Six militants killed in Bannu as security forces intensify counterterrorism drive
ISLAMABAD, Friday, April 25, 2025 (WNP): Pakistani security forces eliminated six terrorists during a late-night intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu district on April 23–24, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. According to a statement issued by the military's media wing, the operation was launched based on confirmed intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the area. “During the...
Third polio case reported in KP amid ongoing national vaccination drive; total cases rise to eight in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Friday, April 25, 2025 (WNP): The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed a new case of polio in District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, health authorities reported on Friday. This marks the third polio case reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the eighth nationwide so far this year, raising fresh concerns about the...
Religious affairs minister reaffirms minority rights, warns India against aggression
ISLAMABAD, Friday, April 25, 2025 (WNP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday emphasized the government's commitment to protecting minority rights and promoting interfaith harmony in Pakistan, in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s special directives. Addressing an Easter celebration ceremony here at the National Library of Pakistan, he said the Ministry of Religious...
Tashkent to host inaugural Central Asia–GCC Think Tank Forum to bolster strategic ties
TASHKENT, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): The capital city of Uzbekistan is set to host the First Central Asia–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Think Tank Forum on April 28–29, 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Strategic Partnership: From Historical Ties to Comprehensive Cooperation.” Jointly organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan and the Gulf Research...
UN chief urges Pakistan, India to exercise restraint amid escalating tensions over Kashmir attack
UNITED NATIONS, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Pakistan and India to exercise “maximum restraint” following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has significantly heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Speaking at the daily press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General is “closely following...
Uzbekistan hosts ‘Jizzakh-2025’ int’l business forum to boost regional investment, global partnerships
JIZZAKH, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): The international business forum ‘Jizzakh-2025’ concluded successfully in the scenic Zaamin district of Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region, drawing over 200 top executives and investors from more than 30 countries. Aimed at promoting the region’s untapped investment potential, the forum represents a key step in Uzbekistan’s broader push for balanced regional development under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s...
China launches Shenzhou-20 mission, sends three astronauts to orbiting space station
JIUQUAN, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission focused on scientific research and technological advancement. The mission marks a significant milestone in the country's expanding space ambitions and is the fifth crewed mission under the application and development phase of China’s...
Pakistan announces strong countermeasures amid heightened tensions with India, reaffirms commitment to peace, sovereignty
ISLAMABAD, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): In a strong and coordinated policy response, Pakistan on Thursday announced a series of decisive countermeasures against India, following New Delhi's unilateral move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty—a move Islamabad has termed a “declaration of war.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, flanked by key cabinet members, addressed a...
PM Shehbaz rules out new canals without provincial consensus, reaffirms commitment to federal harmony
ISLAMABAD, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday assured that no new canals would be constructed without unanimous agreement among all provinces through the Council of Common Interests (CCI), reinforcing the government’s commitment to inter-provincial harmony and cooperative federalism. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by its...
Foreign Secretary briefs diplomats on regional situation post-Pahalgam attack
ISLAMABAD, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch on Thursday briefed Islamabad-based heads of mission and diplomats on the evolving regional situation in the aftermath of the recent attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). During the briefing, the Foreign Secretary shared key takeaways from the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held earlier...