Political

The Thursday Times’ Pakistani news section dives into the pulse of Pakistani politics, offering sharp analysis and timely updates on the decisions and debates shaping the nation’s future, from the corridors of power to grassroots movements.

Trump open to easing Iran sanctions for nuclear progress

WASHINGTON (The Thursday Times) — President Donald Trump is willing to give Iran sanctions relief and release frozen funds in return for "concrete progress on nuclear," a US official told Axios on Monday. The message comes as Qatari and Pakistani mediators try again this week to broker a deal between Washington and Tehran. Qatari mediators are expected to meet Trump administration officials on Monday or...
International

Trump’s silent endorsement of Shehbaz’s UN speech

Trump shared PM Shehbaz Sharif's UN speech on Truth Social, without comment, as Sharif thanked him for his "resolute and visionary leadership" and credited him with saving 30 million lives in South Asia during the India-Pakistan conflict.
International

Pakistan strikes 10 sites in Afghanistan after drone incursion

Pakistan strikes 10 sites in Afghanistan after drone incursion. "Any violation of Pakistan's sovereignty will be met with an immediate and decisive response." Information Minister Attaullah Tarar
Newsroom

Trump to meet Mamdani in New York

President Trump will meet NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion on Monday, his first visit to the mayor's own city despite months of public sparring between the two.
International

After Pakistan, Turkiye vows “no difficulty” defending Saudi Arabia under Makkah pact

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told NTV that Ankara would have "no difficulty" meeting Saudi Arabia's military needs under the Makkah Defence Alliance, following similar commitments already made by Pakistani officials, as the pact nears full institutionalisation.
International

Pakistan to Taliban: stop sponsoring terrorism or face the consequences

Pakistan has condemned the deadly Kohat mosque attack and called on the Afghan Taliban to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries, recruitment networks, and infrastructure operating from Afghanistan. "Condemnation must be matched by concrete action," the Ministry of Information said, demanding credible and verifiable action.
Newsroom

Secret meetings, millions in funding: Sources detail RAW-Taliban nexus targeting Pakistan

Secret meetings in Kandahar, millions of dollars in funding, weapons transfers and shared fighters: Pakistani intelligence sources detail what they describe as a network involving RAW, Afghanistan’s GDI, the BLA, TTP and AQIS, with financing and operational cooperation targeting Pakistan.
Newsroom

مکہ مکرمہ کے قریب حوثی ڈرون تباہ، سعودی عرب نے مقدس شہر کی سلامتی کو ”ریڈ لائن“ قرار دے دیا

سعودی فضائی دفاع نے مکہ مکرمہ کے جنوب میں حوثی باغیوں کا ڈرون مقدس شہر کی ممنوعہ فضائی حدود میں داخل ہونے سے پہلے تباہ کر دیا۔ عسکری اتحاد کے مطابق یہ مکہ پر حملے کی حوثیوں کی دوسری کوشش تھی۔ مکہ اور مقدس مقامات کی سلامتی کو ”ریڈ لائن“ قرار دے دیا گیا۔
International

Saudi Arabia Shoots Down Houthi Drone Near Makkah, Calls Holy City a ‘Red Line’

RIYADH (The Thursday Times) — Saudi air defences intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah before it could enter the holy city’s restricted airspace,...
International

Imran Khan’s ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith marries Cameron O’Reilly

Jemima Goldsmith, Imran Khan's ex-wife, has married Irish-Australian financier Cameron O'Reilly in a private ceremony, more than two decades after her divorce from the former Pakistani PM.
International

Malaysian PM rejects India’s push to brand Pakistan a terror sponsor

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim refused to be drawn into India's attempt to brand Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, telling an Indian anchor directly that his own intelligence found no evidence to support the claim.
Newsroom

پیٹرول پر 100 روپے فی لیٹر ریلیف، وزیراعظم کا خصوصی سکیم کا اعلان

پیٹرول پر 100 روپے فی لیٹر ریلیف! وزیراعظم نے موٹرسائیکل، رکشہ، چنگچی اور 800 سی سی تک کی گاڑیوں کیلئے خصوصی ریلیف سکیم کا اعلان کر دیا۔ موٹرسائیکل، رکشہ اور چنگچی کو ماہانہ 20 لیٹر جبکہ 800 سی سی تک گاڑیوں کو 30 لیٹر پیٹرول پر فی لیٹر 100 روپے ریلیف ملے گا۔
Newsroom

پاکستان نے ایران کو خبردار کیا ہے کہ وہ یمن میں اپنے حوثی اتحادیوں پر قابو پائے، روئٹرز

پاکستان نے ایران کو خبردار کیا ہے کہ وہ یمن میں اپنے حوثی اتحادیوں پر قابو پائے۔ تہران نے اضافی فنڈنگ و ہتھیاروں کا وعدہ کرتے ہوئے حوثیوں کو سعودی عرب پر حملے کی ہدایت دی۔ پاکستان، ترکیہ اور سعودی عرب حوثیوں کے خلاف مشترکہ کارروائی بھی کر سکتے ہیں۔ روئٹرز
International

Pakistan warns Iran to rein in Houthis as Saudi strikes back

Pakistan has moved on two fronts over the Houthi assault on Saudi Arabia this week: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warning the Makkah Defence Pact could become operational, and Pakistan separately delivering a direct diplomatic warning to Iran, Reuters reports, urging Tehran to rein in the Houthis.
International