Month: May 2025

Pakistan’s chronic dependence on global bailouts hit another low on Friday as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) prepared to hand over yet another USD 1.1 billion lifeline to the flailing South Asian economy — a country seemingly incapable of surviving without external aid, ARY News reported.

The IMF’s Executive Board is expected to give its nod for the disbursement during its meeting today, part of a long-running USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. However, this isn’t just another payout — it’s a stark reminder of how Pakistan has reduced itself to a perpetual borrower, unable to manage its economy without IMF intervention.

What’s more alarming is Islamabad’s increasing reliance on climate funding as a financial escape route. Pakistan has now managed to bag an additional USD 1.3 billion under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) — a mechanism meant for genuine climate action, not budget patchwork.

According to ARY News report, this deal was confirmed by IMF Director of Communications Julie Kozack, who responded to a question during a press conference. Behind the official jargon of “staff-level agreements” and “performance criteria” lies the real story: a nation stumbling from crisis to crisis, unable to make tough economic decisions, yet quick to chase handouts.

In its statement, the IMF acknowledged that Pakistan will now receive a total of USD 2 billion under the current bailout, while simultaneously locking itself into yet another 28-month dependency cycle under the RSF, ARY News reported.

Pakistan’s leadership continues to tout these loans as achievements. In reality, they are signs of a collapsing economy and a bankrupt vision. With no structural reforms in sight and debt mounting, the question isn’t when Pakistan will recover — it’s whether it even wants to. (ANI)

In light of the current security environment and the threat of hostile attacks, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has urged all states and Union Territories (UTs) to augment civil defence measures under the Civil Defence Act and Rules of 1968.

Highlighting Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, the Ministry in a letter titled “augmentation of civil defence measures in the states/UTs” reminded that state governments are empowered to undertake all necessary actions for the protection of people and property, and to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of vital services during a hostile attack.

In the letter issued, considering the last night attacks by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Jaisalmer regions, the provision also authorizes the use of local authority funds for such emergency measures, giving them precedence over other financial obligations.

In the communication, the Ministry has requested that “states and UTs invoke Section 11 and grant emergency procurement powers to their respective Directors of Civil Defence.” This step is aimed at enabling swift and efficient implementation of precautionary and protective measures.

“In the current hostile attack scenario, I would like to draw your kind attention towards Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, which inter-alia empowers he State Governments, to take such measures, which in the opinion of the state government necessary for the protection of persons and property from injury or damage, or for ensuring the due maintenance of the vital services, in the event of hostile attack. The funds of the local authority shall be applicable to the payment of the charges and expenses Incidental to such compliance, and priority shall be given to such compliance over all other duties and obligations of the local authority,” reads the letter.

“I shall be grateful, if Section 11 of the CD Rules, 1968, can be invoked and necessary Emergency Procurement Powers to the Director Civil Defence of your state and UT, may be granted so that efficient implementation of the necessary precautionary measures can be implemented.”

Officials emphasized that timely action and preparedness at the state and local levels are essential to mitigate the impact.

The call to strengthen civil defence measures follows a serious security incident along the India-Pakistan border as Pakistan on Thursday night launched a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks along India’s western border, targeting regions in Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. According to Indian defense officials, the attacks were largely intercepted by India’s air defense systems, including the S-400 missile defense system, preventing significant damage.

These strikes were reportedly in retaliation to India’s Operation Sindoor conducted earlier this week, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists on April 22. The escalating conflict has led to heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and violating airspace.

The situation remains volatile, with international calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. (ANI)

World Bank has no role beyond being the facilitator of the Indus WatersTreaty between India and Pakistan, Ajay Banga, the President of the international financial institution said.

The World Bank President clarified that it will not step in to the fix the suspension imposed on the water sharing agreement by India following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.

“We have no role to play beyond a facilitator. There’s a lot of speculation in the media about how the World Bank will step in and fix the problem but it’s all bunk. The World Bank’s role is merely as a facilitator,” Ajay Banga was quoted as saying by the Press Information Bureau.

A day after the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that led to the loss of 26 lives, mostly tourists, the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 was kept in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Banga met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in the national capital on Thursday evening. Soon after, there were speculations that the World Bank will step in and interfere in the matter.

Separately, on Thursday evening, India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that Pakistan had repeatedly violated Indus Water Treaty by deliberately creating “legal roadblocks” over the years.

He added that it was India’s patience that India was “adhering to the treaty for the last 65 years.”

Addressing a press briefing, Misri said that India was constantly trying to negotiate to discuss the modification on the treaty.

“For the last 2.5 years, India has been in communication with the Government of Pakistan. We have sent several notices to them requesting negotiations to discuss the modification of the treaty. India has been honouring the treaty for more than six decades, even during the period when Pakistan imposed multiple wars on us. Pakistan has been the one acting in violation of the treaty, deliberately creating legal roadblocks in India, exercising its legitimate rights on the Western rivers… It is India’s patience that we were adhering to the treaty for the last 65 years, even after so many provocations,” Vikram Misri said.

Misri noted Pakistan’s constant “refusal to respond to our request” has been another factor to put the treaty in abeyance.

The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each country certain waters of the rivers allocated to the other. The treaty gives India 20 per cent of the water from the Indus River System and the rest 80 per cent to Pakistan. (ANI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with immediate effect for one week, as per a release from BCCI media advisory.

Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.

“At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces, and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces. While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation,” a statement from the board said.

The development comes on the heels of Thursday night’s unfortunate incident at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, where the highly anticipated match between PBKS and DC was called off.

The IPL has entered it closing stages with the final originally scheduled for May 25. (ANI)

US Vice President JD Vance has said that the India-Pakistan conflict is “fundamentally” ‘none of America’s business’ and has nothing to do with its ability to control the situation.

While speaking to Fox News, Vance said that although the United States can ask both parties to de-escalate, it cannot get involved in the conflict.

“Fundamentally, India has its gripes with Pakistan. Pakistan has responded to India, what we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit. But we are not going to get involved in the middle they were fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it,” he told Fox News.

Vance acknowledged that the US is concerned about the possibility of nuclear powers colliding and is working to prevent that from happening.

“We are concerned about any time nuclear powers colliding and having a major conflict, and what we said and what Secretary Rubio has said and the President has said- is that we want this thing to de-escalate as quickly as possible. We can’t control these countries, though,” he said in an interview with Fox News.

He emphasised that the US cannot force either country to stop and is relying on diplomatic channels to prevent escalation.

“America can’t tell the Indians to lay down their arms or tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. And so we will continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels, our hope and our expectation is that this is not going to spiral into a broader regional war or God forbid, a nuclear conflict,” he told Fox News.

Vance further noted that war, if it happens, would be disastrous, and urged both nations to exercise restraint.

“But sure, we are worried about these things, but I think the job of diplomacy, but also the job of cooler heads in India and Pakistan, is to make sure this doesn’t become a nuclear war. If it happened, it would be disastrous for right now, we don’t think that will happen,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday (local time), US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s primary focus is to ensure the situation does not escalate further amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Speaking at a press briefing, Bruce said the United States has been actively engaging with both countries to broker peace and emphasised that communication is essential. (ANI)

As tensions escalating further along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir late last night multiple drones and heavy cross-border shelling were reported near civilian areas in Jammu.

According to local accounts, the situation unfolded around 8 PM when residents witnessed 3-4 drones in the sky, followed by intense firing that continued through the night.

“Last night at around 8 PM, we saw 3-4 drones. There was retaliatory firing, which continued the entire night. What Pakistan did is not right. We are not scared. Schools are closed here,.” he said.

“As soon as we started dinner last night, we heard the sound of some explosions… Explosions were heard again at around 4:30 a.m., but they were also neutralised by our forces. There is nothing to worry about. Our forces are on alert. Bhagwati Vaishno Devi is sitting in Jammu, there is nothing to be scared of,” he said.

Locals condemned the targeting of civilians, calling it an act of cowardice, “Attacking civilians is nothing but cowardice because they (Pakistan) don’t have the courage to fight our forces. This is all that they can do… Our forces are giving a befitting reply and we are proud of them.” said the local.

“There was a complete blackout last night. After which, drones started flying and firing continued the entire night. Our forces are giving Pakistan a befitting reply. We have trust in our Prime Minister and our Army. All drones were neutralised by our forces. We are proud of our country. There is tension near the border but rest of the places are safe,” another local said.

Visuals showed Civilian houses in a border town of Jammu & Kashmir damaged after shelling by Pakistan last night. In view of the prevailing situation, schools, colleges & educational institutions in Udhampur have been closed today.

A local from Rajouri said, “The firing by Pakistan has damaged the whole front area of my house. Houses of my relatives have also been damaged. There was very heavy shelling at night. We stand with the Army.”

Notably, the Indian Army shot down more than 50 Pakistani drones during a large-scale counter-drone operation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Borders (IB) on Thursday night, sources confirmed to ANI. (ANI)

Social media platform X has received executive orders from the Indian government requiring X to block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees, a statement by the Global Government Affairs said.

The orders include demands to block access in India to accounts belonging to international news organisations and prominent X users.

In most cases, the Indian government has not specified which posts from an account have violated India’s local laws. For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts, the statement said.

To comply with the orders, we will withhold the specified accounts in India alone. We have begun that process. However, we disagree with the Indian government’s demands. Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech.

This is not an easy decision, however keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians’ ability to access information.

We believe that making these executive orders public is essential for transparency – lack of disclosure discourages accountability and can contribute to arbitrary decision making. However, due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders at this time.

X is exploring all possible legal avenues available to the company. Unlike users located in India, X is restricted by Indian law in its ability to bring legal challenges against these executive orders. However, we encourage all users who are impacted by these blocking orders to seek appropriate relief from the courts.

X said that they provided the affected users with notice of the actions in accordance with our policies. Affected users may also contact the Indian government at cyberlaw@meity.gov.in.

Meanwhile, following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the accounts of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been suspended in India. (ANI)

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, security has been heightened outside Shri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar. All the functions of the airport are shut until further notice.

ACP Airport, Amritsar, Yadwinder Singh said, “There is adequate security at the airport. Only airport personnel are allowed inside. Police are continuously patrolling. The villagers have been made aware of protocols to be followed.”

The Indian Army shot down more than 50 Pakistani drones during a large-scale counter-drone operation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Borders (IB) on Thursday night, sources confirmed to ANI.

The District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) in Amritsar has urged all residents to stay indoors, keep their lights turned off, and draw their curtains for safety.

“All citizens are requested to stay indoors and away from the windows, keep lights turned off, and draw the window curtains. There is no need to panic. A siren will blow now, and we will pass the message again once it is clear,” the Amritsar DPRO said.

The DPRO also lauded the armed forces and appealed to the public to cooperate. “Our armed forces are on the job, and we need to support them by staying indoors. There is no need to panic,” the official added.

Earlier, defence sources said the Indian Army shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The drones were intercepted during a heavy exchange of artillery fire between Indian and Pakistani forces.

Meanwhile, according to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Pakistan also tried to target military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, which are close to the International Border (IB). However, the Indian Armed Forces successfully responded to the attack, and no loss of life was reported.

In a post on social media platform X, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff stated, “Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu and Kashmir, targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means.” (ANI)

A complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu after sirens were heard and explosions were reported near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts early on Friday morning, amid rising tensions in the region.

Earlier, explosions were also heard near the LoC in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Forces (BSF) foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Boundary in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The attempt was made around 11 pm on May 8. In a post on X, BSF Jammu wrote, “At around 2300 hours on 8 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K.”

Additionally, defence sources confirmed that the Indian Army shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The drones were intercepted amid a heavy exchange of artillery fire between Indian and Pakistani forces.

According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Pakistan also tried to target military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, all located near the International Border. The Indian Armed Forces responded strongly, and no loss of life was reported

In a post on X, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff stated: “Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu and Kashmir, targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means.”

These developments come after India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7. During the operation, the Indian Armed Forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

According to Indian officials, the strikes targeted infrastructure linked to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The operation was carried out in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 28 civilians. (ANI)