Pakistan

At the United Nations General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised serious concerns over attacks targeting commercial shipping and seafarers across conflict zones, extending from the Red Sea to the Black Sea and the Gulf. Emphasising that the loss of life among Indian and international seafarers is completely unacceptable, it was highlighted that India has partnered with Liberia and 23 other nations to rally global public opinion for maritime security and adherence to international law. The address underscored disruptions to critical sea lanes, international trade, and global energy supplies resulting from conflicts in West Asia and between Russia and Ukraine. Reaffirming India's consistent position on cross-border terrorism, the forum emphasised that state-sponsored terrorism cannot be treated as state policy or foreign diplomacy, stating firmly that goodwill and terror cannot coexist.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, India raised serious concerns over escalating global conflicts, including ongoing hostilities in the Gulf, Ukraine, and West Asia.

In an interview on the Chakra View podcast with Gaurav, former Chinar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Satish Dua detailed the operational sequence of the 2016 Uri terror attack and India's subsequent cross-Line of Control surgical strikes.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to address geopolitical conflicts, counter-terrorism, and Global South interests. On the sidelines of the UNGA, India and Liberia formed a group of friends on seafarer safety following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf. During a media interaction, Jaishankar rejected a Pakistani journalist's question regarding terrorism, calling Pakistan a terrorist country. The bulletin also highlighted Indian diplomatic responses to Pakistan at the UN concerning cross-border terrorism, safe havens for terrorists, and issues regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hit back at a Pakistani reporter during a press briefing in New York after the journalist attempted to question him about terrorism. Jaishankar responded, “A terrorist country is asking me that question.”

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to focus on counter-terrorism, geopolitical conflicts, and the interests of the Global South. During a briefing, Jaishankar dismissed a question on alleged cross-border terrorism posed by a Pakistani reporter, retorting that a terrorist country was asking him that question. The minister also voiced grave concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Announcing a group of friends with Liberia on seafarer safety, he stressed that violence against merchant mariners must end.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addressed the media in New York following the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session. During the press interaction, a Pakistani journalist questioned the Indian government regarding allegations of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and referenced Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Jaishankar dismissed the questioning by responding that a terrorist country was asking him that question.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was confronted by an Indian journalist at the United Nations General Assembly and was seen evading questions regarding cross-border terrorism. The reporter questioned the Pakistani leader on when Pakistan would stop terror and prosecute Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed. Sharif chose to ignore the inquiries and walked away without answering. The discussion highlights that Pakistan continues to harbour United Nations-designated terrorists, including Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, while evading accountability on international platforms regarding state-sponsored terrorism.

India delivered a sharp rebuke to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council, rejecting Islamabad's stance as historical revisionism, invented statistics, and sectarian insinuation. Addressing the council, the Indian representative reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India, calling on Pakistan to vacate the territories under its illegal foreign occupation. Highlighting cross-border terrorism, the statement pointed out that Pakistan-backed terrorists drove Kashmiri Pandits out in 1990. India also criticised Pakistan for persecuting its own minorities, urging it to focus on economic development rather than council theatrics and exporting terror.

Islamabad is preparing for major street protests amid ongoing legal and human rights concerns surrounding the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. International bodies, including the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and Amnesty International, have raised issues regarding fair trial standards and prison conditions. Ahead of planned demonstrations, nearly 1,000 commercial shipping containers have reportedly been seized by authorities, drawing allegations from transporters and drivers regarding confiscated vehicles, cargo safety, and missing documents. The situation reflects escalating tensions within Pakistan's political landscape, marked by systematic crackdowns on political leaders, past security actions at D-Chowk, and heightened friction between political factions and the military establishment.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly and marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, United States President Donald Trump detailed his administration's domestic and international policy agenda. Domestically, Trump highlighted United States economic metrics, poverty reduction, and border security enforcement. In foreign affairs, Trump reiterated that Iran will not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon, referencing military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the destruction of Iranian naval vessels, and United States naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump reviewed the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the formation of a multilateral Board of Peace backed by the United Nations Security Council. He outlined diplomatic mediation across international disputes, including India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, Trump detailed United States military operations in Venezuela, the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro, and an agreement involving 65 billion barrels of oil. He announced an accord with Denmark regarding Greenland to construct two military bases for Arctic defense. On technological policy, Trump stated that the United States government will prioritize super intelligence over traditional artificial intelligence terminology. The address concluded with calls for United Nations structural reforms, spending reductions, opposition to international carbon taxation, and the rejection of International Criminal Court jurisdiction.

Speaking on global conflicts and foreign policy, Donald Trump outlined the United States' stance on Iran, maritime security, and peace initiatives across the Middle East and beyond. Trump noted that US naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz have kept oil shipments flowing despite violations by Tehran. Weighing diplomatic engagement against military confrontation, Trump asked, 'Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world, or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?' He called for total economic isolation until Iran ends its nuclear ambitions and attacks on commercial shipping. Trump also highlighted the United Nations Security Council's endorsement of the 20-point Gaza Peace Plan, the establishment of the Board of Peace, and his role in mediating numerous protracted international conflicts.

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until further orders, stating that reopening depends on commitments from the United States. Tehran has outlined conditions for re-engaging in discussions, demanding an unfreezing of Iranian funds, an end to the naval blockade, and a halt to the war on all fronts. Consultations mediated by Qatar and Pakistan continue as Tehran awaits a response. The conflict has disrupted critical maritime oil transit routes across the region, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, amid ongoing attacks on infrastructure.

In Pakistan's Sindh province, two minor Hindu sisters aged 13 and 14 were kidnapped, subjected to forced religious conversion, and child marriage. The family reported that the girls were abducted and forcibly converted. During court proceedings, the minor sisters appealed to return to their family, stating they wanted to go home. However, the court directed that the sisters be sent to a shelter instead of being reunited with their family. Following the incident, the 13-year-old girl collapsed and was hospitalised, raising concerns over the treatment of religious minorities and Hindus in Pakistan.

In a major breakthrough in the Amritsar ASI Harjit Singh murder case, prime accused Deepak Singh was killed in an encounter with the Punjab Police. According to the police, the accused opened fire at a checkpoint, discharging four rounds, prompting the police to fire six rounds in self-defence. A pistol, two magazines, live cartridges, an Activa scooter, and a mobile phone were recovered from the spot. Police stated that the accused had links to a Pakistan-based operative and the Shehzad Bhatti gang, lured with money and narcotics to target police personnel. A manhunt has been launched to arrest the second identified suspect who remains at large.

A US drone maker linked to Trump's son has signed an MoU with the Pakistan Army covering UAVs, possible local manufacturing and technology cooperation. The move has sharpened concerns over technology transfers, reverse engineering and India's push for defence self-reliance.

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has opened a new chapter in US-Pakistan defence cooperation — but much of the deal remains hidden. The Pakistan Army has signed an MoU with US-based drone company POWERUS and placed an initial order for unmanned aerial systems. But the value of Pakistan’s order has not been disclosed. Neither have the exact systems, their capabilities or their intended deployment.

The Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan challenging summons issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. The inquiry follows Pakistan's Test tour of England, with the agency examining alleged dressing room leaks. Rizwan and fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq previously appeared before the agency, where they were questioned regarding travel, financial history, and personal details. Rizwan challenged the basis of the probe and questioned the agency's jurisdiction, seeking a halt to proceedings. The controversy unfolds alongside a Pakistan Cricket Board disciplinary inquiry after seven players were sent home following defeats in the opening Test matches in England.

A Pakistani naval corvette, PNS Hunain, suffered external damage after colliding with a frontline Indian warship during an unprofessional and close approach in the Northern Arabian Sea on 15 September. The Indian vessel was carrying out a routine surveillance mission when the Pakistani ship came dangerously close. Following the incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan's chargé d'affaires in New Delhi and raised the issue in Islamabad, highlighting the violation of the 1991 bilateral agreement. While the Indian warship sustained no damage and continued its mission, PNS Hunain had to return to harbour for repairs.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, granting President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on nations purchasing Russian oil and gas. The move directly exposes major buyers like India and China, following the recent BRICS Summit in New Delhi where leaders opposed unilateral coercive measures. Russian crude accounted for 30.3% of India's oil imports in fiscal 2026, making energy security vital for the nation. Simultaneously, rising tensions between Washington and Ottawa have led Canada to explore unprecedented associate membership with the European Union to diversify trade and strategic partnerships beyond North America. Additionally, social media rumours regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping suffering a medical emergency in New Delhi were debunked, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf prepares for its planned march to Islamabad amidst heightened administrative security.