"islamabad"

Pakistan heightened security in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid possible US-Iran talks, despite no official schedule. Measures include checkpoints, closures, and aerial restrictions after Donald Trump hinted at a visit, as mediation efforts continue before the ceasefire deadline

President Donald Trump has indicated that a second round of talks with Iran may take place in Islamabad within two days, crediting Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir for facilitating dialogue. The US blockade of Iranian ports, enforced by CENTCOM with warships and aircraft, has pressured Tehran back to negotiations.

Talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad ended without agreement, with Iran citing “excessive demands.” JD Vance blamed Tehran’s nuclear stance. Esmaeil Baqaei noted partial consensus but key disagreements remained despite mediation by Ishaq Dar

Iran and the United States have opened negotiations in Islamabad, with discussions centred on a Lebanon ceasefire, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and security in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials insist that Washington must hold Israel accountable for ceasefire violations, while warning that prioritising Israeli interests could derail talks.

US Vice President JD Vance travelled to Islamabad to lead negotiations aimed at ending the six-week war with Iran. Warning Tehran against attempting to “play” the US, he said Washington remains open to talks if Iran negotiates in good faith

President Donald Trump has tasked Vice President J.D. Vance with leading negotiations in Islamabad aimed at securing a long-term settlement with Iran after a fragile ceasefire. The talks follow “Operation Epic Fury,” a US military campaign that weakened Iran’s defence infrastructure and forced Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

A Christian man in Pakistan faces a possible death sentence under blasphemy laws, with his case linked to an alleged network accused of fabricating charges for extortion. The case has raised serious concerns over fairness and misuse of laws.

Pakistani authorities said nearly 300 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq after cross-border attacks. Officials urged Kabul to curb militant groups, as regional powers including Iran pushed for dialogue and de-escalation

At least 14 people, including six children, died after a passenger truck fell from a bridge into a dry canal in Punjab’s Kot Momin due to dense fog. The victims were travelling to attend a family funeral.

Afghan journalist Ubaidullah Ahmadi has been detained in Islamabad as Pakistan intensifies checks on undocumented migrants. Rights groups warn that detained Afghan journalists face arrest and deportation, which could endanger their lives if forced to return home.

A gas cylinder explosion at a wedding in Islamabad killed eight people, including the newlywed couple. The blast injured 11 others and damaged multiple houses. Authorities attribute the explosion to a gas leak, often exacerbated by low-quality cylinders.

Over two million Afghan refugees remain in Pakistan despite more than 1.8 million returning since 2023 under the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan. Border tensions and deportations continue, while UNHCR ensures essential services and advocates exemptions for university students

Former ISI chief Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed was sentenced to 14 years by a Pakistani military court for political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority, and causing wrongful loss. He may appeal the verdict

The IMF approved a fresh US$ 1.2 billion disbursement to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility and Resilience Sustainability Facility, praising macroeconomic stability post-floods, while urging reforms in energy, public finances, and climate resilience to support sustainable growth

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condoled the Red Fort car explosion in Delhi, urging a full investigation. He also condemned the Islamabad suicide attack. India rejected Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s claims linking the attacks, calling them baseless.

The agreement is more symbolic than operational—offering Riyadh with reassurance and throwing Islamabad a lifeline

India has alerted Pakistan about potential flooding in the Tawi River, marking rare contact since the Pahalgam terror attack and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan’s NDMA has issued flood warnings amid ongoing monsoon rains that have already caused heavy casualties

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marked Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with calls for unity and defence of sovereignty. Leaders invoked the recent military clash with India and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris, urging all parties to join hands.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Dhaka on August 23 to meet Bangladeshi officials, including Foreign Minister Touhid Hossain. The visit reflects improved bilateral relations, resumption of direct trade, and recent visa-free agreements for officials.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck northern Pakistan early Sunday, with tremors felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, KP, and Punjab. It followed a 5.4-magnitude quake a day earlier. No casualties or damage were reported, but residents remain cautious amid aftershock fears.