Ayesha Mir

As tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue, Pakistan is emerging as a potential diplomatic bridge. What makes Islamabad uniquely positioned to play this role, and could it actually influence the outcome?

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What makes Islamabad uniquely positioned to play this role, and could it actually influence the outcome?

Why world turned to Pakistan for ending hostilities in Middle East

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said its cross-border military campaign has resumed after a temporary Eid pause, stressing that operations will continue until Afghanistan addresses support for terrorist networks operating from its territory. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Operation Ghazab lil Haq remains a targeted effort against terrorist infrastructure and leadership inside Afghanistan. &ldquo;Operation Ghazab lil Haq is ongoing. It is a precise, targeted military campaign directed against terrorist leadership and their support, command infrastructure, logistics networks and facilitators,&rdquo; Andrabi said during a media briefing. He confirmed that a temporary pause observed during Eid-ul-Fitr, announced following requests from friendly countries, has now ended. &ldquo;The pause has concluded&hellip; operations under Operation Ghazab lil Haq continue now until the objectives are achieved,&rdquo; he said. Andrabi said Pakistan had pursued diplomatic engagement with the Afghan Taliban for several years before launching military action. &ldquo;You cannot fault us for not exploring all avenues of peace. We did explore all avenues but violence and attacks from Afghanistan did not stop,&rdquo; he said. He noted that high-level engagements, including visits to Kabul by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, focused on connectivity, economic cooperation and humanitarian support, but failed to produce results on counterterrorism. &ldquo;Yet the Taliban regime&rsquo;s connections with the TTP were not severed,&rdquo; Andrabi said. The spokesperson said international reporting has documented links between the Afghan Taliban and terrorist groups targeting Pakistan. &ldquo;UN reports have very categorically linked the TTP and other terrorist elements&hellip; with the Taliban regime. These connections have been well documented,&rdquo; he said. Andrabi added that Pakistan&rsquo;s recent strikes targeted infrastructure used by such groups. &ldquo;We do not need any further proof for that,&rdquo; he said. Pakistan also said its military response has reduced the frequency of attacks inside the country. &ldquo;Terrorist attacks against Pakistan&hellip; have diminished sharply since we responded militarily,&rdquo; Andrabi said, pointing to a downward trend in casualties. &ldquo;We have reasons to believe that our actions and strikes have decreased the ability of the TTP to&hellip; perpetrate attacks against Pakistan,&rdquo; he added. Andrabi said Pakistan remains open to peace but requires firm commitments from Afghan authorities. &ldquo;We hope that this window will enable the Afghan side to come with an unwavering commitment&hellip; that their territory would not be used to target Pakistan,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;This assurance&hellip; is their obligation under international law&hellip; and under the Doha Agreement,&rdquo; he added. He emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s objective is stability rather than escalation. &ldquo;We have nothing against the people of Afghanistan. We do not want military action or strikes. We want peace and progress,&rdquo; Andrabi said. The remarks come after weeks of cross-border tensions, including drone incidents, artillery exchanges and Pakistani strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan says the campaign is aimed at dismantling networks responsible for attacks inside the country, while maintaining that operations are conducted with precision and based on verified intelligence.

Foreign Affairs

FO says Operation Ghazab lil Haq remains a targeted effort against terrorist infrastructure and leadership inside Afghanistan; notes high-level engagements, including visits to Kabul by deputy prime minister, focused on connectivity, economic cooperation, and humanitarian support, but failed to produce results on counterterrorism.





Pakistan says Afghan policy shift needed as operation resumes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in efforts to end the ongoing war involving Iran, positioning itself at the center of high-stakes diplomacy as regional and global powers reassess their roles, according to a news analysis by The New York Times. The report said Pakistan conveyed a 15-point US proposal to Tehran and offered to host peace talks, reflecting what officials described as an expanding diplomatic role amid the widening conflict. &ldquo;Iran&#39;s response to the 15 points proposed by the US was officially sent&hellip; through intermediaries,&rdquo; the analysis noted, adding that Pakistan has been relaying messages between Washington and Tehran as indirect talks continue. The development comes as tensions escalate following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered retaliatory attacks across the Gulf, disrupting energy routes and raising global economic concerns. For India, the report said, Pakistan&rsquo;s growing diplomatic engagement marks a &ldquo;troubling trend,&rdquo; as New Delhi navigates strained ties with Washington while Islamabad strengthens its positioning. &ldquo;Normally&hellip; the intermediary role would be played by the United Nations or a country like Qatar,&rdquo; said Happymon Jacob, a diplomacy professor cited in the report. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics have created space for alternative mediators. Pakistan&rsquo;s role is underpinned by its unique geopolitical position, maintaining relations with both the United States and Iran, while also holding strategic ties with Gulf states. Islamabad has also consistently called for restraint. &ldquo;Pakistan has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace and stability in the region,&rdquo; Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said in earlier remarks. The analysis noted that Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic outreach, including high-level contacts with Iranian leadership and regional partners, has coincided with warming ties with Washington. At the same time, India&rsquo;s position has been complicated by its close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly as the conflict intensifies. Still, some Indian officials urged caution against viewing the situation competitively. &ldquo;Clearly, putting an end to this conflict is hugely advantageous&hellip; for everyone,&rdquo; said former diplomat T.C.A. Raghavan, emphasizing that de-escalation would benefit the entire region. Analysts say Pakistan&rsquo;s involvement reflects both necessity and opportunity, with the country seeking to prevent spillover from a conflict unfolding near its borders, while also reinforcing its diplomatic relevance on the global stage. As the war enters a critical phase, Pakistan&rsquo;s role as a conduit for dialogue highlights the shifting balance of influence in a crisis that continues to reshape regional geopolitics and global economic stability.

Americas

Middle East

Asia

Report says Pakistan conveyed 15-point US proposal to Tehran, offered to host peace talks, reflecting what officials described as an expanding diplomatic role amid the widening conflict.

India appears sidelined as Pakistan takes peacemaker role: NYT

ISLAMABAD: Meta-owned WhatsApp has unveiled a suite of new features designed to make chats more manageable, expressive, and seamless across devices, as the platform evolves into a more intelligent and utility-driven messaging service. According to a statement via Media Matter, the PR agency representing Meta in Pakistan on Thursday, the update introduces tools focused on storage control, multi-device flexibility, and AI-powered enhancements. &ldquo;Over time, WhatsApp chats become a record of the moments that matter,&rdquo; the statement said, highlighting how conversations, media, and shared experiences accumulate into users&rsquo; digital histories. &ldquo;To help them make the most of all of it, WhatsApp is rolling out new ways to make it even easier to use.&rdquo; A key addition is improved storage management. Users can now identify and delete large files directly within individual chats without clearing entire conversations.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/6418d688-351e-4ee9-941b-c12dd73b5b34-Chat-AI-Feature.jpeg" alt="WhatsApp-New-Feature" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Photo: Handout/Media Matter</figcaption></figure>&ldquo;Users can choose to clear just media files&hellip; keeping the chat history intact,&rdquo; the statement noted, addressing a long-standing pain point for heavy users. The platform has also expanded its cross-platform capabilities, enabling chat transfers from iOS to Android. &ldquo;Changing phones shouldn&rsquo;t be complicated,&rdquo; the statement said, adding that conversations, photos, and videos can now be moved &ldquo;with just a couple taps.&rdquo; In a move aimed at professionals and multi-device users, WhatsApp now supports two accounts on a single iPhone, bringing iOS in line with Android. Users can switch between accounts easily, with profile indicators ensuring clarity between personal and work identities. On the creative front, WhatsApp is enhancing user expression through smarter sticker suggestions. As users type emojis, relevant stickers will be recommended, allowing for quicker and more dynamic responses. Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role. Meta has introduced photo editing tools powered by Meta AI, enabling users to refine images directly within chats. Additionally, an upgraded Writing Help feature can draft suggested replies based on conversation context, while maintaining privacy. These updates, now rolling out globally, signal WhatsApp&rsquo;s shift toward becoming not just a messaging app, but a more intelligent communication platform blending convenience, personalization, and AI-driven assistance.

Artificial Intelligence

WhatsApp has rolled out new features including AI-powered writing and photo tools, dual accounts on iOS, cross-platform chat transfer, and improved storage management, aiming to make messaging more seamless, personalized, and efficient for users worldwide.

Could WhatsApp’s latest update change how we use chats?

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Thursday expressed grief over the death of a Pakistani national killed by falling debris, as Islamabad continues diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Pakistani national in an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan Street, Abu Dhabi, today,&rdquo; the embassy said in a statement.&nbsp;The mission extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured support during the difficult time.&nbsp;&ldquo;In this difficult time, we stand with the bereaved family, offering our heartfelt condolences and prayers,&rdquo; it added.&nbsp;The embassy said it was coordinating closely with local authorities to assist the family and expedite repatriation.&nbsp;The incident comes as the widening Middle East conflict increasingly impacts civilians across the Gulf.&nbsp;Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic engagement, with officials confirming that indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with Islamabad relaying messages between the two sides as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Embassy is in close coordination with local authorities to extend all possible support and to facilitate the earliest repatriation of the deceased,&rdquo; the statement said.

Pakistan mourned a citizen killed by falling debris in UAE, offering condolences and support to the family. Meanwhile, Islamabad continues mediating between the United States and Iran, relaying messages to help reduce tensions.

Pakistan mourns citizen killed in UAE as it mediates ongoing Iran war

BRUSSELS: Ukraine is still getting essential defense equipment despite the war in the Middle East, which is depleting stockpiles in Europe and the United States, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Thursday.&nbsp;&quot;The good news is that essential equipment into Ukraine continues to flow,&quot; he told reporters. That included American-made Patriot missile interceptors, which Ukraine desperately needs, he added.&nbsp;The PURL program, launched last year, allows Ukraine to receive US equipment financed by European countries.&nbsp;Some 75 percent of the missiles used by Patriot batteries in Ukraine have been supplied through the program, and 90 percent of the munitions used by other air-defense systems, Rutte added.&nbsp;Questioned about the state of the stockpiles and the pressure they are under due to the need for missile interceptors in Israel and the Gulf states, Rutte declined to comment. But he did call on European countries to increase their own production capacity.&nbsp;&quot;They need to produce more extra production lines, extra shifts, opening new factories. The money is there,&quot; he said.

Europe

NATO chief Mark Rutte said Ukraine is still receiving key weapons, including Patriot interceptors, despite Middle East war pressures on Western stockpiles, and urged European countries to expand arms production capacity.

Ukraine still receiving arms despite Mideast war: NATO

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia Thursday for an unannounced visit, as the war in Iran spurs interest among Gulf countries in Ukrainian arms technology. &ldquo;Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled,&rdquo; Zelensky wrote on social media. &ldquo;We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security.&rdquo; Kyiv has sought to leverage its expertise in downing Russian drones to help Gulf nations, which are being attacked with the same Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia fires on Ukraine. Zelensky has said that more than 200 Ukrainian anti-drone experts have been deployed to several countries in the Middle East &mdash; including Saudi Arabia &mdash; since US and Israel launched strikes on Iran that spurred retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran.Kyiv uses a mix of cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools and anti-aircraft guns to down Russian drones. Ukraine has proposed swapping its interceptors for vastly more expensive air-defense missiles that Gulf countries are currently using to down Iranian drones. Ukraine says it needs more of them to fend off Russian missile attacks.

Ukrainian president says he has arrived in Kingdom for important meetings, expressing gratitude for support and backing those willing to work together to ensure security, amid war in the Middle East.

Zelensky arrives in Saudi Arabia on surprise visit

YAOUNDE: The global trading system is experiencing the &quot;worst disruptions in the past 80 years&quot;, World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned as the WTO ministerial conference opened Thursday. &quot;The world order and the multilateral system we use to know has irrevocably changed,&quot; she said, adding: &quot;We cannot deny the scale of the problems confronting the world today.&quot; The World Trade Organization&#39;s 166 members appear deeply divided as trade ministers gather in the Cameroonian capital for the WTO&#39;s top conference, amid global economic turmoil linked to the Middle East war. Over four days in Yaounde, WTO members will try to revitalize an institution weakened by geopolitical tensions, stalled negotiations and rising protectionism against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East, which poses a serious threat to international trade. &quot;The scale of the problems confronting the world today, even before the conflict in the Gulf, destabilized trade in energy, fertiliser and food,&quot; Okonjo-Iweala said. &quot;National governments and international institutions alike have been struggling to navigate rising geopolitical tensions, intensifying climate pressures and rapid technological change. &quot;Accompanying these shifts has been an increasingly loud questioning of multilateralism.&quot; Okonjo-Iweala said these disruptions were just one symptom of broader upheavals shaking the international order created after World War II to prevent a repeat of the disasters of the first half of the 20th century. &quot;It feels appropriate that at the moment when the world is in turmoil with conflict in the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere, at this time of great disruption and uncertainty, we have gathered in Africa to discuss the road ahead for the global trading system,&quot; she said. &quot;Africa is the continent of the future.&quot; she said. WTO ministerial conferences are typically held every two years. This is the second to be held in Africa, after Nairobi in 2015.

Container ships at the Port of Oakland on 8 March 2023 in Oakland, California. (AFP/FILE)

Africa

World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned global trade faces its worst disruptions in 80 years as ministers meet amid deep divisions and geopolitical turmoil.

Global trading system hit by 'worst disruptions in the past 80 years': WTO chief

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari led a high-level consultative meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr to assess the evolving economic and energy situation amid oil supply constraints and rising petroleum prices, as well as regional security developments, according to a press release issued by the President&#39;s Secretariat on Thursday.&nbsp; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting. Other participants included cabinet members and senior government officials. The meeting reviewed the impact of fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and prices on Pakistan&rsquo;s economy, with particular focus on managing inflationary pressures and ensuring energy security.&nbsp; The ministers for finance and petroleum briefed the meeting on ongoing measures to stabilize petroleum prices, manage the effects of rising fuel costs on other sectors of the economy, and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures to reduce expenditure pressures.&nbsp; The broader regional situation also came under discussion, including its implications for Pakistan&rsquo;s security, economic outlook and food security.&nbsp; The meeting emphasized the need for a coordinated national response, noting that policy decisions must prioritize stability while safeguarding the public interest. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination in view of emerging regional challenges. It was agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security, and broader security concerns must stay closely aligned to address this challenging situation. The meeting also emphasized the need for public awareness to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transportation and promote shared ride systems.

President Asif Ali Zardari chairs a high-level meeting attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at Aiwan-i-Sadr on March 26, 2026. — Photo courtesy President’s Secretariat

Security

Meeting highlights need for national consensus and stronger institutional coordination to tackle regional challenges. Economic management, energy planning, food security, and security issues must stay aligned.

Pakistan leaders review energy crisis, economy amid regional tensions

ISLAMABAD: A sexual-abuse case in India, involving the 20-year-old son of a BJP councillor in Goa, has triggered public outrage and political scrutiny after police arrested the man and shifted the investigation to the state Crime Branch.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to media reports carried by The Print, Soham Sushant Naik is accused of circulating sexually explicit videos, including those of minor girls, and blackmailing victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Economic Times reported that the allegations span roughly three years and may involve 25 to 30 minor girls, though that figure remains part of an ongoing investigation.&nbsp;The political sensitivity arises from Naik&rsquo;s family ties. Several outlets have identified him as the son of a BJP-linked councillor in South Goa.&nbsp; In a post on this issue on X, Congress said, &quot;<span style='color: rgb(15, 20, 25); font-family: TwitterChirp, -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;' id="isPasted">Soham Sushant Nayak, son of BJP councillor Sushant Nayak in Goa, gang-raped and sexually assaulted approximately 20-30 minor girls&quot;.&nbsp; <span style='color: rgb(15, 20, 25); font-family: TwitterChirp, -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;'>The post added, &quot;He then made videos of them and circulated them.He was doing this work continuously for the last 3 years, but the BJP government was silent&quot;.&nbsp; <span style='color: rgb(15, 20, 25); font-family: TwitterChirp, -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;'>It also highlighted that, &quot;The local police, government, and Chief Minister claimed they were unaware of the incident. A case was registered only after people took to the streets in solidarity with the victim&#39;s family&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2037062525683179619&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=28c3122c7356918d167c3372c4e331288e97b585&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 702px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2037062525683179619"></iframe></div></div>The arrest came after large protests outside the police station in Curchorem, increasing criticism that the authorities did not respond quickly enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;Public outrage intensified, along with allegations that the accused may have been protected due to his political connections.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2036733674474144157&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=28c3122c7356918d167c3372c4e331288e97b585&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 883px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2036733674474144157"></iframe></div></div>The case has also revived opposition claims that politically connected abuse cases are mishandled under BJP governments.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the Ankita Bhandari murder case, renewed allegations surfaced in late 2025 naming BJP national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore in connection with the still-contested, unknown &ldquo;VIP&rdquo; angle.&nbsp;With the Crime Branch now in charge, the focus is on victim statements, the scope of the alleged abuse, and whether investigators uncover evidence that others helped shield the accused or suppress complaints.

India

Goa police have widened a sexual-abuse probe against a son of a BJP councillor after protests forced action, reviving scrutiny of whether politically connected abuse cases are mishandled under the BJP.

Why world turned to Pakistan for ending hostilities in Middle East

Latest News

Why world turned to Pakistan for ending hostilities in Middle East

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India appears sidelined as Pakistan takes peacemaker role: NYT

Could WhatsApp’s latest update change how we use chats?

Pakistan mourns citizen killed in UAE as it mediates ongoing Iran war