Pakistan TV Satellite

Islamabad: Political analyst Professor Adil Najam from Boston has described the emerging ceasefire between the United States and Iran as &ldquo;clearly good news&rdquo; for the world, noting that the situation had been escalating in highly dangerous ways. Speaking on Pakistan&rsquo;s TV programme Newsroom, he emphasised Pakistan&rsquo;s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, describing it as a structural positive change for the country&rsquo;s international image. He said the United States and Iran are motivated to negotiate partly due to economic and political pressures, including the impact on the global oil market, but cautioned that the situation remains highly fragile, particularly in its early stages. &ldquo;The next 48 to 72 hours are extremely important,&rdquo; he noted, adding that the success or failure of this initial period will likely determine whether the ceasefire can evolve into a sustainable long-term arrangement. &ldquo;If we can hold firm in those three to four days, then I think the longer term becomes much more reliable,&rdquo; he added, but stressed that deep mistrust remains a major challenge. &ldquo;I am still holding my breath because there&rsquo;s a very real chance of a slip between the cup and the lip,&rdquo; he said. Professor Najam emphasised that the current ceasefire should be viewed as a starting point, not a final solution.&nbsp; &ldquo;The moment we are in is extremely important. This moment should be both celebrated and ensured that it leads to some sort of ceasefire,&rdquo; he said, stressing the need for continued support from the international community. The analyst also pointed to broader regional dynamics, noting that the conflict cannot be viewed in isolation.&nbsp; &ldquo;This is not just about the US and Iran&hellip; it has already turned into a regional and possibly even global issue that cannot be solved unless a whole lot of dots are resolved,&rdquo; he said, referring to ongoing tensions involving Israel and the wider Middle East. He pointed out that the crisis reflects a structural shift in global geopolitics, adding alliances are being re-evaluated, and countries in the Middle East will need to recalibrate strategies and priorities.&nbsp; &ldquo;Even after we resolve this&hellip; we will come to a new place, and everyone will be scrambling to figure out what that new place is,&rdquo; Professor Najam added.

The Newsroom

Political analyst Professor Adil Najam emphasises Pakistan’s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, describing it as a structural positive change for the country’s international image.



US-Iran ceasefire offers ‘relief’ but fragility remains: Analyst

ISLAMABAD: Prominent Chinese scholar Professor Vitor Gao has underscored the pivotal role that Pakistan is playing in de-escalating ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Professor Victor Gao of Soochow University praised Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts, describing them as &ldquo;constructive and positive&rdquo; in working towards ending what he termed a war of aggression against Iran. He noted that Pakistan remains among a limited number of countries capable of engaging all sides and facilitating dialogue during a highly volatile period. Professor Gao emphasised that from China&rsquo;s perspective, the continuation or escalation of the conflict could trigger far-reaching consequences, including an energy crisis, economic instability, and a potential global financial downturn. He warned that failure to halt hostilities could have repercussions not only for the region but for the entire world. Referring to recent engagements between Pakistan and China, including discussions between their foreign ministers, he said both countries share a common position advocating cessation of hostilities, adherence to the United Nations Charter, and a return to peaceful negotiations. Highlighting Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic standing, the Chinese scholar remarked that successful mediation by Islamabad could elevate its status as a key global peace actor. &ldquo;If Pakistan succeeds in bringing the parties to the negotiating table, it will be recognised [for] playing a critical role in defending international peace,&rdquo; he stated. The scholar also pointed to the importance of careful diplomacy in managing differing interests, adding that global stability depends on rational decision-making by all parties.

Professor Victor Gao highlights Islamabad’s growing diplomatic significance and urges trust-building to avert global crisis and potentially becoming a key international peace actor through successful mediation.

Pakistan’s role in de-escalating Iran conflict crucial: Chinese Scholar

ISLAMABAD: Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White has described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s offer to facilitate talks as a &ldquo;very smart&rdquo; and strategic move. Speaking in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme Newsroom with Sana Maqbool, Dana W. White said the offer underscores Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive role in advancing diplomatic engagement and helping de-escalate tensions. White said the initiative demonstrated foresight on Islamabad&rsquo;s part, adding that President Trump&rsquo;s public acknowledgement of the offer reflected &ldquo;a great deal of respect&rdquo; for Pakistan. The former Pentagon spokesperson said the development could positively shape bilateral ties, particularly at a time when Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with NATO, Great Britain, and Europe, making new and willing partners more significant. She further said the move aligned with Trump&rsquo;s stated desire to end bloodshed quickly, arguing that he requires partners ready to help resolve the crisis.&nbsp; According to White, Pakistan is well positioned to assist in these conversations and could play a meaningful role in moving diplomatic efforts forward. Dana W. White said Washington believes there is still a possibility of a deal with Tehran, but warned that President Trump &ldquo;is not going to wait forever&rdquo;, pointing to ongoing backchannel communications despite what she described as public &ldquo;bluster&rdquo; from Iran.&nbsp; She said the United States&rsquo; objective remains unchanged, which was dismantling Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities.&nbsp; The former Pentagon spokesperson said while US military operations have degraded Iran&rsquo;s missiles and drones, attention is now shifting to diplomacy and identifying credible interlocutors.&nbsp; She said Washington and its allies may look beyond ideological leadership toward mid-level military figures and other actors willing to engage. She also emphasized that regional players, including Gulf states and potentially Pakistan, could help shape post-conflict dynamics, while Iran may seek an &ldquo;exit ramp&rdquo; that allows it to save face.&nbsp; White said Trump is pursuing a dual-track approach of pressure and diplomacy, insisting that Tehran must eventually come to the negotiating table or face further consequences.

Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said PM Sharif offer to help talks is smart. It improves Pakistan’s image, gains Trump’s respect, and could help reduce US-Iran tensions through diplomacy and pressure.

PM Sharif’s offer to facilitate talks a ‘very smart’, strategic move: ex-Pentagon official

ISLAMABAD: Former Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Dr Ali Awadh Asseri has hoped that consultations between the leadership of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would yield positive results not only for the two countries but also for the wider region. Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme The Newsroom, Dr Asseri, while referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, said the engagement was particularly significant given the challenging situation in the region.&nbsp; He expressed optimism that high-level engagement between their leadership would contribute to regional peace and stability. The former envoy said relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remained unique, profound and durable.&nbsp; &ldquo;I have no illusion whatsoever that the visit of the prime minister and the consultation between the two leaderships will achieve good, hopefully peace and tranquility for both nations to begin with and for the whole region,&rdquo; he said. Dr Asseri said Pakistan-Saudi relations had deep historical roots and continued to grow stronger with successive governments in both countries.&nbsp; &ldquo;The unique thing about this relationship is that it is a people-to-people relationship, and that is what makes it special,&rdquo; he said, adding that while leaders may change, the relationship continues to be reinforced by new leadership in both countries. Highlighting the scope of cooperation between the two countries, Dr Asseri said the relationship encompassed economic and military cooperation, including a defence pact.&nbsp; He also pointed to the presence of around 2.5 million Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia as a key pillar of bilateral ties. The former ambassador also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.&nbsp; He said Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries had supported dialogue between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Oman&rsquo;s foreign minister, in the hope that it would yield positive results. He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states were keen to see tensions reduced as the conflict served neither the Islamic world&rsquo;s interests nor the global economy, particularly amid disruptions to global oil supplies and rising prices.

Former Saudi ambassador Dr Ali Awadh Asseri said Pakistan-Saudi leadership consultations, including Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, could strengthen bilateral ties, reduce regional tensions, and promote peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation.

Consultations between Pakistan, Saudi leaderships to yield positive results for wider region: former envoy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has successfully evacuated thousands of its citizens from Iran amid escalating tensions, said Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to Iran. In an exclusive interview on the Pakistan TV programme The Newsroom, Ambassador Tipu said that Pakistan has approximately 35,000 nationals living across Iran, with a significant number concentrated in the Sistan-Balochistan province near the Pakistan border, as well as in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Hamadan, Qom and Karaj.&nbsp; He said a large portion of the population includes students, businessmen, pilgrims and individuals on short-term visits. &ldquo;Since the outbreak of hostilities, we have evacuated about 2,000 Pakistanis through government-coordinated efforts, while another 2,000&ndash;3,000 returned independently with our assistance,&rdquo; Tipu said, adding that over the past weeks the Pakistan embassy has been in constant contact with its citizens, guiding and sensitising them to the evolving situation. The ambassador highlighted the embassy&rsquo;s 24/7 operational centre, which coordinated evacuations by collecting citizen information, arranging buses, and guiding individuals to Pakistan&rsquo;s border at Taftan, adding that other routes, such as the Azerbaijan border, were also used to facilitate safe passage. Special attention was given to Pakistani students, including those at Tehran Medical University and other educational institutions.&nbsp; Tipu noted that Pakistani nationals in remote areas, including ports such as Bandar Abbas, were also assisted directly by embassy staff to ensure safe transport back to Pakistan. &ldquo;Citizens must be aware of working banking centres, ATM availability, and medicine supplies.&nbsp; Due to intermittent disruptions of Wi-Fi and navigation systems, we advised downloading Iranian navigation apps to ease travel within the country,&rdquo; he stressed. He urged Pakistani citizens still in Iran to contact the embassy via Twitter, Instagram, or official Foreign Ministry channels, which remain operational despite high call volumes.&nbsp; &ldquo;When the conflict began, we were receiving 400&ndash;500 calls daily, including messages from families in Pakistan seeking updates from their children,&rdquo; Tipu said.

In an exclusive interview on the Pakistan TV programme The Newsroom, Ambassador Tipu said that Pakistan has approximately 35,000 nationals living across Iran, with a significant number concentrated in the Sistan-Balochistan province near the Pakistan border, as well as in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Hamadan, Qom and Karaj. 

Pakistan evacuates about 2,000 nationals amid rising tensions in Iran: Envoy

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj has said that if a trilateral defense cooperation agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is proposed in the future, Pakistan would welcome it. Talking exclusively in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme The Newsroom, the minister said Pakistan enjoys very strong diplomatic and defense relations with both Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing them as close allies and reliable friends of the country.&nbsp; &ldquo;An agreement has already been concluded between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It is a bilateral agreement. If tomorrow, Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia come up with a proposal, it will be a very welcoming statement as far as Pakistan is concerned,&rdquo; the minister said, adding that at present there is no trilateral agreement involving the three countries. The Saudi-Pakistan defense agreement was signed between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in Riyadh in September last year, which was described as a &ldquo;strategic mutual defense agreement.&rdquo;&nbsp; The agreement aims to development aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Harraj said Pakistan maintains close defence cooperation with Turkiye, particularly in defence industrial development, and has a similar association with Saudi Arabia. Azerbaijan is also a close partner of Pakistan in terms of defense cooperation, he added. The minister said while a trilateral framework could be a future prospect, any such arrangement would only be considered if and when a formal proposal is presented.&nbsp; &ldquo;We would be willing to deliberate once an opportunity arises,&rdquo; he said, adding that if such an agreement comes forward, it will be left for the relevant stakeholders to scrutinize it. Harraj emphasised that defense-related agreements are considered trade secrets and often involve classified information that cannot be disclosed publicly.&nbsp; Explaining the nature of defense cooperation, the minister said such collaborations can take various forms, including joint exercises, shared production of defense equipment, or joint manufacturing of components.&nbsp; He cited the JF-17 fighter jet programme as an example of successful defense collaboration between Pakistan and China. Reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s position, Harraj said bilateral defense agreements with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are independent of each other.

Federal Minister for Defense Production Raza Hayat Harraj has said that if a trilateral defense cooperation agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is proposed in the future, Pakistan would welcome it.

Pakistan open to trilateral defense deal with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye in future: Harraj

ISLAMABAD: Iran has expressed its readiness to play a supportive role in addressing ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering a &ldquo;blank cheque&rdquo; to help resolve these issues, while also emphasizing the strengthening of trade and economic relations between Tehran and Islamabad. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Iran&rsquo;s Supreme National Security Council, highlighted Tehran&rsquo;s willingness to assist if Pakistan seeks Iran&rsquo;s involvement in resolving regional issues. &ldquo;Pakistan is very dear and honourable to the Iranian people,&quot; Larijani said, adding we can help ease regional tensions. Earlier, addressing a press conference, the senior Iranian official said: &ldquo;We are prepared to give the Pakistanis a &lsquo;blank cheque&rsquo; to help resolve the regional issues, to be used whenever they deem necessary.&rdquo; <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4FfT1CCdgvQ?si=_GiRA_uvmnUEmz-l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div> He said this is the blank cheque for peace, and Pakistan can encash it whenever it wants. In the interview with Pakistan TV, Ali Larijani said: &ldquo;We have left this matter to our Pakistani brothers and are ready to move forward if they see a role for us. Our goal is to support the solution for the people of Pakistan.&rdquo; Larijani also noted that Iran has shown &ldquo;expressive readiness&rdquo; to help facilitate dialogue and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following discussions with Pakistani leadership. Pakistan and Iran share historically friendly ties, with cooperation spanning trade, energy and regional security. Over the past decade, both countries have worked on multiple initiatives, including energy pipelines, cross-border trade agreements and joint efforts to maintain stability in Afghanistan. Iran has previously too shown its interest in fostering peace and stability in the region. Pakistan also emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in trade, transport and energy infrastructure, seeking to strengthen bilateral ties through tangible projects. Larijani also touched upon bilateral trade and investment initiatives. He noted that following the recent visit of Iran&rsquo;s president, both countries have intensified efforts to enhance economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, railway networks and pipeline projects. &ldquo;Work has begun on promoting trade and economic ties between our countries, especially in agriculture, as per the directives of our leaders. We are exploring various avenues to elevate trade volume,&rdquo; Larijani stated. He added that both sides have discussed multiple strategies to expand and strengthen these relations, with optimism for tangible outcomes in the near future.

Iran offers a “blank cheque” to help Pakistan ease tensions with Afghanistan, while urging stronger trade, energy and investment cooperation following recent high-level engagements and economic discussions.

Iran offers ‘blank cheque’ to support Pakistan-Afghanistan peace, eyes stronger bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: In the aftermath of the recent blast in New Delhi, human rights activists and civil society members warn that Kashmiris across India are encountering heightened scrutiny, police brutality, and social hostility, despite the absence of a completed investigation into the attack.&nbsp;The blanket suspicion, they argue, represents a deepening cycle of profiling that long predates the explosion but has intensified sharply since. John Dayal, a senior human rights advocate and long-time commentator on India&rsquo;s minority rights landscape, said while speaking to Pakistan TV, that the repercussions have been immediate and unsettling.&nbsp; He said the implications for the people in Kashmir were worrisome. &ldquo;Two things worry me. One is the moment such things happen. There is a spurt in Islamophobia in the country, which is already rampant,&rdquo; Dayal noted. &ldquo;Young people, doctors, their families in the Valley&mdash;they get investigated, they get picked up by the police, some houses have been demolished. This has caused great worry, and it has been condemned by many like me in civil society.&rdquo; According to Dayal, the response to the blast has extended beyond the capital, affecting Kashmiri students and workers in multiple states.&nbsp; Rights groups report evictions, police questioning, and growing reluctance among landlords and employers to engage with Kashmiri applicants. Activists say the measures amount to collective punishment, applied without clarity on whether any Kashmiri individual had a definitive link to the Delhi attack. Zafar Qureshi, another prominent human rights advocate focused on Kashmir, described the pattern as familiar and politically charged. He argues that Kashmiris are routinely thrust into the centre of national security narratives, especially around election periods.&nbsp; &ldquo;Every time there&rsquo;s an election, some sort of incident happens somewhere,&rdquo; he said, alleging that incomplete information and premature speculation often shape public perception before facts emerge. He emphasised that the ongoing investigation into the blast has yet to offer conclusive findings.&nbsp; &ldquo;What we do hear from the media is that some Kashmiris were suspected. But who were the others? Nobody has mentioned them.&rdquo; Qureshi warned that this environment has given rise to new labels&mdash;such as &ldquo;white-collar terrorists&rdquo;&mdash;that stigmatise educated Kashmiri youth. &ldquo;India&rsquo;s mainland was the only space where they could go for education after passports were impounded and the media gagged. Now that space, too, is being taken away,&rdquo; he said. He added that while some Indians have questioned the narrative, hostility is increasingly diffused through communities themselves. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s seeping into the fabric of society,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Regular people are believing this narrative and acting on it.&rdquo;

Civil society voices warn of rising hostility and profiling, saying unproven allegations are fueling fear and endangering Kashmiri students and professionals.


'Collective punishment': Kashmiris branded, harassed and hunted across India in Delhi blast’s aftermath  

ISLAMABAD: A dramatic moment at the Dubai Airshow 2025 pushes India&rsquo;s LCA Tejas and Pakistan&rsquo;s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets into comparison, after the Indian combat aircraft suffered an oil leak that went viral on social media.&nbsp;The incident left Tejas drawing noticeably lighter footfall at its display area. In stark contrast, Pakistan&rsquo;s JF-17 Thunder continued to attract a steady stream of aviation enthusiasts, defence professionals, and families, reinforcing Pakistan&rsquo;s rising profile in the regional aerospace arena. Appearing on Pakistan Television&rsquo;s programme Newsroom, Air Marshal (retd) Arshad Malik, former vice chief of air staff, who played a key role in the development of JF-17, said both Tejas and the JF-17 were products of broader modernisation and self-reliance efforts by India and Pakistan respectively. &ldquo;India calls it Made in India, whereas Pakistan simply stated that it is going to be an indigenous product. Of course, we joined hands with our time-tested friend China,&rdquo; Air Marshal (retd) Malik said. The retired air marshal explained that when evaluating aircraft, experts focus on design, operational maturity, adaptability, flexibility, and overall feasibility. He said international airshows like Dubai, Farnborough, and Paris attract &ldquo;all aviation enthusiasts&rdquo; who closely examine the technical and aesthetic strengths of the aircraft on display. Referring to the Dubai incident, Air Marshal (retd) Malik said while technical issues such as leaks can occur in any aircraft, the manner in which the situation was handled raised concerns.&nbsp; &ldquo;When an aircraft projected as a modern, lightweight, indigenized platform starts to have leaks&mdash;well, leaks could be there, that&rsquo;s not a problem. But how you handle it, that&rsquo;s a pity,&rdquo; he remarked. Taking a swipe at the response to the oil leak, the former vice chief of air staff said: &ldquo;Putting up shoppers to control the leakage reflects the mindset, training, and skills of the Indian Air Force. It&rsquo;s worrisome not only for India but also for aviation enthusiasts observing these platforms.&rdquo; Calling the episode &ldquo;unprecedented&rdquo; and reflective of &ldquo;poor professionalism&rdquo;, he suggested that the Indian Air Force has struggled to project Tejas as a credible platform. In contrast, Air Marshal (retd) Malik highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s success with the JF-17 program, particularly the Block III variant.&nbsp; &ldquo;Pakistan Air Force has demonstrated through the JF-17 program that it is a viable, adaptable, flexible, and versatile aircraft,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; He emphasised that JF-17&rsquo;s integration flexibility, including modern radar systems and advanced onboard missiles, was achieved indigenously.&nbsp;&ldquo;We have combat-proven it in 2019 and again in 2025,&rdquo; he added. The retired air marshal said India would find it &ldquo;very difficult&rdquo; to prove Tejas is compatible with the JF-17, especially in light of international acceptance.&nbsp; &ldquo;Argentina has inducted JF-17. Myanmar has inducted it. And very soon, we are going to sign deals with Iraq and Azerbaijan,&rdquo; he said, describing these developments as signals of confidence from professional air forces. Discussing the production framework of the JF-17, he noted that 58% of the parts are manufactured in Pakistan and 42% in China, with 100% of the assembly carried out in Pakistan.

As LCA Tejas embarrasses India, Pakistan’s JF-17 shines at Dubai Airshow

ISLAMABAD: Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, extended condolences to the victims, and pledged continued Canadian support in the fight against terrorism. &ldquo;Our position is a very clear one. We condemn terrorism in all of its forms, particularly the impact it has on innocent civilians,&rdquo; he said, in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV. &ldquo;Because I&rsquo;m here in Pakistan right now, let me offer my condolences to the people of Pakistan and of this city for the terrorism attack which took place here in Islamabad. We stand with you on this and we completely condemn this.&rdquo; <img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/1b43acdd-8349-4694-b9ff-5879899263a2.jpeg" style="width: 860px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Visa advice for Pakistani studentsThe High Commissioner also addressed concerns of Pakistani students aspiring to study in Canada. He acknowledged the vital role international students play in Canadian universities and communities and encouraged genuine applicants to apply early and ensure their documents are authentic. &ldquo;Students are really key contributors to our university environments and the communities in which those universities reside,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Apply early, make sure your documents are complete and genuine, and be wary of immigration agents. Do it yourself, provide accurate information. If you are a genuine student, you should be able to come. You will not be rejected.&rdquo; He added that applicants whose visas are refused should carefully review the reasons for rejection and reapply after addressing the gaps. Strengthening trade and investment linksSpeaking on economic cooperation, the Canadian High Commissioner said both Canada and Pakistan are working to diversify trade ties and build partnerships in priority sectors such as critical minerals, renewable energy, and agriculture. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s great potential in renewable energy &mdash; a Canadian company, JCM Power, is providing wind and solar solutions in Sindh,&rdquo; he noted. &ldquo;We also have Barrick Minerals operating the Reko Diq copper mine in Balochistan. And we saw very positive cooperation this year enabling canola exports from Canada to Pakistan.&rdquo; Canada&rsquo;s recognition of Palestine and support for peaceTurning to global affairs, the High Commissioner reaffirmed Canada&rsquo;s recognition of the State of Palestine and support for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. &ldquo;Our position has always been that we fully support a two-state solution,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We recognized the State of Palestine last fall and continue to provide humanitarian relief to Gaza via Jordan. The world has witnessed this tragedy go on for too long &mdash; now is the time to pursue a lasting solution.&rdquo; Appreciation for Pakistan TV&nbsp;High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan praised the launch and continued growth of Pakistan TV. &quot;You are entering a new phase by bringing world news to an English audience in Pakistan. It&#39;s an opportunity to have the ability to develop your own narrative.&quot;

In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Canadian High Commissioner outlines cooperation on trade, education, and peace efforts

Canada condemns Islamabad terror attack, reaffirms support for Pakistan

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday creating a voluntary framework under which AI developers will share advanced models with the government before public release.&nbsp;The central provision allows companies such as OpenAI, Google or Anthropic to give the government access to their most powerful models for up to 30 days before planned release.&nbsp;The order was triggered by concerns over Anthropic&#39;s Mythos model, which the AI startup has refused to release publicly due to its ability to expose vulnerabilities in computer systems -- including those of banks, governments and hospitals.&nbsp;The 30-day window represents a compromise: the original draft that leaked to US media called for up to 90 days of pre-release government access, while tech companies had pushed to cut that figure to just 14 days.&nbsp;The signing comes after a turbulent few weeks in which the White House appeared close to unveiling the measure, only to pull back abruptly.&nbsp;According to Politico and other media, David Sacks, the Silicon Valley venture capitalist who served as Trump&#39;s AI and crypto czar, called the president to warn that the measure would slow innovation and hurt the United States in its AI race with China -- blindsiding White House staff who believed Sacks supported the order.&nbsp;Sacks wrote on X last week that &quot;unnecessary regulation is the biggest threat to innovation in America,&quot; adding that winning the AI race required clearing &quot;bureaucratic hurdles&quot; from state legislatures and Washington politicians.&nbsp;The order also instructs Treasury, the National Security Agency and the CISA agency to form an &quot;AI cybersecurity clearinghouse&quot; in voluntary collaboration with industry and critical infrastructure operators to coordinate scanning for software vulnerabilities and prioritize patches.&nbsp;Trump scrapped a Biden-era AI oversight order on his first day back in the White House.&nbsp;Biden&#39;s 2023 order required AI companies to share safety test results with the government and leaned heavily on voluntary commitments -- already a light-touch approach that fell short of what many experts had called for.&nbsp;By contrast, the European Union&#39;s AI Act -- which entered into force in 2024 -- sets binding rules for high-risk AI systems, including mandatory transparency requirements and, for the most powerful models, obligations around safety testing and incident reporting.

Americas

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a voluntary framework for AI firms to share advanced models with the government up to 30 days before release, while establishing an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse to address emerging security risks.

Trump signs AI order giving government access to powerful models

SOUTHAMPTON: Body camera footage of a dying student who was handcuffed by British police after being stabbed by a Sikh man and falsely accused of racially abusing his murderer sparked outrage Tuesday. 18 year-old Henry Nowak is heard repeatedly telling police &quot;I can&#39;t breathe&quot; in the footage captured as he lay mortally wounded in December after a night out with his football team members. A judge on Monday jailed his killer, 23-year-old Sikh Vickrum Digwa, for at least 21 years for stabbing Nowak to death with a ceremonial knife with a 21cm blade. When police arrived at the scene in the south coast city of Southampton, Digwa lied to officers, telling them Nowak had racially insulted him and that he was the victim. The footage, which was played during Digwa&#39;s trial, shows police accepting the aggressor&#39;s accusation, and rather than helping Nowak initially placing him in handcuffs despite his pleas that he had been stabbed and could not breathe. One officer can be heard asking Nowak: &quot;You&#39;ve been stabbed, whereabouts?&quot; before adding: &quot;Don&#39;t think you have, mate.&quot; Moments later the young student collapsed and became unconscious. Speaking after Digwa was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court, Nowak&#39;s father Mark described the police treatment of his son as &quot;shocking&quot;. He called Nowak&#39;s treatment &quot;inhumane and degrading... his murderer, however, was afforded decency. He was believed&quot;. The family gave permission for police to release the bodycam footage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the &quot;awful, shocking case&quot; on X on Monday, saying it was right the independent police complaints watchdog was investigating officers&#39; &quot;response to (Nowak&#39;s) senseless murder&quot;. Main opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and far-right Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for changes to police diversity policies. Farage said there needed to be an end to &quot;anti-white prejudice&quot; and recognition that &quot;white lives matter&quot;. &lsquo;Two-tier culture&rsquo; He said Nowak&#39;s words echoed the 2020 case of George Floyd, a black killed by police in the United States. &quot;I can&#39;t breathe. Familiar words. Remember career criminal George Floyd, who died in appalling circumstances in Midwest America,&quot; Farage said. At the time &quot;Keir Starmer was taking the knee. Black Lives Matter exploded all over the country. Churchill&#39;s statue was defaced,&quot; Farage said. But after Nowak&#39;s death there has been &quot;absolute silence, proof ... we&#39;re living in a two-tier culture in this country where the rights and privileges of white people matter less than those of ethnic minorities.&quot; Change was needed, Farage said, &quot;if our society is not to be ripped apart&quot; amid distrust between communities, and concern over policing and institutions. Badenoch accused Farage of &quot;deepening divisions&quot; with his comments. But she also took at aim at so-called &quot;two-tier policing&quot; in which police allegedly deal with ethnic minorities more leniently. Badenoch, whose party has lost support on the right to Reform UK, called for citizens to be treated equally by police regardless of ethnicity. &quot;No two-tier policing, no believing that racism only happens to ethnic minorities. It happens to everyone,&quot; she told Good Morning Britain television. &quot;And the police need to be trained like that, not with the terrible anti-racism training, which is just reverse racism and reverse discrimination,&quot; she said. American tech tycooon Elon Musk has posted on X an offer to fund a private prosecution against the police over its handling of the murder. Digwa was due in court again Tuesday with his brother, Gurpreet Digwa, 27, and his father, Moga Singh, 52, on weapons offences. All three face charges of possession of offensive weapons including a flick knife, an extendable baton, knuckledusters, a machete, swords and kusaris. Digwa&#39;s family apologized to Nowak&#39;s family for the killing.&nbsp; The convicted killer&#39;s mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, will be sentenced on July 17 for assisting an offender by taking the knife back to the family home.

Demonstrators gather around Kingsway to march during 'Unite the Kingdom' organized at the call of far-right activist Tommy Robinson in London, United Kingdom on May 16, 2026. (AFP)

Europe

18 year-old Henry Nowak is heard repeatedly telling police "I can't breathe" in the footage captured as he lay mortally wounded in December after a night out with his football team members.

'I can't breathe': Outrage after UK police handcuff dying student

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: The International Rescue Committee warned Tuesday that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is likely much larger and more advanced than official figures indicate, as response efforts struggle with delayed detection and dangerously low levels of contact tracing. According to World Health Organization data, Ebola is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans, with an average case fatality rate of around 50%, ranging from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. The current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific therapeutics currently exist, according to available epidemiological data. The virus spreads through direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes and bodily fluids of infected or deceased persons, and through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or materials, according to WHO tracking. The incubation period is 2 to 21 days, with individuals not contagious until symptoms appear, per WHO guidelines. With only 20% of contacts currently being traced, health authorities are struggling to identify and isolate new chains of transmission, according to the IRC. The virus may have been spreading undetected since before March, potentially as long as three months before the first official case was identified, allowing multiple chains of transmission to establish across communities and provinces, the IRC warned. &quot;The true scale of this Ebola outbreak is likely far worse than official figures suggest,&quot; said Rachel Howard, Senior Technical Emergency Health Adviser at the IRC. &quot;When four out of five contacts are not being traced, it becomes incredibly difficult to contain the outbreak or even understand its true scale. We&#39;re especially concerned about the virus spreading to other countries like Burundi or South Sudan.&quot; According to integrated epidemiological data, the total confirmed case numbers are 282 in the DRC and 9 in Uganda, with over 220 suspected cases under investigation. At least 42 confirmed deaths have been reported in the DRC and 1 in Uganda. IRC teams report that shortages of diagnostic cartridges and testing backlogs are slowing case confirmation, further obscuring the true spread of the outbreak. Seven confirmed Ebola patients have reportedly left treatment centers in the DRC. More than six healthcare workers have died, including two doctors, in recent days. People are avoiding health facilities, raising concerns that those affected are staying in their communities rather than seeking treatment. Without urgent funding, the situation could deteriorate rapidly. The outbreak is increasingly resembling the 2018-20 North Kivu Ebola crisis, which infected thousands of people and was complicated by insecurity, population movement, and community resistance. However, unlike in previous outbreaks, when the Ervebo vaccine was deployed, there is currently no approved vaccine for this Ebola strain. The IRC called for urgent international support to scale up contact tracing, surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment capacity, and community engagement efforts. In Uganda, the organization teamed up with the local health ministry on the border to support infection prevention and control activities, including screening people coming across the border.

Africa

The current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific therapeutics currently exist.

Congo Ebola outbreak likely far larger than official figures suggest: IRC

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that promoting industry and trade and increasing foreign investment are indispensable for the sustainable development of the country&rsquo;s economy, according to a statement on Tuesday. The prime minister was chairing a review meeting on sectoral reforms and policy measures to increase investment and overall development of the economy. He said that, in addition to increasing domestic production of industrial products, effective policy measures to boost exports are among the government&rsquo;s policy priorities, according to the statement.&nbsp; It further quoted the prime minister as saying that reforms in industry, trade, and various sectors of the economy should focus on long-term economic efficiency and public welfare. PM Sharif assured that a comprehensive strategy is being implemented vigorously to meet future energy needs through alternative sources. &ldquo;A comprehensive and effective electric vehicles policy is the need of the hour to meet the country&rsquo;s needs for energy efficiency and affordable transport.&rdquo;&nbsp; The statement further said that the prime minister stressed the need to ensure meaningful consultation among all ministries and experts and to leverage modern technology across all sectors.&nbsp; Administrative transparency and excellent performance across all reforms and initiatives, as quoted by the prime minister in the statement, are the top priority of his government.&nbsp;

Economy

Emphasizes industrial expansion, export growth, and foreign investment, highlighting economic reforms, energy diversification, electric vehicle adoption, technological innovation, and transparent governance to ensure sustainable development.

Pakistan PM stresses industrial growth, investment and comprehensive EV policy for development

ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a landmark trial that could see the traditional red ball replaced with a pink ball during Test matches when poor light threatens to halt play, according to the digital sports media website ESPN. The website said that the decision was taken during the ICC Board meeting over the weekend and is aimed at reducing interruptions caused by fading light conditions. The red balls usually used in Tests are not easily visible in fading light, while the white balls used in limited-overs matches are not durable enough for the longer format, said an ESPN report. Pink balls are already used in day-night Tests played under lights. According to AFP, the ICC said in a statement that its executive board had approved of &quot;trialing the use of a pink ball in Test matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximize play in case of anticipated bad light&quot;. The global cricketing body said it had also approved new &quot;research on lighting technology for match officials and venues to reduce lost play due to poor light&quot;. &quot;Our discussions... have reinforced the ICC&#39;s commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally,&quot; said council chief Jay Shah, following a meeting in India&#39;s Ahmedabad.

Cricket

Allows the replacement of red balls with pink balls in test matches during poor light, aiming to reduce stoppages and maximize playing time without compromising visibility.

ICC approves pink ball trial in test cricket to reduce bad-light interruptions

GENEVA: There is an 80% chance of the warming El Nino phenomenon developing between June and August, increasing the risk of extreme weather events, the World Meteorological Organization said Tuesday. &quot;Fuelled by unusually warm ocean waters in the tropical Pacific, El Nino conditions are developing and are set to influence global temperature and rainfall patterns,&quot; the United Nations&#39; weather and climate agency said. Forecasts from the WMO global network &quot;indicate a pronounced shift toward El Nino conditions, with probabilities reaching 80% for June-August&quot;, the Geneva-based organization said. El Nino is a natural climate phenomenon that warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, bringing worldwide changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. It typically takes place every two to seven years and lasts around nine to 12 months. Conditions oscillate between El Nino and its opposite La Nina, with neutral conditions in between. The likelihood of El Nino developing by November is &quot;near or above 90%&quot;, and most forecast models suggest it will be &quot;at least moderate and possibly strong&quot;, the WMO said in its quarterly El Nino/La Nina update. WMO chief Celeste Saulo said the world therefore needed to get ready for an El Nino which could &quot;exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean&quot;. The WMO says that even a moderate El Nino makes some weather and climate extremes more likely. The last El Nino contributed to making 2023 the second-hottest year on record and 2024 the all-time high at around 1.55C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. &#39;Urgent climate warning&#39;: Guterres&nbsp;In late April to mid-May, the sea-surface temperature in the central-eastern Equatorial Pacific, the area used as a monitoring reference, was approaching El Nino thresholds, the WMO said, with sub-surface temperatures more than 6C above average. Meanwhile, the Southern Oscillation Index, the atmospheric component of El Nino, is also consistent with El Nino conditions developing. The WMO said there was no evidence that climate change increases the frequency or intensity of El Nino events. However, it can amplify the associated impacts, it says, because a warmer ocean and atmosphere increase the availability of energy and moisture for extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall. &quot;El Nino is arriving on our doorstep,&quot; UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a video message. &quot;The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is. El Nino conditions will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world. Impacts will hit even harder, travel even farther, and cross borders with devastating speed. &quot;The only effective response is climate action equal to the crisis, ending the addiction to fossil fuels, accelerating the shift to renewables, protecting the most vulnerable, and delivering early warning systems for all.&quot; Temperatures above normal&nbsp;The WMO said that for June to August, forecasts project &quot;a nearly universal dominance of above normal temperatures in nearly all parts of the globe&quot;. This increases the risk of compounding hazards in some regions and accelerates the onset of drought conditions where rainfall is reduced, it said. Regional climate centers are predicting &quot;below-normal&quot; rainfall during the critical June-September rainy season in the northern Greater Horn of Africa; below-average monsoon rainfall in South Asia; and drier and warmer summer conditions in Central America. During the northern hemisphere summer, warm waters associated with El Nino can fuel hurricanes in the central and eastern Pacific, while hindering their development in the Atlantic Ocean. The WMO hopes advance warning will guide preparedness, especially in climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, water management, energy and health. Each El Nino is unique, says WMO&#39;s climate prediction chiefAFP spoke with Wilfran Moufouma Okia, head of climate prediction at the United Nations&#39; weather and climate agency, who said Tuesday that warming El Nino conditions were expected to develop before the end of August. The natural climate phenomenon is expected to drive more extreme weather and rainfall, according to the WMO, although its intensity is hard to predict at this stage. What can we expect?&nbsp;Moufouma Okia said El Nino has a temporary warming effect, and while it originates in the tropics, it affects a large part of the planet. &quot;When El Nino occurs, droughts are expected in West Africa, the Sahel, South Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia,&quot; he said. &quot;Conversely, other regions experience abundant rainfall, such as the southeastern United States and especially the equatorial Pacific region. Therefore, different regions will react differently to the phenomenon.&quot; Moufouma Okia stressed that El Nino does not act in isolation, but interacts with other weather phenomena, which can amplify or weaken its intensity. &quot;According to our projections, we will broadly see an El Nino event ranging from moderate to strong,&quot; he said. &quot;But it&#39;s important to stress that each El Nino event is unique. One might think that a weak El Nino will have no consequences, but that&#39;s wrong. Depending on the country and the context, the consequences can be just as damaging as with strong events.&quot; Are countries ready?&nbsp;Moufouma Okia said the WMO would provide countries and national weather services with its findings, but it was down to them to refine the information at a local level. He hoped countries would take the data into account in preparing for El Nino. &quot;WMO models are capable of making forecasts six months in advance. So we hope that countries will have had time to anticipate,&quot; he said. However, sometimes the consequences go beyond a country&#39;s capacity to respond, as happened during the last El Nino, between 2023 and 2024. &quot;Back then, there was a decrease in rainfall in Panama that affected the canal, and therefore the global economy,&quot; he said. Are countries cooperating on weather?&nbsp;Moufouma Okia said there was progress, with countries exchanging more information regarding El Nino. &quot;There were fewer casualties in 2023-2024 than in 1997. So we can assume that countries are better prepared, or have learned from previous events,&quot; he said. Countries understand the need to share data, and &quot;even countries in conflict&quot; are cooperating, the climate prediction chief said. &quot;To predict a phenomenon on the other side of the world, you need data from the other side.&quot;

Head of climate prediction services at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Wilfran Moufouma-Okia points on graphs displayed on a computer screen at the WMO headquarters in Geneva, on June 1, 2026. (AFP)

Climate

The World Meteorological Organization warns there is an 80% chance of El Nino developing between June and August, likely bringing increased global risks of extreme heat, droughts, and heavy rainfall as part of a warming Pacific climate pattern.

80% chance of El Nino developing June-August: UN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, said Tuesday he held talks with a senior Chinese diplomat in Islamabad on regional security challenges, including concerns over terrorist groups operating from neighboring Afghanistan. Sadiq, in a post on X, said&nbsp;he welcomed Chinese Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong and his delegation for discussions focused on strengthening coordination and synchronized counterterrorism efforts. He said the two sides exchanged views on &quot;threats posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) operating from Afghan soil&quot;.<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-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2061509383318851946&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4092%2F&sessionId=4a0186208528240165a547fa581bdc21a9f15b22&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Both sides agreed to &quot;strengthen coordination &amp; synchronize counter-terrorism efforts to protect regional peace &amp; stability,&quot; Sadiq said.&nbsp;

Foreign Affairs

Both sides discussed regional security challenges, particularly threats posed by the TTP and ETIM from Afghan soil, and agreed to strengthen coordination and synchronize counterterrorism efforts to promote lasting peace and stability across the region.

Pakistan, China discuss Afghan-based terror threats, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call on Monday, expressing frustration over Israel&rsquo;s escalating military operations in Lebanon, according to US officials cited by American news agency Axios. According to Axios,&nbsp; Trump called the Israeli premier &ldquo;crazy&rdquo; on the call&nbsp;and accused him of ingratitude. The reported exchange came amid growing concerns that the conflict could undermine ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.&nbsp; Sources familiar with the conversation said Trump warned Netanyahu that expanding military action, particularly threats to strike Beirut, would further isolate Israel internationally and jeopardize diplomatic efforts. US officials told Axios that Trump claimed he had helped keep Netanyahu out of jail. This referred to Trump&rsquo;s support during the corruption trial against the Israeli premier. A second source briefed on the call told Axios that Trump was &ldquo;pissed&rdquo; and at one point yelled at Netanyahu, saying, &ldquo;What the f*** are you doing?&rdquo; According to officials, Trump acknowledged Israel&rsquo;s right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah but argued that recent Israeli actions had become disproportionate.&nbsp; He was reportedly concerned about civilian casualties in Lebanon and objected to strikes that resulted in extensive damage while targeting individual Hezbollah commanders. The call followed warnings from Iran that it could abandon negotiations with Washington if Israel intensified its operations in Lebanon.&nbsp; US officials said Trump viewed the escalation as a direct threat to diplomatic progress. Following the conversation, an Israeli official told Axios that Israel no longer planned to carry out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.&nbsp; However, Netanyahu later stated that Israel would continue operations in southern Lebanon and maintain its position unless Hezbollah halted attacks.

Middle East

American news agency Axios reports that Trump criticized Netanyahu over Israel’s operations in Lebanon, warning they could derail US-Iran talks, while Israel has reportedly shelved plans to strike Beirut but will continue operations in southern Lebanon

Trump rebukes Netanyahu over Lebanon escalation, urges restraint

JERUSALEM: Israeli lawmakers voted Tuesday to back a bill, in its first reading, to dissolve parliament and pave the way for likely early elections. A total of 106 of the Knesset&#39;s 120 members backed the legislation, submitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s ruling coalition, according to a parliamentary statement. The remaining lawmakers did not attend the vote, which followed a debate in the assembly. The bill, which must pass two further readings before becoming law, stipulates that elections be held between September 8 and October 20. Israel is currently due to hold elections by October 27, when the current legislative term ends. &quot;We completed four full years, which is an exceptional achievement in Israeli politics, and we worked hard to reach this point,&quot; said Ofir Katz, chairman of the ruling coalition in a statement. &quot;This Knesset passed more than 520 laws and nine budgets. In practice, we held on until the very end.&quot; The coalition&#39;s move to propose the bill comes as Netanyahu faces growing pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties and his fractious right-wing coalition appears increasingly vulnerable to collapse. Ultra-Orthodox parties accuse Netanyahu of failing to fulfil a pledge to pass legislation granting a permanent exemption from compulsory military service to young men studying in yeshivas, or religious seminaries. Netanyahu, 76, a political survivor often described as the phoenix of Israeli politics, has confirmed he intends to seek another term in office. He recently disclosed that he had undergone surgery for prostate cancer. Israel&#39;s longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu has spent more than 18 years in power since first taking office in 1996. He is seeking re-election despite facing a long-running corruption trial. Many Israelis hold Netanyahu responsible for the security failures that allowed Hamas to carry out its unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Last month, a poll published by public broadcaster KAN placed Netanyahu&#39;s Likud party narrowly ahead of Beyahad (Together), the joint list led by opposition leader Yair Lapid and former prime minister Naftali Bennett. However, neither camp appears capable of securing a governing majority in Israel&#39;s fragmented political landscape.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waits for the start of an Israeli war cabinet meeting also attended by U.S. President Joe Biden on Oct. 18, 2023, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

The coalition's move to propose the bill comes as Netanyahu faces growing pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties, and his fractious right-wing coalition appears increasingly vulnerable to collapse.

Israeli MPs back parliament dissolution bill in first reading

ISLAMABAD: US federal authorities have arrested 30 Indian nationals who were found to be living and working illegally in the United States as commercial truck drivers, according to a press release issued by the US Customs and Border Protection on Monday.&nbsp; The arrests were made during &quot;Operation Checkmate,&quot; a federal initiative carried out by US Border Patrol agents in Arizona&rsquo;s Yuma Sector between May 11 and May 15, aimed at enhancing public safety and enforcing immigration and transportation laws. According to the report, a total of 52 people unlawfully present in the United States were arrested during the operation. Of those, 36 were operating semi-trucks at the time of their arrest. Thirty of the truck drivers were Indian nationals, while the remaining six were citizens of Mexico, El Salvador, and Russia. The drivers held commercial driver&#39;s licenses issued by several states, including California, New York, Washington, and Virginia, said the statement. Some individuals did not possess a driver&#39;s license. Most carried employment authorization documents that had been issued during the administration of former President Joe Biden but were no longer valid. US customs said all those arrested were processed under federal immigration laws and will face deportation proceedings. &ldquo;Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety,&rdquo; Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle of the US Border Patrol&rsquo;s Yuma Sector said in the statement. Caudle said federal agents continue daily enforcement efforts to identify and remove individuals who are unlawfully operating commercial vehicles across the country. The operation comes amid a broader crackdown on immigration violations under President Donald Trump&rsquo;s administration. The US Department of Transportation recently issued an order to stop unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses to operate commercial trucks and buses.&nbsp; Federal officials have argued that stricter enforcement is necessary to improve highway safety. In recent months, several Indian-origin commercial truck drivers have been arrested and charged in connection with fatal crashes in different parts of the United States, The Hindu reported.

Trucks on American highway - (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

India

During a federal immigration and highway safety enforcement operation, US authorities arrested 30 Indian nationals. They were working as commercial truck drivers while living illegally in the country. They now face deportation proceedings.