World

Beirut, April 25 (IANS) Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani was summoned to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry over remarks criticising efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

According to the National News Agency on Thursday, the Ministry's Secretary-General, Hani Chmeitli, met with the Iranian ambassador and emphasised "the necessity of adhering to the diplomatic principles outlined in international agreements concerning the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, foremost among them the Vienna Convention".

The Iranian embassy in Lebanon announced in a statement that during the visit, the ambassador provided clarifications to the Lebanese side regarding the tweet he had recently posted, Xinhua news agency reported.

In his X post on April 18, the ambassador said that "the disarmament project is a clear conspiracy against nations ... Once these countries surrender to the demands of disarmament, they become vulnerable to attack and occupation, as was the case in Iraq, Libya, and Syria".

He noted that its content was general and comprehensive, applying to all countries without exception, including Iran.

He added that this visit came as a precaution to avoid any misunderstanding or misinterpretation between the two countries regarding the content of his post.

Amani also emphasised "the need to prevent enemies from creating division between Iran and Lebanon," stressing that "vigilance and cooperation are the guarantee to thwart such attempts".

The Iranian ambassador reaffirmed "Iran's firm commitment to supporting the independence, sovereignty, stability, and security of the Lebanese Republic, as well as Iran's full readiness to enhance support and expand the horizons of bilateral cooperation in various fields".

Iran is a major backer of the Hezbollah group.

Last week, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that his group would not allow its disarmament.

"We will never allow anyone to disarm Hezbollah or the resistance; this idea must be erased from consideration," Qassem said.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also said on Tuesday that any differences regarding Hezbollah arms "would be resolved through communication and dialogue".

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale war in September.

Lebanese authorities have reported more than 2,764 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of at least 194 victims and injuries to 485 others.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Israel refused to comply. It still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

--IANS

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Washington, April 25 (IANS) The US on Thursday condemned the "heinous" terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and reiterated support for India.

It did not, however, hold Pakistan responsible for it but is monitoring the situation closely.

"The US stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism," Tammy Bruce, the US State Department Spokesperson, said at a news briefing, reiterating remarks by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured, and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice."

Asked if the US saw Pakistan being behind the attacks, Bruce said, "It was a horrible situation, but at the same time, that's basically going to be the extent of the comments at this point. What I can tell you is, of course, as we all know, it's a rapidly changing situation, and we are monitoring it closely, as you might imagine. And we, of course, are not now taking a position on the status of Kashmir or of Jammu either."

The US expressed support for India swiftly after the attack on Tuesday with President Donald Trump calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi later that day.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance also addressed the attack leaving India after a four-day trip.

"I want to just, of course, issue our condolences to the people of Kashmir who were affected by this terrible terrorist attack. The President has already spoken with Prime Minister Modi. I believe I'll be speaking with him later this afternoon. And obviously, we're providing whatever assistance and help we can provide to the government and to the people of India."

The US and President Trump have been extremely supportive of India's battles against terrorism.

The American leader personally announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who was sought in India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the White House in February.

Rana is now in the custody of Indian law enforcement agencies.

--IANS

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London, April 24 (IANS) Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday condemned the "barbaric attack" in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which he said had stolen the innocent lives of people and families seeking joy.

He affirmed that "Britain stands in solidarity with India in this moment of grief and sorrow" and added that "terror will never win".

Taking to social media platform X, Sunak wrote: "The barbaric attack in Pahalgam has stolen the lives of newlyweds, children, and families simply seeking joy. Our hearts break for them. To those mourning - know that the UK stands with you in sorrow and solidarity. Terror will never win. We grieve with India."

The Peruvian Foreign Ministry wrote on X: "Peru expresses its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attack that occurred yesterday in the town of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. It also expresses its deepest condolences to the victims' families."

The Ministry also added: "Peru calls on the international community to redouble efforts to combat and eradicate terrorism in all its forms and expresses its solidarity with the Indian government."

Margareta Cederfelt, a Swedish politician of the Moderate Party, wrote on X: "We, The Swedish-Indian Parliamentary Friendship Group, are deeply saddened and strongly condemn the brutal #TerroristAttack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. There can be no justification for such atrocities. We extend our condolences to the victims' families #India."

In a decisive response to the deadly terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has taken a series of robust diplomatic measures to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in cross-border terrorism.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday evening discussed the implications of the attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with several others sustaining injuries.

The CCS expressed deep condemnation of the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishing for the swift recovery of those injured. The attack, which targeted tourists in a popular destination, was attributed to Pakistan-backed terror groups, sources said.

India has also received strong expressions of support from governments worldwide, condemning the attack and reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.

The meeting also noted that the attack occurred against the backdrop of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region's ongoing progress toward economic development and stability. These achievements, India believes, are viewed as a threat by terrorist factions seeking to destabilise the region.

Recognising the seriousness of this attack and its cross-border linkages, the CCS took the following unprecedented measures:

Indus Waters Treaty suspended – In one of the most significant decisions, India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. This historic move effectively halts decades of cooperation on water-sharing between India and Pakistan. The decision will remain in force until Pakistan takes credible and irrevocable steps to abjure its support for cross-border terrorism.

Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post – In a direct response to the terrorist attack, India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which serves as a key border crossing between the two nations. Indian authorities have granted Pakistani nationals with valid travel endorsements until May 1, 2025, to return to Pakistan through this route. After this deadline, all land travel between India and Pakistan will be completely suspended.

Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals – In another strong step, India has decided that Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, and those currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

Persona Non Grata Declaration for Pakistani Diplomats – In a sharp diplomatic move, India has declared Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. These officials have been given one week to leave India.

India also announced the withdrawal of its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, with all such posts deemed annulled. Moreover, five support staff of these service advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

Reduction in Diplomatic Staff – In a further diplomatic escalation, India has decided to reduce the overall strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. The two embassies will be cut to a staff strength of 30, down from the current 55. This reduction will be implemented by May 1, 2025.

The CCS also reviewed the overall security situation and directed all Indian forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance. India has resolved to ensure that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are brought to justice, and that their sponsors will be held accountable. In line with its unyielding approach to combating terrorism, India reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for terror attacks, referencing recent high-profile extraditions like Tahawwur Rana.

India's diplomatic actions signal a shift toward total isolation of Pakistan until it ceases its support for terrorism. The measures reflect the government's resolve to push back against Pakistan’s continued involvement in fomenting violence on Indian soil, and to send a clear message to the international community that terrorism will not be tolerated.

--IANS

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Washington, April 22 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended "full support and deepest sympathies" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India in the wake of the killing of at least 28 people in a terrorist attack in Kashmir carried out by a group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba.

"Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir," President Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"The US stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all."

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Trump has been briefed on the incident by the national security adviser Mike Waltz.

"What we know already is dozens were killed and even more were injured in a brutal terrorist attack in a popular tourist location in South Kashmir," Leavitt said, adding, "President Trump will be speaking with Prime Minister Modi as soon as he possibly can to express his heartfelt condolences for those lives lost. And our prayers are with those injured in our nation's support for our ally India. These types of horrific events by terrorists are why those of us who work for peace and stability in the world continue our mission."

The US has been an unwavering supporter of India's battle against global terrorism and recently extradited Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani descent, accused of playing a key role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, also carried out by Lashkar-e-Toiba.

He announced the extradition decision during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the White House in February, for their first meeting since President Trump's second term.

Rana was brought to India last Thursday.

President Trump's administration had pushed Pakistan in his first term to prosecute Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Toiba, who had remained free and unpunished for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack despite international concern and pressure.

--IANS

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Islamabad, April 19 (IANS) The Islamic Republic of Pakistan announced on Saturday that attacks against the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and McDonalds across the country would be treated as terrorist attacks.

“Such acts would be treated as no different from a terrorist attack. These franchises invest over $100 million in Pakistan, employ more than 25,000 people, pay 100 per cent taxes, and buy from local vendors. The entire profit stays in Pakistan. What excuse is there for such attacks? These franchises were locally owned and operated. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered and directed immediate provincial coordination to protect businesses and arrest suspects,” claimed Pakistan Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, while addressing a press conference.

The minister also claimed that more than 145 arrests have been registered in Punjab and 15 in Islamabad, while 12 FIRs have also been registered.

“Those detained expressed remorse and sought forgiveness,” claimed the minister.

The Pakistani minister also claimed that all attacks were actions done by individuals and no party was behind the organised violence.

“The religious clerics of the country have also issued a decree labelling such actions as un-Islamic. Targeting and venting anger on fast-food franchises in the name of Islam should not be done. Youth should refrain from being misguided by extremist elements,” he said.

Chaudhry also stated that additional security will be deployed at the outlets, while strong and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to attack them.

Pakistan has witnessed violent mob attacks against KFC and McDonalds in Sindh and Punjab provinces in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura in the wake of the killings in Palestine.

At least 20 separate incidents were reported across the two provinces, in which angry mobs attacked fast-food outlets including KFC and McDonalds.

They have also vandalised the outlets, while a worker was also shot dead during a mob attack in Sheikhupura, Punjab, on April 14.

--IANS

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Karachi, April 19 (IANS) Afghan families at the Keamari camp, in Pakistan’s economic hub and port city of Karachi, on Saturday said that the Pakistani authorities are deporting the low-income Afghans, while turning a blind eye against the wealthy Afghans.

“We and our relatives are poor people, and rely on daily wages to feed our children. The authorities caught them working near Sohrab Goth, and at the time, they did not even have money for food. The police avoid arresting wealthy or business-owning Afghans and instead detain poor individuals just to fulfil their deportation quotas,” said Abdul Rehman and his relative Muhammad Khan of the Keamari camp.

Keamari camp, set up to accommodate Afghan families, houses hundreds of families who await being registered and transported to the Pak-Afghan Torkham border and deported to Afghanistan.

Many families at the Keamari camp complain about the discrimination being practised by the authorities against low-income daily Afghan workers.

Data of detained Afghan nationals also revealed that over 95 per cent Afghans detained by the police in Karachi are labourers, who work at the vegetable market.

Human rights activist Moniza Kakar said that the Pakistan government’s official directive only applies to the forced repatriation of Afghans holding the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC).

“However, in Karachi, Afghans possessing other valid documents are also being detained and forcibly deported to Afghanistan. The majority of these people are poor,” he said.

Muhammad Tahir, an Afghan national who runs a hotel in Sohar Goth area of Karachi, said that even though he hailed from a village in Afghanistan’s Kunduz province, he was only five years old when his father fled Afghanistan and came to a refugee camp in Pakistan.

“I have six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom were born, raised and married off in Karachi. Like my children, most Afghan children living in Karachi were born here and have never even been to Afghanistan. How could they be forced to live in a country that they have never even seen?” said Muhammad Tahir.

He added that many Afghan Pashtuns living in Karachi have married their children into local Pashtun families, making it impossible for them to simply leave their spouses and families behind and return to Afghanistan.

Pakistan has started a nationwide deportation campaign against illegal Afghan nationals and holders of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) after the deadline for voluntary repatriation ended on March 31.

--IANS

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Moscow, April 19 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday declared an Easter truce for the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The ceasefire will be in effect from 18:00 Moscow time on April 19 until 00:00 Moscow time on April 21 - a total of 30 hours, the Russian media reported.

It was announced by Putin following a meeting with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Moscow said it hopes that Kyiv will follow its example and also cease fire.

"Ukraine's reaction will show how sincerely it wants and is able to participate in peace talks," Putin noted.

The Kremlin, according to Russian news agency Tass, maintained that since the earlier moratorium on attacks on energy facilities declared for 30 days from March 18 was violated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces "more than 100 times", the Russian forces must be ready to repel attacks if Ukraine violates the Easter truce.

"I order that all military actions be stopped for this period. We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow our example. Russian troops must be prepared to repel possible violations of the ceasefire and provocations from the enemy, any of its aggressive actions. We know that the Kyiv regime has violated the agreement not to strike energy infrastructure more than 100 times, as you reported to me," said Putin after his meeting with Gerasimov.

On Friday, after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephonic conversation with the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US President Donald Trump said that he expects to get Russia's response on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine over the weekend.

"We're going to be hearing from them this week, very shortly, actually. I think we're getting close, but we'll let you know very soon," Trump told reporters at the White House.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to continue collaborative efforts with American counterparts to comprehensively address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis.

Secretary Rubio, who was in Paris, informed the Russian side about the recent engagements that he and US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had in the French capital.

"These discussions involved representatives from Ukraine, France, and several other European nations. It was underscored that these contacts were in alignment with the framework of ongoing consultations between Washington and Moscow, including the recent dialogue between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Steve Witkoff in Saint Petersburg," read the statement.

Russia's envoy to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya, meanwhile, said that a ceasefire in Ukraine is "unrealistic" at this point, as Kyiv fails to honour the moratorium on striking energy infrastructure.

"We had an attempt at a limited ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure, which was not observed by the Ukrainian side. Under these circumstances, it is simply unrealistic to talk about a ceasefire at this point," he told reporters.

--IANS

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Dhaka, April 18 (IANS) In yet another incident of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, a Hindu leader in Dinajpur's Biral upazila was abducted and brutally assaulted to death, as confirmed by the local police and family members.

The deceased, Bhabesh Chandra, was a prominent leader of the Hindu community in the area who also acted as the Vice-President of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, local media reported.

Speaking to Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, Chandra's wife Shantana Roy said that four men arrived on two motorcycles and abducted Bhabesh from their residence on Thursday. Several witnesses also reported seeing the assailants taking Bhabesh to Narabari village, where he was brutally beaten.

Later that day, the attackers dropped Bhabesh's unconscious body back at his home in a van. He was immediately rushed to the Biral Upazila Health Complex. Subsequently, he was transferred to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where on-duty doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

The officer-in-charge of Biral Police Station said that police are working to identify and arrest the suspects involved, and preparations are underway to file a case.

Last month, a report of the Dhaka-based human rights organisation, Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK), highlighted that there are reports of a total of 147 incidents of vandalization of houses, temples, and business establishments of the Hindu community across Bangladesh.

Some 408 households were vandalised in these incidents, including 36 cases of arson. Besides, there have been reports of 113 incidents of vandalising business establishments owned by the minority community, 32 incidents of attack on temples and mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 incidents of vandalising idols in 92 temples.

In September 2024, the country's leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported that after the fall of the Awami League government, there have been several incidents of attacks on the minority communities all over the country, particularly on the Hindu community. In many areas, houses, business establishments, and places of worship of Hindus still continue to come under attack.

Bangladesh has been grappling with violence and protests after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus came to power in August, last year. The situation of Hindus has worsened drastically under Yunus-led interim government. There are several reports on an alarming rise in gang rapes, murders, and desecration of temples of Hindu minorities.

India has time and again raised concerns against the atrocities of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his meeting with Yunus, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

"On the question of minorities, this particular issue came up for discussion. We have conveyed our concerns regarding the treatment of minorities and the kind of violence that has happened against them. We have been raising this in several of our conversations, including our meeting in Bangkok, that this violence and atrocities against minorities cannot simply be wished away or dismissed as political reasons or media agitations. We hope that the Bangladesh government will take strong action against those responsible for these atrocities," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing recently.

--IANS

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Dhaka, April 18 (IANS) High-level discussions and evaluations are currently underway in Islamabad after Bangladesh's financial claim to the tune of USD 4.32 billion from Pakistan as a fair share from the assets of undivided Pakistan before 1971.

Further, Bangladesh has also demanded USD 200 million received as foreign aid from countries and agencies to then East Pakistan during the extremely deadly November 1970 Bhola cyclone.

The demands were raised during the sixth round of Foreign Secretary-level bilateral consultations between the two countries - held after a hiatus of 15 years - in Dhaka on Thursday.

Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and Pakistan counterpart Amna Baloch led their respective delegation at the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at the State Guest House Padma.

Several sensitive issues between Bangladesh and Pakistan remain unresolved, including a formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed by the Pakistani armed forces in 1971; repatriation of stranded Pakistanis currently residing in Bangladesh; Dhaka's rightful share of the undivided assets of Pakistan; transfer of foreign aid sent for the victims of extremely deadly November 1970 Bhola cyclone, etc.

Pakistan did not allocate Bangladesh its share of $200 million in foreign aid after the 1970 Bhola Cyclone and instead transferred the fund from the Dhaka branch of the State Bank of Pakistan to its branch in Lahore during the Liberation War.

Reportedly, Pakistan had utilized the funds to procure modern military equipment for its own use. Recently, Islamabad has expressed interest in transferring some of these military assets to Bangladesh as a form of settlement of its outstanding dues.

Pakistan may deploy these military assets within Bangladesh subject to mutual understanding.

These matters are now under continuous bilateral discussions and diplomatic engagement between both countries with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also scheduled to pay an official visit to Dhaka on April 27-28.

The interim government in Bangladesh has formed a working group with the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka to finalise the agreements that will be signed during Dar's visit.

Evaluations are currently going on through various meetings to formulate a coordinated strategy regarding financial dues and the military equipment proposal and to prioritise national interests and regional diplomatic balance on the issue of historical entitlements.

During her visit, Baloch held separate meetings with Bangladeshi interim government's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain, where they discussed issues of mutual interest.

Yunus, after his meeting with the visiting Pakistani Foreign Secretary, called for strengthening ties with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potentials.

"There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward," Yunus said after Baloch called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday.

--IANS

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Jerusalem, April 18 (IANS) Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Friday that he is committed, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and all parties, to leading a "clear course of action" to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Katz noted that when appointed defence minister in November last year, he pledged to achieve two main goals: preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and winning the multi-front war.

"The military is currently fighting for victory in all arenas," he said, adding, "We will not allow threats of annihilation against Israel."

His remarks echoed a Thursday statement from Netanyahu's office, which insisted that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, Xinhua news agency reported. The Israeli rhetoric came ahead of the second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, which will be held this weekend in the Italian capital of Rome.

The first round of indirect talks was held in Oman's Muscat last week, with both sides describing the talks as "constructive".

Oman's Foreign Ministry will continue to mediate the second round of nuclear talks between US and Iranian officials scheduled to take place in Rome on Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry said the Italian capital was chosen as the new site for the talks due to logistical reasons, expressing hope that the discussions could make further progress toward reaching a just, binding, and sustainable agreement.

Oman also expressed appreciation to the Italian government for its cooperation and support in hosting the upcoming meeting.

With Oman's mediation, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi engaged in a first round of "indirect" discussions with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff in Muscat on April 12, focused on Iran's nuclear programme and the potential removal of US sanctions.

The talks in Muscat, described by both sides as "constructive," followed US President Donald Trump's statement in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders, delivered through the United Arab Emirates, proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Iran later agreed on indirect talks.

--IANS

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