are eliminating terrorists with bravery and professionalism,&rdquo; he said.

The development comes two days after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces killed 22 terrorists during a sanitisation operation conducted in K-P&#39;s North Waziristan district.

Read: 22 terrorists killed during sanitisation operation in K-P&#39;s North Waziristan: ISPR

The military&rsquo;s media wing said that based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, security forces were conducting an operation in the general area of Shewa since Sunday during which, &quot;after intense exchange of fire, 22 khwarij, belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij, have been sent to hell in the last 24 hours&quot;.

The ISPR added that weapons and ammunition were recovered from, further saying that they were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

K-P has been battling terrorism since the United States&#39; ouster from Afghanistan, with terrorists often crossing the border to target police convoys and vehicles, resulting in the deaths of several officials and personnel.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, in a report, said that 85 verified terrorist attacks were recorded in April, down from 146 in March, marking a 42% decline, while fatalities from such attacks fell from 106 to 60, extending a downward trajectory that had begun in the previous month.

The report attributed the improvement to Pakistan&rsquo;s cross-border military campaign against terrorist groups and Taliban positions between February 26 and March 18, which later gave way to a suspension of hostilities and talks in Urumqi, China.

Operation Ghazab lil-Haq had been launched following unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border. Despite the decline in attacks, overall combat-related deaths, including those from militant violence and security operations, stood at 291 in April.

Militants accounted for 224 of these deaths, representing 77% of the total. The remaining casualties included 28 security personnel, 37 civilians and two members of pro-government peace committees.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/security-forces1746472475-0/security-forces1746472475-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>FO condemns mistreatment of flotilla activists, calls for release of detainees including Pakistani citizen</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609300/fo-condemns-mistreatment-of-flotilla-activists-calls-for-release-of-detainees-pakistani-citizen</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609300/fo-condemns-mistreatment-of-flotilla-activists-calls-for-release-of-detainees-pakistani-citizen#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 06:05:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609300</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says it remains in contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions in the region regarding the matter]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan on Thursday condemned the &ldquo;unlawful interception&rdquo; of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces in international waters and called for the immediate release of all detained humanitarian activists, including a Pakistani humanitarian activist Saad Edhi.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Pakistan condemned &ldquo;in the strongest possible terms&rdquo; the interception of the flotilla by Israeli occupying forces as well as the &ldquo;arbitrary detention and reported mistreatment of humanitarian workers onboard.&rdquo;

It said that those detained reportedly included Pakistani humanitarian activist Saad Edhi, the grandson of Abdul Sattar Edhi, the renowned philanthropist.



🔊PR No.1️⃣2️⃣4️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Pakistan condemns illegal detention and mistreatment ofhumanitarian activists onboard Global Sumud Flotilla

🔗⬇️https://t.co/iQ36a0IOHH pic.twitter.com/VUtAS6kPYU
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 21, 2026


&ldquo;Pakistan demands the immediate release of all illegally detained activists,&rdquo; the statement said. &ldquo;It also calls on the international community to ensure safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of those detained.&rdquo;

The FO said it remained in contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions in the region regarding the matter and to ensure the safe return of any detained Pakistani nationals.

Earlier in the week, the organisers said that Israeli forces had intercepted 39 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean, while the remaining vessels were continuing to sail towards the enclave.

Ships from the&nbsp;Global Sumud Flotilla&nbsp;had set sail for a third time ​on Thursday from southern Turkiye, after earlier attempts to deliver aid to Gaza were intercepted by Israel in international waters.

Read: Pakistan, nine countries condemn Israeli attack on Gaza-bound flotilla

There were 426 people taking part in the 54-vessel flotilla from 39 countries, with the Global Sumud Flotilla naming 44 Turks among those on the intercepted vessel, some 250 nautical miles (463 km) from Gaza.

The Israeli military arrested aid workers who were part of the flotilla carrying relief supplies for the people of Gaza. Those arrested belong to different countries. Among the detained is Saad Edhi, who was representing Pakistan and heading toward Gaza with his team.

Edhi Foundation Chairman&nbsp;Faisal Edhi alleged that Israeli forces had detained his son, Saad, along with other volunteers.&nbsp;

In a message on Meta, Faisal said that around 1pm Pakistan Standard Time, Israeli forces intervened in the Gaza aid flotilla near Cyprus in international waters and arrested his son along with other volunteers.

&ldquo;They were in international waters, and Israeli forces have no right to arrest them. We don&#39;t know where they have taken them,&rdquo; he said.

Faisal had appealed to the federal government and the Foreign Office to take legal action against the Israeli forces for detaining a Pakistani citizen.

A day earlier, Pakistan joined nine other nations in a joint condemnation of Israel&#39;s interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla.&nbsp;The foreign ministers of Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, the Maldives, and Spain co-signed the declaration, which described the Global Sumud Flotilla as a peaceful civilian humanitarian mission seeking to highlight the dire conditions facing Palestinians and called Israel&#39;s assault on it wholly unacceptable.



🔊PR No.1️⃣2️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, T&uuml;rkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, and Spain Regarding the Israeli Assaults on the Global Sumud Flotilla, 18th May 2026 pic.twitter.com/TS99F2w31n
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2026


Read More: Israel says 430 Gaza flotilla activists being transferred to Israel

Human Rights Council of Pakistan also strongly condemned the attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the arrest and torture of human rights activists, including Saad Edhi, describing the action as a blatant violation of human rights, humanitarian assistance, and freedom of expression.

Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007. During Israel&#39;s intensified attack on Gaza since October 2023, the territory has suffered severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely.

A previous flotilla attempt was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists expelled to Europe.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/flotillamain-r1779203381-0/flotillamain-r1779203381-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>‘World can see the face behind that mask’: Pakistan rebukes India at UNSC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609298/world-can-see-the-face-behind-that-mask-pakistan-rebukes-india-at-unsc</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609298/world-can-see-the-face-behind-that-mask-pakistan-rebukes-india-at-unsc#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 05:35:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609298</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Indian envoy repeats allegations made by Afghan Taliban regarding an alleged strike on a hospital in Kabul]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan on Wednesday hit back at India&rsquo;s allegations at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with Pakistani diplomat Saima Saleem slamming New Delhi as being &ldquo;a state that exports terrorism abroad, occupies people by force, persecutes minorities at home, weaponises water, commits aggression in the region.&rdquo;

Her remarks came during a right of reply at the UNSC&rsquo;s Annual Debate on the Protection of Civilians after India accused Pakistan of ignoring international humanitarian obligations and targeting civilians.

Pakistan had raised concerns over the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the session. Saima criticised India&rsquo;s remarks and said New Delhi had appeared before the council &ldquo;wearing the mask of a victim.&rdquo; &ldquo;But the world can see the face behind that mask,&rdquo; she said.

Earlier in the debate, India&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the UN Harish Parvathaneni accused Pakistan of failing to uphold international humanitarian obligations and alleged that it had targeted civilians. He also referred to what he described as Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;long-tainted record of genocidal acts,&rdquo; according to Indian media reports.

&nbsp;



Right of Reply by Counsellor, Ms. Saima Saleem
In Response to Remarks by India during the Security Council Annual Debate on the Protection of Civilians
(20 May 2026)
****

Mr. President,

Today, India once again came to this Council wearing the mask of a victim &mdash; but the world&hellip; pic.twitter.com/KAICgoYeUl
&mdash; Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 21, 2026


The Indian envoy further repeated allegations made by the Afghan Taliban regarding an alleged strike on a hospital in Kabul earlier this year.

Responding to the accusations, Saima said India&rsquo;s &ldquo;state-sponsorship of terrorism against Pakistan&rdquo; had caused significant civilian casualties through militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

&ldquo;Its terrorist proxies &mdash; including the TTP, BLA and Majeed Brigade &mdash; have killed thousands of civilians, including women and children in our mosques, markets, schools and streets,&rdquo; she added.

Saima further said Pakistan&rsquo;s counterterrorism operations were carried out on the basis of credible intelligence and targeted militant hideouts, training camps, and logistical networks involved in attacks against Pakistani civilians, security personnel, and infrastructure.

Also Read: Tehran reviewing US response to its latest proposal: FM spokesperson

&ldquo;These operations were directed solely against terrorists and their infrastructure, not against the brotherly people of Afghanistan or civilian facilities,&rdquo; she said.

Saima also dismissed allegations raised by the Taliban administration and echoed by India, calling them part of a &ldquo;disinformation campaign&rdquo; intended to conceal attacks against Pakistani civilians.

On IIOJK, the Pakistani diplomat said India could &ldquo;neither conceal nor deny its occupation of Jammu and Kashmir,&rdquo; describing the issue as &ldquo;an internationally recognised dispute that remains on the agenda of this Council.&rdquo;

&ldquo;In the occupied territory, civilians are killed, detained, dispossessed, and silenced; homes are demolished, freedoms are crushed, and an entire people are denied their right to self-determination,&rdquo; she added.



India is a country that exports terrorism abroad, occupies people by force, persecutes minorities at home, weaponizes water, commits aggression in the region, and then tries to lecture others on the protection of civilians.

While Pakistan stands for peace, dialogue, peaceful&hellip; pic.twitter.com/vMPmALtNO4
&mdash; Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 21, 2026


She also criticised India&rsquo;s treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims, saying the situation should &ldquo;alarm the conscience of the world.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Under state-sponsored Hindutva extremism, Islamophobia has been normalised as policy, hate speech rewarded in politics, mob violence met with impunity,&rdquo; she said, adding that Muslims, Sikhs, Dalits, and Christians faced discrimination.

Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, Saima said India&rsquo;s decision to keep the agreement &ldquo;in abeyance&rdquo; reflected disregard for international law. &ldquo;A State that threatens the water, food security and livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis cannot certainly speak of civilian protection,&rdquo; she said.

Concluding her remarks, she said Pakistan remained committed to &ldquo;peace, dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law,&rdquo; while accusing India of &ldquo;terrorism, occupation, aggression, repression and disregard for international law.&rdquo;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/untitled-design-331779342003-0/untitled-design-331779342003-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Supreme leader says enriched uranium must stay in Iran</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609295/tehran-reviewing-us-response-to-its-latest-proposal-fm-spokesperson</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609295/tehran-reviewing-us-response-to-its-latest-proposal-fm-spokesperson#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 26 04:35:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609295</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iran outlines new Strait of Hormuz management zone, says transit requires authorisation]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country&#39;s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources said, hardening Tehran&#39;s stance on one of the ​main US&nbsp;demands at&nbsp;peace talks.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei&#39;s order could further frustrate US&nbsp;President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;and complicate talks on ending the&nbsp;US-Israeli war on Iran.

Israeli officials have told Reuters that &zwnj;Trump has assured Israel that Iran&#39;s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, needed to make an atomic weapon, will be sent out of Iran and that any peace deal must include a clause on this.

Israel, the United States and other Western states have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, including pointing to its move to enrich uranium to 60%, far higher than needed for civilian uses and closer to the 90% needed for a weapon. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.

Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;​has said he will not consider the war over until enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran ends its support for proxy militias, and its ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated.

&quot;The Supreme ​Leader&rsquo;s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,&rdquo; said one of the two Iranian ⁠sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Iran&#39;s top officials, the sources said, believe that sending the material abroad would leave the country more vulnerable to future attacks ​by the United States and Israel. Khamenei has the last say on the most important state matters.



تعودنا على التنمر الإيراني عبر عقود طويلة حتى أصبح جزءًا من المشهد السياسي في الخليج العربي، وضاعت المصداقية بين خطاب عدواني وبيانات صداقة جوفاء.

واليوم، وبعد العدوان الإيراني الغاشم، يحاول النظام تكريس واقع جديد وُلد من هزيمة عسكرية واضحة، لكن محاولات التحكم بمضيق هرمز أو&hellip;
&mdash; د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) May 21, 2026


Meanwhile, UAE&#39;s Diplomatic Adviser to the President Anwar Gargash said that attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz or to &quot;encroach on the UAE&#39;s maritime sovereignty&quot; are nothing but &quot;fragments of dreams.&quot;

In a post on X, Gargash stated that the UAE had &quot;grown accustomed&quot; to &quot;Iranian bullying&quot; over the decades, adding that credibility had been &quot;lost between aggressive rhetoric and hollow declarations of friendship.&quot;

&quot;Whoever wants to coexist with its Arab surroundings must realize that trust is lost, and restoring it is achieved through...responsible language, safeguarding sovereignty, genuine commitment to the principles of good neighbourliness.&quot;



1/
جمهورى اسلامى ايران محدودهٔ نظارتى مديریت تنگه هرمز را به این شرح تعيین کرده است: &laquo;خط اتصال كوه مبارك درايران وجنوب فجيره درامارات در شرق تنگه تاخط اتصال انتهاى جزيره قشم درايران و ام القيوین امارات درغرب تنگه.&raquo; pic.twitter.com/3ELSwYx5Bp
&mdash; PGSA | نهاد مدیریت آبراه خلیج فارس (@PGSA_IRAN) May 20, 2026


Earlier on Thursday,&nbsp;Iran formally defined the section of the Strait of Hormuz that it says will fall under its new management framework for the strategic waterway.

According to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the designated zone stretches from &ldquo;the line connecting Kuh-e-Mubarak in Iran to the south of Fujairah in the UAE at the eastern entrance of the Strait, to the line connecting the tip of Qeshm Island in Iran to Umm Al-Quwain in the UAE at the western entrance&rdquo;.

The authority added in a statement posted on X that any transit through the area for the purpose of passing through the Strait of Hormuz would require &ldquo;coordination with, and authorisation from, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.&rdquo;

Diplomacy alone with respect to Iran&rsquo;s interests crucial for resolving crisis: Russia

The Iran crisis can only be resolved through diplomacy which takes Iran&rsquo;s interests into account, Russia&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera.



🔴 #LIVE: Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues https://t.co/g0poSOsDNv
&mdash; MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) May 21, 2026


Maria Zakharova said Russia is determined to provide assistance to Iran and the US in implementing any decisions that may be reached through negotiations, adding that Iran alone must decide the fate of its uranium stockpiles.

Pakistan steps up diplomatic bid to get US-Iran peace talks on track

Pakistan stepped up diplomatic efforts on Thursday to hasten US and Iran peace talks, as Tehran said it was reviewing Washington&#39;s latest responses, and US President Donald Trump suggested he could wait a few days for &quot;the right answers&quot; from Tehran but was also willing to resume attacks on the country.

Six weeks after a fragile ceasefire took effect, talks to end the war have made little progress, while soaring oil prices have raised concern over inflation and the impact on the global economy.

Trump also faces domestic pressure ahead of November&#39;s midterm elections, with his approval rating dropping to its lowest level since he returned to the White House amid the surge in fuel prices.

&quot;We&#39;re speaking to all the various groups in Iran to streamline communication and so things pick up pace,&quot; said one of the sources.

&quot;Trump&#39;s patience running thin is a concern, but we&#39;re working on the pace at which messages are relayed from each side.&quot;

&quot;Believe me, if we don&#39;t get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We&#39;re all ready to go,&quot; Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. Asked how long he would wait, Trump said, &quot;It could be a few days, but it could go very quickly.&quot;

Trump reiterated his threat not to allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.

&quot;We&#39;re in the final stages of Iran. We&#39;ll see what happens. Either have a deal or we&#39;re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won&#39;t happen,&quot; Trump told reporters earlier in the day.

Iran&#39;s Revolutionary Guards have warned against renewed attacks. &quot;If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region this time,&quot; it said in a statement.

Iran submitted its latest offer to the US this week.

Tehran&#39;s descriptions suggest it largely repeats terms Trump previously rejected, including demands for control of the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for war damage, lifting of sanctions, release of frozen assets and the withdrawal of US troops.

Interior Minister Naqvi meets Iranian FM Araghchi

Iranian news agency ISNA reported that Naqvi met and held discussions with Abbas Araghchi during his visit to Tehran.



سیدمحسن نقوی، وزیر کشور پاکستان با سیدعباس عراقچی دیدار و گفت&zwnj;وگو کرد pic.twitter.com/wKkQ9HQVV2
&mdash; خبرگزاری ایسنا (@isna_farsi) May 21, 2026


Iranian ambassador announces return of 20 Iranian sailors with Pakistan&#39;s diplomatic efforts

According to ISNA, Reza Amiri Moghadam, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, wrote on X on Thursday, &quot;I sincerely appreciate the humanitarian and benevolent action of the honorable government of Pakistan to pursue the release of 20 Iranian sailors who were in a precarious situation due to the seizure of their ship in Singapore waters.&quot;



I sincerely appreciate the humanitarian and benevolent action of the esteemed Government of Pakistan to pursue the release of 20 Iranian sailors who were in a precarious situation due to the seizure of their ship in Singapore waters.
In this regard, I would like to thank the&hellip;
&mdash; Reza Amiri Moghadam (@IranAmbPak) May 21, 2026


The ambassador went on to express his gratitude for the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other relevant institutions.

&quot;These sailors were transferred from Singapore to Islamabad after diplomatic efforts and returned to their beloved homeland a few hours ago,&quot; he wrote on X.

Iran rebuilding military industrial base faster than expected, CNN reports

Iran has already restarted some of its drone production during the six-week ceasefire that began in early April, CNN reported on Thursday, citing two sources familiar with US intelligence assessments.

US intelligence indicates Iran&rsquo;s military is rebuilding much faster than initially estimated, the report added, citing four sources.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States was ready to proceed with further attacks on Tehran if Iran did not agree to a peace deal, but suggested Washington could wait a few days to &quot;get the right answers.&quot;

Tehran reviewing US response to its latest proposal: FM spokesperson

Iran&rsquo;s Nour News Agency reported on Thursday that Washington and Tehran exchanged messages through Pakistan over the wording of a proposed ceasefire document, according to Al Jazeera.

&ldquo;Based on the original text of Iran&rsquo;s 14 points, the exchange of messages has been carried out on several occasions,&rdquo; Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, according to Nour.

&ldquo;We have received the views of the American side and are reviewing them,&rdquo; Baghaei said.

Baghaei made the remarks during Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi&#39;s visit to Iran.

Pakistan is helping to mediate talks between Washington and Tehran.

Iran executes two people under security charges

Iran executed two people for what it said were charges of creating a group to disrupt the country&#39;s security and having membership in a &quot;terrorist&quot; organisation, the country&#39;s Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday.

Tasnim identified the two as Ramin Zaleh and Karim Maroufpour.

Trump official warns Iran of unprecedented military action over deal holdout

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller issued a warning to the Iranian leadership regarding the ongoing standoff as negotiations have failed to progress.

Speaking to Fox News, Miller said that the current administration in Tehran faces a critical ultimatum from the US.

&ldquo;This new team in Iran has a choice to make,&rdquo; Miller said.

&ldquo;They can either agree to a piece of paper that is satisfactory to the United States, or they can face a punishment from our military, the likes of which has not been seen in modern history. That&rsquo;s the choice that they face,&rdquo; he said.

Iran says US failed to reopen Strait of Hormuz despite &lsquo;tricks&rsquo;

Iran said on Wednesday that the United States failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite what it described as repeated &ldquo;tricks,&rdquo; while an Iranian military source said Tehran possesses advanced weapons that have not yet been used in war.

According to remarks carried by Iran&rsquo;s semi-official news agency ISNA, the political deputy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said the strait had been closed under orders from IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri and claimed that Washington had failed to reverse the situation.

Read: Trump says US will give Iran talks &#39;one shot&#39;, is in no hurry

&ldquo;The Americans, despite a thousand tricks and acts of deception, could not reopen it,&rdquo; he said.

He added that all Iranian armed forces remained &ldquo;with fingers on the trigger&rdquo; and ready to respond to any future attack.

Separately, an Iranian military source said the country had developed advanced weapons that have not yet been used in war.

In remarks to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the source said Iran faced no shortage in military or defensive capabilities and warned that it would not show restraint in any future confrontation.

Earlier Wednesday, Iran&rsquo;s Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced a new oversight zone in the Strait of Hormuz requiring vessels transiting designated areas to coordinate with Iranian authorities.

Read more: Tehran moves to tighten Hormuz chokehold

The authority said the measure covered maritime routes between Iran and the United Arab Emirates at both eastern and western entrances to the strategic waterway.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to secure a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports through the strategic waterway.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/iran1774031082-0/iran1774031082-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Rare display of bonhomie in NA</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609294/rare-display-of-bonhomie-in-na</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609294/rare-display-of-bonhomie-in-na#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:45:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Bushra Nazeer]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609294</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NA welcomes high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a rare display of parliamentary convergence amid deep political divisions, treasury and opposition benches in both the houses of parliament on Wednesday set aside their differences to welcome a high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

The delegation, led by Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the standing committee of the 14th National People&#39;s Congress (NPC) and accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, attended proceedings in the National Assembly and Senate from the visitors&#39; galleries as lawmakers from across the political spectrum extended formal welcome.

Proceedings in the National Assembly witnessed an unusual moment of unity as opposition members, who had been boycotting the house over demands related to the incarceration of Imran Khan, temporarily returned to the chamber during the Chinese delegation&#39;s visit.

Opposition members led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai participated in the sitting and joined treasury benches in welcoming the delegation, with desk-thumping marking the gesture.

Speaking as Leader of the Opposition, Achakzai warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of opposition parties. He highlighted Pakistan-China friendship, noting that the people of Pakistan will never forget China&#39;s support, and praised China&#39;s role in promoting regional stability and supporting smaller nations. He also acknowledged China&#39;s contributions in the region.

PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan also addressed the House and highlighted opposition solidarity with the government on international matters, referencing support during the May 2025 India conflict and the current welcome to the Chinese delegation for the 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic ties.

First Lady Aseefa-Bhutto Zardari was also present during the parliamentary proceedings and welcomed the visiting Chinese delegation.

On completing 75 years of diplomatic relation with china, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved a resolution in the National Assembly, which was unanimously adopted. The resolution felicitated the government and people of China on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and reaffirmed commitment to the &quot;all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.&quot;

Following the delegation&#39;s departure, opposition members resumed their boycott and walked out of the House. However, their decision to attend and participate during the visit was widely noted as a constructive step highlighting respect for international diplomatic engagements even in times of acrimony.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

As a Chinese parliamentary delegation entered the visitors&#39; gallery, members of the House thumped desks in a gesture of warm welcome.

Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq formally greeted the delegation, while First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the visiting delegation.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved the resolution, which congratulated the governments and peoples of both countries on completing 75 years of diplomatic relations and acknowledged ongoing cooperation under CPEC.

The resolution said that the National Assembly extends its warmest felicitations to the Government and people of the People&#39;s Republic of China on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two fraternal nations, expressing hope that the bond of friendship will continue to flourish with greater strength in the decades ahead.

It reaffirmed the House&#39;s unwavering commitment to the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China, pledging continued legislative support for deepening and broadening bilateral relations across all spheres.

Expressing strong support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative initiative for socio-economic development, regional integration, and shared prosperity, the House affirmed its commitment to facilitating timely completion of CPEC projects for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.

The House also welcomed the Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People&#39;s Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, and members of the accompanying delegation, and placed on record its appreciation for their gesture of goodwill and solidarity.

It reiterated the commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and legislative cooperation between the National Assembly of Pakistan and the National People&#39;s Congress of China as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

The House expressed resolve that the next 75 years will witness an even stronger, more dynamic, and mutually beneficial partnership between Pakistan and China, grounded in shared aspirations for peace, development, and prosperity.

&nbsp;

Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, while welcoming a parliamentary delegation led by Vice Chairman of Standing Committee of National People&#39;s Congress of China Cai Dafeng to the Senate on Wednesday, said that Pakistan-China friendship had successfully stood the test of time over the past 75 years.

Speaking in the Upper House, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and China did enjoy an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, founded on mutual trust, mutual respect, and bilateral benefit.

He said Pakistan deeply appreciated China&#39;s unwavering support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Pakistan firmly adhered to the One-China principle and consistently supported China on its core interests and issues.

The Deputy Prime Minister said both countries shared a common vision on regional and global issues and maintained close coordination at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and other international forums to promote peace and safeguard the interests of developing nations.

Referring to recent tensions in the Gulf and the Middle East, he said Pakistan and China remained in close diplomatic contact and continued to work jointly for peace and stability in the region.

He said he had visited Beijing on March 31 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where both sides proposed a five-point peace initiative regarding the regional conflict, which later received support from dozens of countries.

Highlighting the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ishaq Dar termed it the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining symbol of bilateral friendship.

He said CPEC had transformed Pakistan&#39;s economic landscape and expressed confidence that its next phase would focus on industrialization, agriculture, information technology, and socio-economic development.

Recalling the early discussions that led to the launch of CPEC, Mohammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had been facing severe electricity shortages following the 2013 general elections, with load-shedding lasting up to 18 hours in urban areas and 20 hours in rural regions.

He said China extended massive support to help Pakistan overcome the energy crisis, for which the nation would always remain grateful.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would undertake an official visit to China from May 23 to 26, accompanied by a high-level delegation.

He said the visit would include celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, meetings with the Chinese leadership including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as discussions under the Pakistan-China Political Forum and the CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism.

Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and said the enduring friendship between Islamabad and Beijing would continue contributing to regional peace, prosperity, and progress.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/501779313565-0/501779313565-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Aga Khan reaffirms support for humanitarian causes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609293/aga-khan-reaffirms-support-for-humanitarian-causes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609293/aga-khan-reaffirms-support-for-humanitarian-causes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:45:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609293</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives on week-long visit]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network&#39;s (AKDN) commitment to development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan as he arrived on Wednesday for a week-long visit.

State broadcaster PTV News said that upon arrival at Noor Khan Airbase, President Asif Ali Zardari received him. First Lady Aseefa-Bhutto Zardari was also present on the occasion.

Children dressed in traditional attire presented flowers to the guest, while Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and senior officials were also in attendance.

Following his arrival, the delegation proceeded to the President House, where an official reception ceremony was arranged.

The visit of the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community is being described as a historic and emotional moment for Pakistan, particularly for the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

The first official visit, scheduled from May 20 to 26, carries what is described as profound spiritual, cultural and national significance, bringing together faith, heritage, leadership and unity.

Beyond Islamabad, attention is focused on the northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, where members of the Ismaili community are awaiting the visit with anticipation. In Ismaili tradition, such a meeting with the spiritual leader is referred to as &quot;deedar&quot;, a moment of spiritual connection, reflection and renewal.

In areas including Passu, Hunza, Gilgit, Gahkuch and Taus, as well as several locations in Chitral, preparations have been carried out on a large scale. Valleys have been decorated with welcome messages, while gateways adorned with expressions of gratitude and unity have been erected as part of the reception arrangements.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/511779313565-1/511779313565-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>UK NSA hails Pakistan's 'constructive' role</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609292/uk-nsa-hails-pakistans-constructive-role</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609292/uk-nsa-hails-pakistans-constructive-role#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:45:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609292</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[UK NSA hails Pakistan's 'constructive' role]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[United Kingdom&#39;s National Security Adviser (NSA) Jonathan Powell on Wednesday conveyed the appreciation of the British government for Pakistan&#39;s &quot;constructive role in regional diplomacy&quot; to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, Powell called on the premier at the Prime Minister&#39;s House.

&quot;Powell conveyed the appreciation of His Majesty&#39;s Government for Pakistan&#39;s constructive role in regional diplomacy, including its ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the broader region,&quot; the statement said.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to maintaining &quot;robust and forward-looking engagement&quot; with the UK, which he described as a longstanding strategic partner.

While conveying his best wishes to his British counterpart, Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister recalled the warm and cordial telephone conversation between the two leaders last month, during which they expressed a shared desire to further strengthen Pakistan-UK ties.

The British NSA also congratulated the prime minister on the government&#39;s economic reform efforts and expressed Britain&#39;s interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in the areas of security, trade, investment, and development.

MQM delegation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) led by Federal Minister for Education and MQM Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and discussed the upcoming federal budget, public welfare projects in Sindh and Karachi, and the overall political situation in the country.

The delegation included MQM leaders Farooq Sattar, Members of the National Assembly Syed Amin Ul Haque and Javed Hanif.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the MQM delegation presented its proposals regarding the forthcoming federal budget to the prime minister.

The two sides also held detailed discussions on public welfare and development projects being carried out by the federal government in Sindh, particularly Karachi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said MQM was an important ally of the federal government and had supported the government&#39;s every initiative aimed at public welfare.

The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to examine MQM&#39;s budget proposals and formulate a practical and comprehensive strategy in this regard.

The meeting also discussed the prevailing political situation in the country.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/521779313565-2/521779313565-2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Trump says Iran talks 'on borderline'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609291/trump-says-iran-talks-on-borderline</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609291/trump-says-iran-talks-on-borderline#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:45:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609291</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Trump says Iran talks 'on borderline']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that talks with Tehran were &quot;on the borderline&quot; between a deal to end the Middle East war and a resumption of strikes on Iran.

Trump has given conflicting signals since announcing on Monday that he had called off renewed attacks to give time for negotiations, veering between optimism about an agreement and threats of more action.

&quot;It&#39;s right on the borderline, believe me,&quot; Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington when asked where the talks with Iran stood.

&quot;If we don&#39;t get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We&#39;re all ready to go. We have to get the right answersit would have to be a complete 100 percent good answers.&quot;

Trump said it would save &quot;a lot of time, energy and lives&quot; if Iran made a deal, saying it could happen &quot;very quickly, or (in) a few days.&quot;

The US leader said this week he had been an hour away from ordering the resumption of strikes on Iran but postponed the attack planned for Tuesday at the request of Gulf states.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/531779313565-3/531779313565-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Peace efforts gather pace as Naqvi returns to Tehran</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609290/peace-efforts-gather-pace-as-naqvi-returns-to-tehran</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609290/peace-efforts-gather-pace-as-naqvi-returns-to-tehran#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:45:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Kamran Yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609290</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Naqvi briefs PM, CDF on meetings in Iranian capital, Pezeshkian says all paths remain open from our side]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday made another trip to Tehran after returning home only on Monday, in what appeared to be intense diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a deal to end the Iran-US war.

Naqvi&#39;s second visit within days underscored a growing sense of urgency, with some sources claiming that President Donald Trump had set a timeline for the negotiations to succeed or risk renewed military escalation.

Moreover, a US source said Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the mediators were working on a &quot;letter of intent&quot; that both the US and Iran would sign to formally end the war and launch a 30-day period of negotiations on issues like Iran&#39;s nuclear program and opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Naqvi, who returned to Pakistan after spending nearly four days in Iran, briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir on his meetings in Tehran before departing again for the Iranian capital.

What appeared particularly significant during the latest trip was Naqvi&#39;s meeting with Ahmad Vahidi, a senior commander of Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and considered among the country&#39;s most powerful figures after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Naqvi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the second time in less than a week.

Following his meeting with Naqvi, the Iranian president wrote on X: &quot;Iran has consistently honoured its commitments and explored every avenue to avert war; all paths remain open from our side. Forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion. Mutual respect in diplomacy is far wiser, safer, and more sustainable than war.&quot;

Sources said Naqvi&#39;s latest visit was &quot;a continuation of the previous trip&quot; and that his agenda focused on restoring negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Iran&#39;s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, considered close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, also confirmed Naqvi&#39;s arrival in Tehran.

Although Islamabad has not officially shared details of the minister&#39;s engagements, the back-to-back visits come at a critical juncture when Pakistan is exchanging messages between Tehran and Washington in an effort to secure a permanent ceasefire and revive negotiations.

Pakistan&#39;s mediation efforts have received overwhelming support from several countries, particularly from the Gulf region, which fears greater instability if the war resumes.

President Trump the other day disclosed that he had halted planned strikes on Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. He said he had accepted the request as serious talks were taking place.

Within hours of Naqvi landing in Tehran, Saudi Arabia&#39;s foreign minister issued a statement backing Pakistani efforts and urging all sides to seize the opportunity.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in a statement posted on X, welcomed President Trump&#39;s decision to &quot;give diplomacy a chance&quot; in order to reach an agreement to end the war and restore &quot;the security and freedom of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to its state prior to February 28, 2026.&quot;

&quot;Saudi Arabia also highly appreciates the ongoing mediation efforts carried out by Pakistan in this regard. Saudi Arabia looks forward to Iran seizing the opportunity to avoid the dangerous implications of escalation, and urgently responding to the efforts to advance the negotiations leading up to a comprehensive agreement to achieve lasting peace in the region and the world,&quot; Prince Faisal bin Farhan added.

The reference to restoring the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-war status suggested that freedom of navigation through the vital waterway has emerged as a central issue in the ongoing diplomacy, amid fears that any prolonged disruption could severely impact global energy supplies and regional stability.

Iran, however, wants to exercise greater control over the waterway and is even considering charging tolls. Other stakeholders are not in favor of such a move and want the strait restored to its pre-war status.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/541779313565-4/541779313565-4.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Xi warns of global slide back to 'law of the jungle'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609289/xi-warns-of-global-slide-back-to-law-of-the-jungle</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609289/xi-warns-of-global-slide-back-to-law-of-the-jungle#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:45:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609289</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[China, Russia sign slew of agreements on trade, media and energy]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[President Xi Jinping hailed China and Russia&#39;s &quot;unyielding&quot; ties in talks with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, as the pair met to underscore their alliance days after Donald Trump&#39;s own visit to Beijing.

The two countries&#39; ties have deepened since Moscow&#39;s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as Russia has become increasingly dependent on China, its main oil customer.

Putin was received by Xi outside Beijing&#39;s opulent Great Hall of the People in much the same fashion as Trump last week, complete with chanting children and military fanfare.

But the language was much warmer, with Xi telling the Russian leader Beijing and Moscow have &quot;continuously deepened our political mutual trust and strategic coordination with a resilience that remains unyielding&quot;, according to Chinese state media.

Opening talks, both were quick to laud their countries&#39; special ties as they extended their treaty of &quot;friendly cooperation&quot;.

Putin, quoting a Chinese phrase, told Xi: &quot;A day apart feels like three autumns&quot;, adding that relations had reached an &quot;unprecedentedly high level&quot; despite &quot;unfavourable external factors&quot;, Russian media footage showed.

In an apparent swipe at the United States, Xi warned of &quot;unilateral and hegemonic countercurrents running rampant&quot; in the world.

In contrast to Trump&#39;s visit last week, which yielded little in the way of immediate concrete announcements, Putin and Xi signed a slew of agreements on Wednesday on trade, media and energy.

The two leaders later had talks over tea, which the Kremlin had previously said would be reserved for &quot;the most important issues&quot; such as Ukraine, Iran and relations with the US.

That session lasted around 1.5 hours before Putin headed to the airport, according to Russian media.

Beneath the camaraderie, Putin is now perceived by many to be the junior partner in the relationship.

The Russian leader has been weakened over four years of the Ukraine conflict, with his country&#39;s economy shrinking in the first quarter of the year as factors such as wartime spending, labour shortages and sanctions take their toll.

Analysts believed Putin would use his visit to push for progress on the &quot;Power of Siberia 2&quot;, a major natural gas pipeline running from Russia to China through Mongolia.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media Wednesday that while the two sides had reached a &quot;basic understanding&quot;including on &quot;the route and how it will be built&quot;there was no &quot;clear timeline&quot;, and &quot;there are still some details to be worked out&quot;.

The US-Israeli war on Iran has hampered crude and gas flows from the Middle East, giving an opportunity for Putin to offer Russian energy sources as an alternative.

&quot;Russia and China are actively cooperating in the energy sector... We are, of course, ready to continue reliably supplying all these types of fuel to the rapidly growing Chinese market,&quot; Putin said Wednesday.

His priorities may differ from China&#39;s, which wants the Middle East conflict concluded as soon as possible.

Underlining that, Xi told Putin on Wednesday that &quot;a comprehensive ceasefire is of utmost urgency, resuming hostilities is even more inadvisable and maintaining negotiations is particularly important&quot;.

Xi has played host to a series of world leaders as an increasingly unpredictable United States under Trump has pushed many to shore up alliances with Beijing.

Many have urged him to use his influence with Russia and Iran to help bring an end to the respective conflicts there.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had asked Trump to discuss ending the war during his meetings with Xi last week.

The pair did talk about the issue, but the US president left China without a breakthrough.

Beijing has regularly called for talks to end the war in Ukraine, but has never condemned Russia for sending in troopspresenting itself instead as a neutral party.

The two leaders talked about Ukraine, Chinese state media said after the visit had ended, without giving further details.

On Wednesday Putin said that Russia and China were &quot;committed to an independent and sovereign foreign policy&quot;.

In a joint statement released by the Kremlin, Russia said it &quot;positively assesses the objective and unbiased position of the Chinese side regarding the situation in Ukraine and welcomes China&#39;s aspiration to play a constructive role&quot;.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/551779313565-5/551779313565-5.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Pakistan committed to global partnership for equitable TB vaccine access: Kamal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609288/pakistan-committed-to-global-partnership-for-equitable-tb-vaccine-access-kamal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609288/pakistan-committed-to-global-partnership-for-equitable-tb-vaccine-access-kamal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:34:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609288</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mustafa Kamal, said Pakistan was committed to promoting global partnerships for the research, development and equitable distribution of tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, stressing that the fight against the disease required urgent action, innovation and international solidarity.

&quot;With joint efforts, we can save millions of lives,&quot; the minister said while addressing the 4th High-Level Meeting of the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council in Geneva, according to the Ministry of Health on Wednesday.

Mustafa Kamal appreciated the coordinated global efforts against TB and described the disease as a serious public health challenge worldwide, particularly for high-burden countries, including Pakistan.

He emphasized that TB could not be eradicated without an effective, accessible and affordable vaccine.

The minister said the new TB vaccine should be treated as a global public asset, adding that countries most affected by the disease should not face delays due to high prices or limited production capacity.

&quot;For this purpose, an equitable distribution system and enhanced regional production capacity are indispensable,&quot; he said.

Highlighting Pakistan&#39;s priorities, Mustafa Kamal said the implementation of TB vaccines should be integrated into national health and immunization systems, including primary healthcare facilities, surveillance systems, laboratory networks and digital health infrastructure.

He reiterated Pakistan&#39;s support for establishing a working group focused on preparedness, awareness and community partnership to strengthen national and global anti-TB efforts.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/421779313046-0/421779313046-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>IHC disposes of Bushra Bibi's family meeting plea</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609287/ihc-disposes-of-bushra-bibis-family-meeting-plea</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609287/ihc-disposes-of-bushra-bibis-family-meeting-plea#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:34:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609287</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Court says matter of medical condition of Bushra Bibi, who is in custody, falls within the executive domain]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disposed of a petition seeking court orders for family meetings and access to a personal physician for Bushra Bibi, referring the matter back to the Superintendent of Adiala Jail with directives to decide the application afresh.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued a written judgment on the petition filed by Mubashra Khowar Maneka, the daughter of Bushra Bibi.

In its judgment, the IHC observed that if the Superintendent of Adiala Jail rejects the application, the petitioner may approach the forum of the Inspector General of Prisons. Regarding the provision of daily-use items to Bushra Bibi, the court noted that the Superintendent of Adiala Jail had previously stated that such items are being provided.

According to the judgment, the Superintendent of Adiala Jail has maintained that Bushra Bibi&#39;s medical treatment is ongoing and that she has also been transferred to a hospital outside the prison as per requirement.

&quot;The matter of the medical condition of Bushra Bibi, who is in custody, falls within the executive domain. If there is any objection in this regard, a forum exists under the jail rules,&quot; the court stated.

The IHC directed that copies of the judgment be sent to the Commissioner of Islamabad and the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, and disposed of the petition.

Imaan, Hadi case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued notices to the state on miscellaneous applications seeking an early hearing of the sentence suspension pleas of Advocate Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha in the controversial tweets case.

Justice MuhammadAzam Khan heard the applications and remarked, &quot;We are issuing notices; we will hear the other party as well.&quot;

Advocate Faisal Siddiqui, counsel for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, requested the court to fix the case for hearing on Monday.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/ihc-1576594060/ihc-1576594060.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>BD measles deaths near 500 but vaccines offer hope</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609286/bd-measles-deaths-near-500-but-vaccines-offer-hope</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609286/bd-measles-deaths-near-500-but-vaccines-offer-hope#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:33:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609286</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Bangladesh has rolled out a mass vaccination campaign to combat its deadliest measles outbreak in decades that has killed nearly 500 children in just two months, the United Nations children&#39;s agency said Wednesday.

Deaths are still rising, with six children dying in the past 24 hours alone, taking the toll from the preventable disaster to 481, according to health ministry figures.

But a nationwide immunisation drive has now reached 18 million children, UNICEF country chief Rana Flowers told reporters.

&quot;The good news is 18 million children have been reached with measles vaccination,&quot; Flowers said.

Zahid Raihan, spokesman for the health department, said there were signs of improvement in the worst-affected areas where the outbreak hit hardest -- even if the full impact of the vaccinations would take time to be felt.

&quot;Vaccinations will become effective four months after receiving the shots,&quot; he said.

The South Asian nation of 170 million people has been battling its worst measles outbreak since March 15, with more than 50,000 confirmed and suspected cases.

The highly contagious disease has affected children younger than nine months as well as older adults.

Measles impacts children the hardest.

Their breathing can become strained, their strength fades and in the most severe cases, the infection reaches the brain, causing swelling that can lead to lasting damage -- or death.

Gaps in vaccination coverage during and after the chaos of a 2024 uprising that overthrew the autocratic government left the youngest generation badly exposed.

&quot;Bangladesh has gone through quite a transition over the last couple of years,&quot; Flowers said.

&quot;The failure to order vaccines was not the result of a lack of money; it was the decision around how to procure them that created a delay,&quot; she added.

She stressed the need to strengthen vaccination programmes and increase funding for health facilities, surveillance and data systems in the future.

&quot;We want to move to a place where routine vaccinations are working properly and reaching the children who need to be reached,&quot; Flowers said.

She suggested lessons must be learned about the dire failures that led to swathes of deaths, including delays in vaccine procurement.

&quot;No outbreak emerges suddenly overnight,&quot; Flowers said, adding that the UN agency had sent five letters and held at least 10 meetings with previous governments warning of the risks.

A new government was elected in February, weeks before the outbreak began.

&quot;There are always circumstances linked to it, particularly in the case of a vaccine-preventable outbreak,&quot; she said.

&quot;So the after-action review is going to be critical.&quot;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/431779313046-1/431779313046-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>UN says $610m shortfall in life-saving Rohingya refugee aid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609285/un-says-610m-shortfall-in-life-saving-rohingya-refugee-aid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609285/un-says-610m-shortfall-in-life-saving-rohingya-refugee-aid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:33:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609285</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[United Nations agencies supporting Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh warned on Wednesday of a critical $610 million shortfall in lifesaving aid.

More than a million Rohingya refugees, many who fled Myanmar during a brutal military crackdown in 2017, live in vast refugee camps in Bangladesh&#39;s Cox&#39;s Bazar.

The UN calls it &quot;one of the world&#39;s largest and most protracted refugee situations&quot;, and said that this year it faces a crucial test.

&quot;The Rohingya response faces one of its most critical junctures since the initial influx,&quot; the UN-led Rohingya Refugee Response said in a statement.

&quot;Population numbers and humanitarian needs (are) rising dramatically, while available funding declines amid global humanitarian pressures and competing crises,&quot; it added.

Carol Flore-Smereczniak, the UN chief in Bangladesh, told reporters in Dhaka that it was crucial that the &quot;crisis doesn&#39;t become forgotten&quot;.

The UN is seeking more than $710 million to support approximately 1.56 million people, including 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and 307,000 vulnerable Bangladeshis in host communities.

A core $610 million is needed as &quot;the bare minimum&quot;, the organisation said, noting the funds would be for the &quot;most critical life-saving and protection interventions&quot;.

&quot;Nine years after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain almost entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance&quot;, it said, noting that there have been more Rohingya arrivals since then.

More than 140,000 Rohingya arrivals were registered in 2025, it added.

The 2017 Myanmar crackdown, when Rohingya villages were burned and civilians killed, is the subject of a genocide case at the United Nations&#39; top court in The Hague.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/441779313046-2/441779313046-2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Radio station sorry for airing Charles 'death'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609284/radio-station-sorry-for-airing-charles-death</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609284/radio-station-sorry-for-airing-charles-death#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:33:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609284</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A former British pirate radio station on Wednesday apologised &quot;for any distress caused&quot; after accidentally announcing the death of King Charles III.

The erroneous announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon due to a computer error at its main studio in Maldon in eastern Essex, Radio Caroline said in a post on social media.

The error had triggered the so-called death of a monarch procedure &quot;which all UK stations hold in readiness while hoping not to require&quot;, wrote station manager Peter Moore.

&quot;Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology,&quot; he said on Facebook post.

&quot;Caroline has been pleased to broadcast Her Majesty the Queen&#39;s and now the King&#39;s, Christmas message and we hope to do so for many years to come,&quot; he said, referring to the monarch&#39;s traditional Christmas Day message to the nation. &quot;We apologise to HM (his majesty) the king and to our listeners for any distress caused,&quot; Moore added.

The mishap on Tuesday came as Charles and Queen Camilla were in Northern Ireland, where they joined a performance with an Irish folk group.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/451779313046-3/451779313046-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Israeli minister sparks outcry over flotilla video</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609283/israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-flotilla-video</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609283/israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-flotilla-video#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:33:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609283</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Gvir himself was criticised by PM and FM]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Israel&#39;s far-right national security minister posted a video on Wednesday showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground, sparking international condemnation.

The video, shared on X by firebrand minister Itamar Ben Gvir, was published after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla&#39;s vessels at sea and began detaining hundreds of foreign activists at the southern port of Ashdod.

The video drew swift international uproar, while Ben Gvir himself was criticised by Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Captioned &quot;Welcome to Israel&quot;, the footage shows dozens of activists forced to kneel with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground. At some points, the the Israeli national anthem can he heard playing in the background.

The footage also shows Ben Gvir heckling and waving an Israeli flag among the detained activists.

US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, denounced what he said were &quot;despicable actions&quot;.

&quot;Universal outrage &amp; condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official... for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation,&quot; Huckabee wrote on X.

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib also criticised Ben Gvir, saying on X that &quot;no one should be punished for defending humanity&quot;.

France said it had summoned the Israeli ambassador over the &quot;unacceptable actions&quot; of Ben Gvir, while Madrid condemned the &quot;monstrous&quot; treatment of activists and said Israel&#39;s charge d&#39;affaires had also been summoned in protest.

Belgium summoned the Israeli ambassdor over what it said was a &quot;deeply disturbing&quot; video.

Ireland&#39;s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said she was &quot;appalled and shocked&quot; by the video and demanded the immediate release of the activists, among whom is the sister of President Catherine Connolly.

Turkey&#39;s foreign ministry said Ben Gvir had &quot;once again openly demonstrated to the world the violent and barbaric mentality of the Netanyahu government&quot;.

Ben Gvir also drew the ire of Netanyahu, who said the minister&#39;s conduct with the activists was &quot;not in line with Israel&#39;s values and norms&quot;.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/461779313046-4/461779313046-4.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Israeli MPs vote on parliament dissolution</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609282/israeli-mps-vote-on-parliament-dissolution</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609282/israeli-mps-vote-on-parliament-dissolution#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:33:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609282</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Israeli lawmakers voted on Wednesday to advance a bill submitted by the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu which would dissolve parliament and pave the way for early elections.

In a preliminary reading, 110 out of 120 lawmakers voted in favour and none against, while the rest did not cast their vote. The bill will now pass to a committee before three more parliamentary readings. If the bill is ultimately approved it would automatically trigger elections to be held after 90 days. Polls are currently scheduled to take place by the end of the legislative term on October 27.

Netanyahu is under mounting pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties, while his fractious right-wing coalition appears to be facing possible collapse.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/471779313046-5/471779313046-5.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>DR Congo Ebola risk high regionally, low worldwide: WHO</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609281/dr-congo-ebola-risk-high-regionally-low-worldwide-who</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609281/dr-congo-ebola-risk-high-regionally-low-worldwide-who#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:33:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609281</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The deadly Ebola outbreak raging in central Africa probably began several months ago, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, deeming the risk high in the region but low worldwide.

WHO experts said that investigations were under way into the origins of the outbreak, which was declared in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo last Friday, but the suspicion was that the contagious haemorrhagic fever had been spreading under the radar for some time.

&quot;Given the scale, we are thinking that it has started probably a couple of months ago,&quot; Anais Legand, WHO technical officer on viral haemorrhagic fevers, told reporters in Geneva.

Ebola has killed more than 15,000 people in Africa in the past half-century, and the UN health agency declared the latest surge an international health emergency.

The 17th Ebola outbreak to hit the DRC is already suspected of having caused 139 deaths from around 600 probable cases.

&quot;We expect those numbers to keep increasing, given the amount of time the virus was circulating before the outbreak was detected,&quot; WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.

The WHO has highlighted the complexity of detecting and responding to the outbreak, which has been spreading in hard-to-reach areas of the DRC&#39;s conflict-torn Ituri province.

Complicating things further, the less common Bundibugyo species behind the outbreak does not show up on tests for the more common Zaire strain of Ebola.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/491779313046-7/491779313046-7.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>US indicts former Cuban president as pressure builds</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609280/us-indicts-former-cuban-president-as-pressure-builds</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609280/us-indicts-former-cuban-president-as-pressure-builds#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:33:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609280</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The United States on Wednesday criminally indicted Cuba&#39;s former president Raul Castro as Washington called on the communist-ruled island&#39;s people to embrace a &quot;new path.&quot;

An indictment unsealed in a federal court in Florida charged the influential former president over the 1996 downing of` two civilian planes manned by anti-Castro pilots.

Castro, brother of Fidel Castro, the late iconic US nemesis who led the 1959 communist revolution, was charged with murder, conspiracy to kill Americans, and destruction of aircraft.

The charges added fuel to speculation that President Donald Trump intends to topple the Cuban government.

Trump previously seized on a US domestic indictment to justify military action in January that toppled and seized Venezuela&#39;s then president Nicolas Maduro, a staunch ally of the Cuban authorities.

Four people died in the 1996 downing of planes, sending relations plummeting. Two decades later, Raul Castro joined then US president Barack Obama in an effort to reconcile.

But Trump reversed Obama&#39;s effort to improve relations.

Trump has repeatedly signaled that the Cuban government could be next after Venezuela to fall, and earlier this month even said Washington would be &quot;taking over&quot; the Caribbean island, about 90 miles (145 km) from Florida, &quot;almost immediately.&quot;

In a video message to Cuban people in Spanish, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, accused the Havana leadership of theft, corruption and oppression.

&quot;President Trump is offering a new path between the US and a new Cuba,&quot; Rubio said.

&quot;A new Cuba where you have a real opportunity to choose who governs your country and vote to replace them if they are not doing a good job.&quot;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/481779313046-6/481779313046-6.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>'Pak-China ties as solid as a rock and as stable as Mount Tai'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609278/pak-china-ties-as-solid-as-a-rock-and-as-stable-as-mount-tai</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609278/pak-china-ties-as-solid-as-a-rock-and-as-stable-as-mount-tai#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:14:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609278</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ambassador Jiang reaffirms China's Ironclad Friendship' with Pakistan on 75 years of diplomatic ties]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As China and Pakistan mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations on May 21 (today), China&#39;s Ambassador in Islamabad Jiang Zaidong has said the two countries continue to uphold an &quot;ironclad friendship&quot; that has remained resilient through decades of global and regional changes.

In an article, Ambassador Jiang said China-Pakistan relations have &quot;withstood the tests of the evolving international landscape,&quot; adding that the partnership remains &quot;as solid as a rock and as stable as Mount Tai.&quot; He described the relationship as an &quot;ironclad friendship higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the ocean, and sweeter than honey,&quot; calling it a model for state-to-state relations.

The Chinese envoy said the foundation of bilateral ties has been strengthened through sustained head-of-state diplomacy and frequent high-level exchanges, which he said have cemented &quot;unbreakable strategic mutual trust&quot; between the two countries.

He added that the traditional friendship was personally nurtured by earlier generations of leaders and has evolved into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

According to the ambassador, a major milestone was Chinese President Xi Jinping&#39;s state visit to Pakistan in 2015, which significantly advanced bilateral relations.

He further stated that in 2025, President Xi held separate meetings with Pakistan&#39;s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which important consensus was reached. These engagements led to the issuance of the Action Plan on Building an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, which he said has propelled relations into a new phase.

Ambassador Jiang also highlighted recent high-level exchanges, including President Zardari&#39;s visits to China&#39;s Hunan and Hainan provinces, describing them as evidence of continued strong political engagement and &quot;steady strategic guidance&quot; for bilateral ties.

The ambassador said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, has delivered &quot;fruitful results&quot; in energy, infrastructure, and development. CPEC has attracted over $25.9 billion in direct investment and created more than 260,000 jobs, contributing significantly to Pakistan&#39;s economic and social development.

Ambassador Jiang said the corridor represents a model of inclusive and people-centered cooperation. He added that President Xi has emphasised that CPEC&#39;s planning should extend to all regions of Pakistan, ensuring that development benefits are widely shared.

He further stated that CPEC has entered its &quot;2.0 upgraded version,&quot; with renewed focus on industry, agriculture, and mining, alongside the development of five key corridors - growth, livelihoods, innovation, green development, and openness. According to him, these initiatives are aimed at unlocking Pakistan&#39;s development potential and aligning with China&#39;s modernisation process.

Ambassador Jiang said China and Pakistan continue to maintain close coordination on regional and global issues, describing both countries as important members of the Global South.

He stated that Pakistan has responded positively to Chinese diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability, including proposals related to recent regional conflicts. He also referenced joint efforts, including a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability.

According to him, both countries firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and international law-based global order. He added that Pakistan has been actively supporting China&#39;s major global initiatives and contributing to shared diplomatic objectives.

The ambassador said the world is undergoing &quot;transformations unseen in a century,&quot; while both China and Pakistan are advancing their respective national development strategies - China through its upcoming Five-Year Plan and Pakistan through the Uraan Pakistan initiative.

He said these parallel modernisation efforts present new opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, infrastructure, agriculture, and innovation.

Ambassador Jiang said that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, China is ready to work with Pakistan to deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and strengthen international coordination.

He added that the stability of China-Pakistan relations can help both countries address global uncertainties and set an example for building a &quot;community with a shared future for neighbouring countries,&quot; contributing ultimately to what he described as the broader goal of a &quot;community with a shared future for mankind.&quot;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/371779312491-0/371779312491-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>K-P police seek federal security package</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609277/k-p-police-seek-federal-security-package</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609277/k-p-police-seek-federal-security-package#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 26 21:14:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ahtesham Khan  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2609277</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Package to focus on new police stations, strengthen security infrastructure, establish police posts, modern vehicles]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police have formally approached the federal government seeking a special package to address the deteriorating security situation in the province, particularly in its most sensitive southern districts.

The package is expected to focus on constructing police stations, strengthening security infrastructure, establishing new police posts and providing modern vehicles.

The move comes in the wake of a series of consecutive terrorist attacks, prompting provincial authorities to brief the federal government on the ground situation.

According to sources, the police identified Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank as high-priority areas in the proposed plan forwarded to the Centre through the K-P government.

A senior police officer told The Express Tribune that, as an initial step, the Fateh Khel check post in Bannu will be upgraded into a concrete structure to enhance personnel protection.

The officer further revealed that the federal government has received a comprehensive report detailing the recent surge in terrorism in the K-P, including militants&#39; increasing use of advanced technology.

The report also outlines countermeasures taken by police, including efforts to disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks involving modern tools such as quadcopters.

Following Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi&#39;s recent visit to Peshawar, authorities submitted an extensive assessment highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining law and order. The report points out the dilapidated condition of police lines in southern districtsmany of which have not been rebuilt since the colonial era.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/381779312491-1/381779312491-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item>	</channel>
                </rss>
