Author: Amjad Qaimkhani

By Amajd Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: In a display of cordiality and strategic engagement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of warm, informal interactions with world leaders at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington. Among the notable encounters was a personal meeting with US President Donald Trump, where the two exchanged handshakes, smiles, and an embrace, underscoring a spirit of mutual goodwill and cooperation. Beyond Washington’s formalities, PM Shehbaz engaged in substantive conversations with the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Israeli media have given prominent coverage to growing concerns over a possible US strike on Iran, with reports suggesting Israel is preparing to play an “active role” rather than remain a bystander. Security analysts who are monitoring tensions between Tehran told daily Metro Morning that Washington and Tel Aviv have warned in recent days that any conflict could prove prolonged and highly destabilizing for the region. They said the Israeli daily Maariv reported that, in light of rising tension, Israel is “prepared for every possible scenario”. The paper said that with friction increasing between Iran and…

The talks unfolded as PM Shehbaz attended a summit hosted by US President Trump, underscoring Pakistan’s active role in regional and global security By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: In Washington D.C., the United States reaffirmed that its partnership with Pakistan remained a cornerstone in the global fight against terrorism, following high-level talks between senior officials from both countries. The discussions took place as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended an international summit hosted by US President Donald Trump, highlighting Pakistan’s continuing engagement on major regional and global security initiatives. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met the Prime Minister in a bilateral…

Trump is set to chair a pivotal meeting unveiling a multi-billion-dollar Gaza reconstruction plan and a UN-backed force to stabilize the fragile Palestinian territory By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Before committing to sending troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilisation Force, Pakistan is seeking assurances from the United States that the mission will be strictly peacekeeping and not involve disarming Hamas, three government sources told Reuters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the first formal meeting of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday. Delegations from at least 20 countries will also take part.…

Rising attacks by TTP, Al-Qaeda, and ISKP expose Pakistan’s persistent security vulnerabilities, highlighting that the true challenge extends far beyond mere diplomatic posturing By Amjad Qaimkhani NEW YORK: The latest UNSC monitoring team report has reignited an old but unresolved debate: is Afghanistan once again becoming a safe space for militant groups, and what does that mean for Pakistan and the wider region? The report challenges the Afghan Taliban`s claim that no terrorist organizations operate from Afghan soil. It states that groups such as TTP, Al-Qaeda and ISKP remain active, and that attacks against Pakistan have increased. The real issue,…

Asim Iftikhar warned that over 80 Pakistanis had been killed in recent cross-border attacks, urging urgent action against militants operating from Afghan soil By Amjad Qaimkhani NEW YORK: Pakistan’s envoy to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, delivered a forceful warning to the Security Council on Wednesday, condemning the use of Afghan territory by militant groups to launch attacks against Pakistan. In a speech marked by urgency and detailed evidence, Ahmad said cross-border terrorism was not only unacceptable but also a direct challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty, stressing that the country would not compromise on the safety of its citizens. He…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The US State Department has begun offering financial incentives to Afghan citizens stranded at a camp in Qatar as preparations are made to close the facility, a move that human rights groups and some politicians have condemned as a “betrayal.” Since early last year, more than 1,100 Afghans have been living at the former US military base, Camp As-Saliyah, unable to continue their resettlement in the United States after the Trump administration suspended their relocation. Many of those affected include Afghans who worked alongside US forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan, as well as family…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The Washington Post announced on Saturday that its CEO and publisher, Will Lewis, was leaving immediately, just days after the newspaper, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, carried out sweeping job cuts that angered readers. Lewis, who is English, faced sharp criticism from both subscribers and staff during his two-year tenure as he attempted to reverse financial losses at the paper. He has been replaced by Jeff D’Onofrio, a former CEO of social media platform Tumblr who joined the Post last year as chief financial officer. In an email to staff shared on social media, Lewis…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Pakistan People’s Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said promoting interfaith harmony had become an urgent global priority, arguing that peace and sustainable development could not be achieved without mutual respect and cooperation among nations and communities of different faiths. Speaking to young leaders at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Bhutto said societies across the world were facing deep divisions driven by intolerance, mistrust and the misuse of religion. He warned that these divisions continued to fuel conflict and instability, making dialogue and understanding more important than ever. Global peace, he said, depended on collective effort…

By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Pakistan People’s Party chair Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for an end to discrimination rooted in color, race and religion, saying such divisions continue to undermine global peace and progress. Speaking at a reception for young leaders in Washington, Bhutto said his family had made “great sacrifices” in the struggle for democracy, adding that equality and inclusion must remain central to political life. He urged countries to work together to secure peace and development, stressing that young people had a critical role to play in driving positive change across the world. Bhutto also highlighted the importance…