Author: (PEN)

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s armed forces launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos in retaliation to Indian aggression, reaffirming their commitment to national sovereignty. In a decisive military response to India’s recent strikes, Pakistan’s armed forces initiated Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, underscoring their readiness to defend the nation’s sovereignty. The operation targeted multiple Indian military installations, including the Brahmos missile depot in Beas, Pathankot airfield, and Adampur airbase. A Pakistani JF-17 Thunder aircraft utilized a hypersonic missile to destroy India’s \$1.5 billion S-400 air defense system in Udhampur, marking a significant blow to Indian military capabilities. Additionally, Pakistan’s Fateh-I missiles struck various targets, and cyberattacks led…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s government plans to discuss potential increases in defence spending with the IMF during upcoming budget negotiations. In light of escalating tensions with India, Pakistan’s federal government intends to inform the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about potential increases in defence expenditure during upcoming budget negotiations. Formal talks with the IMF are scheduled to commence on May 14, coinciding with the presentation of Pakistan’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions The decision to brief the IMF follows a series of military confrontations between India and Pakistan. On April 22, a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir resulted in…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has instructed Junaid Akbar to step down from his position as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), according to sources within the party. The directive was conveyed by Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, who delivered a written message to PTI leaders Barrister Gohar and Salman Akram Raja. The instruction emphasizes the need for Akbar to focus on organizing weekly rallies and conventions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence. In response, Junaid Akbar has stated his willingness to resign from the PAC chairmanship whenever Imran Khan deems it…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace on Sunday, once again ruling out any intentions to develop nuclear weapons. Speaking during a cabinet meeting in Tehran, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program remains solely for peaceful purposes and that the country is fully dedicated to diplomatic negotiations. Iran’s Stance on Nuclear Development Pezeshkian stressed that Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons and will not do so in the future. He underscored that Tehran’s intentions are rooted in peaceful objectives, not military expansion or regional instability. “We are engaged in negotiations with the United States…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : India has suspended operations at 24 airports across the country despite the recent ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, leading to widespread disruption in domestic aviation. A total of 444 scheduled flights were cancelled as heightened security concerns and military alertness continue to impact border regions. Flight Cancellations Across Key Indian Airports According to sources within the Indian Civil Aviation sector, airports in several northern cities remain non-operational, including those in Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, Ladakh, Dharamshala, Shimla, Adampur, and Chandigarh. These locations have witnessed significant disruptions, with all aircraft grounded and flight operations suspended. Srinagar Airport, which has been…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended a direct invitation to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet for peace talks in Istanbul this Thursday, a bold gesture that follows renewed international calls for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the two-year-long war. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Sunday, Zelensky said he would be in Türkiye and ready to engage in person with Putin, provided Russia agrees to a ceasefire beginning Monday. “There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” he wrote.…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The United States has confirmed that Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza since the October 7 attack, is expected to be released in the coming days, possibly as early as Tuesday, according to officials familiar with the matter. Hamas Announces Progress in Negotiations The development follows a statement by Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas’ negotiating team, who confirmed “positive discussions” with the US administration. He noted the group’s readiness to engage in comprehensive negotiations for a final agreement that includes a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and post-conflict governance by an independent body. Alexander,…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a remarkable rally on Monday, as investor sentiment soared following the announcement of a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. The KSE-100 index surged by a staggering 9,928 points, reaching an intra-day high of 117,104.11 points, marking the highest day-on-day increase in points for the index. Ceasefire and IMF Loan Approval Drive Market Surge This sharp rise was fueled by two key factors: the significant de-escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India, and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) approval of a crucial loan tranche. The market saw strong buying activity as the…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Funeral prayers in absentia were conducted in Khudian Khas, Kasur, to honor the Pakistanis who lost their lives during recent Indian aggression. The ceremony took place at the High School Khudian Khas and was attended by a large number of local citizens, along with political, military, and government officials. Key Figures Attend Ceremony Prominent figures in attendance included Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, State Minister Malik Rasheed Ahmad Khan, and Provincial Assembly Member Malik Saeed Ahmad Khan. The ceremony also saw the participation of senior military officers, police officials, and local bureaucrats. National Unity and…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has claimed a decisive 6–0 aerial victory over the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the recent military escalation, according to Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb during a joint press conference with Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif. Pakistan Responds to Aggression With “Full Operational Capability” Addressing the media, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb commended the PAF’s swift and effective response to what he described as unprovoked Indian aggression. “PAF maintained full preparedness both in peace and wartime. We followed the instructions of the Air Chief and exercised our right to self-defense by targeting…