Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir spent Eidul Azha with frontline troops in Balochistan’s Zhob, stating that "inhumane and brutal" acts cannot weaken the resolve of the armed forces or the nation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić the Order of Friendship during his visit to Beijing, emphasizing the deepening cooperation between China and Serbia. This visit comes as Vučić faces political pressure at home and Western concerns about Serbia's growing alignment with China.
The Trump administration announced new rules for Green Card applicants, requiring individuals already in the US to return to their home countries to apply for permanent residency. This change eliminates a key in-country application option, causing uncertainty for many families.
Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has departed for an official visit to Iran to discuss US-Iran talks, regional peace, and other important issues. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address security concerns.
President Trump declared that the United States would retrieve enriched uranium from Iran, asserting that the US would not permit them to possess it. This statement was made amid other news, including his comments on Greenland and domestic political matters.
Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir claimed that India sought US mediation for a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor, a statement now contradicted by US lobbying records. These documents reveal extensive Pakistani engagement with American officials during the period in question.
Pakistan's Prime Minister stated that the country has earned global trust and respect. Separately, CDF Asim Munir was awarded the title of 'Greatest Victorious General of the Century' at the Paigham-i-Islam Conference.
A shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner led to the identification of suspect Cole Allen and sparked widespread online rumors. The event prompted an investigation and various reactions regarding the alleged gunman's background and the incident's nature.
Pope Francis clarified that his recent speech about "tyrants" was not aimed at Donald Trump and expressed his disinterest in engaging in arguments with the US President. He emphasized a desire to avoid direct conflict despite various interpretations of their relationship.
A jury has declared Live Nation an illegal monopoly, a verdict that analysts say is unlikely to lead to a breakup with Ticketmaster despite its potential implications for the concert industry and ticket prices.
PoliticsbloombergThe GuardianAl Jazeera+14France 24deloThe IndependentYahooaktuality-skTimes of Indiaindian-expresschannel-news-asia+6 more1mo ago17 sources
Pakistan's army chief is actively engaged in mediation efforts, visiting Tehran to meet with officials and push for a new round of peace talks between the United States and Iran. These efforts aim to resuscitate dialogue and narrow differences between the two nations.
Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir visited Iran, where he was welcomed by the Iranian Foreign Minister and thanked for Pakistan's role in hosting Iran-US talks. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed 'very good' talks to end combat with Iran, leading to a delay in US strikes and a rise in markets, though Iran denies these discussions, outlines 'red lines' for peace, and continues its strikes, even firing rockets at Israel and mocking Trump.
Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, warned religious leaders that violence within the country, incited by events abroad, would not be tolerated.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday said that the use of Afghan soil by Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for terrorism against Pakistan…
KABUL/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -- Afghanistan's Taliban rulers said on Friday they were willing to negotiate after Pakistan bombed their forces in major cities and said the allies-turned-foes were in "open war." Pakistan struck the Afghan capital Kabul, the city of Kandahar, where Taliban leaders are based, and other towns, a Taliban spokesman said. The attacks were its first directly targeting Afghanistan's government over allegations it harbours militants seeking to overthrow the Islamabad governm
Imran Khan's family claims he is enduring 'unimaginable mistreatment' and 'deliberate cruelty' in prison, attributing his vision loss to inadequate care.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir celebrated Eid with troops in Zhob, reiterating that inhuman and brutal acts cannot weaken the nation's resolve and that armed forces will pursue all facilitators of terrorism.
Efforts to form a new center-right government in Denmark have failed, leading to a political deadlock. A new round of negotiations is set to begin, with Lars Løkke Rasmussen suggesting Mette Frederiksen should be given the mandate to form a government.
Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reaffirmed that the country's fight against terrorism will continue with 'full national resolve' until enduring peace and stability are achieved.
Following India's strong warning, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir declared the recent 2025 conflict a 'battle of ideologies,' asserting Pakistan's superior strategy and claiming victory as truth triumphing over falsehood.
The Sixth International Paigham-i-Islam Conference awarded the titles of 'Leader of Peace' and 'Greatest Victorious General of the Century' to Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Asim Munir.
One of the notable aspects of Pakistan being the centre of peace talks is just how the country positioned itself as the mediator, or facilitator, between the US and Iran.
President Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran, stating it would last until Iran presents a proposal and talks conclude. This decision comes amidst ongoing US blockades and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian-linked tankers have reportedly bypassed sanctions.
A US delegation is set to travel to Pakistan for a new round of negotiations with Iran, as Tehran maintains that a final deal is still distant and continues to assert its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claims to be replenishing missile launchers faster than before.
Pakistan's military chief, General Asim Munir, and other officials concluded a three-day visit to Iran, focusing on promoting dialogue and de-escalation efforts amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Their diplomatic mission aimed to foster regional peace and stability.
The Punjab Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts.
Israel and Lebanon began their first direct talks in Washington D.C. since 1993, hosted by the United States. These discussions aim to address long-standing issues between the two nations.
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the United States has begun "the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz" and verbally attacked again the countries that rejected his request to carry out...
Во Пакистан, властите се подготвуваат за утрешната прва рунда разговори меѓу САД и Иран, насочени кон решавање на конфликтот што започна со нападите на САД и Израел врз Иран на 28 февруари
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that US-Iran 'indirect talks' are taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan, with Pakistan successfully intervening to prevent Israel from targeting senior Iranian officials Abbas Aragchi and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran 'wants peace' and there's a good chance of a deal, following his postponement of a strike threat citing 'productive conversations'. However, Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Tehran have dismissed Trump's peace talk claims as 'fake news' and accused him of 'contradictory behaviour', with the White House now calling reports of US-Iran official meetings 'speculative' as oil prices react to Trump's strike halt.
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure through precise, intelligence-based operations.
US President Donald Trump commented on the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, stating Pakistan is doing 'terrifically well,' after Pakistan carried out airstrikes following an attack by Afghan forces.
Pakistan's strategic importance in multilateral diplomacy and South Asian stability was underscored by a US diplomat at the Munich conference, where CDF Munir also met with top defense leaders.
Donald Trump has called for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, and other nations to normalize relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords as a condition for any future peace deal with Iran. This demand introduces fresh uncertainty into ongoing discussions about an Iran peace plan.
Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has reportedly left Tehran after a series of meetings, with Iran sending "mixed" messages regarding the mediation efforts. The nature of the discussions and their outcome remain unclear.
Pakistan's powerful military leader Asim Munir has reportedly used the country's brief conflict with India in May 2025 to consolidate his hold on the state, blurring the lines between civilian and military authority.
A Pakistani minister's comment referring to himself as an 'ordinary worker' of General Asim Munir has ignited significant online backlash, raising questions about democratic representation.
Indian military officials are reflecting on the aftermath of 'Op Sindoor,' discussing the promotion of General Asim Munir and the lasting emotional impact on those involved. The discussions highlight the human cost and strategic implications of the military engagement.
The US has launched "Project Freedom" to ensure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with Pentagon chief Hegseth stating the US will provide overwatch for peaceful vessels and denying Iran's control over the strait. This comes amidst rising tensions and threats from President Trump, while the Pentagon insists a ceasefire with Iran still holds.
Pakistan's Asim Munir's career, including his elevation to field marshal, has been significantly influenced by past wars with India and his current role as a peacemaker involving Iran.
President Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further negotiations, but Tehran swiftly rejected the move, labeling it a "trap" and expressing deep distrust. The decision also led to the postponement of JD Vance's trip to Pakistan and contributed to oil market uncertainty.
WorldTimes of Indiaindian-expressdanas1mo ago3 sources
Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Chief Asim Munir have concluded diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating US-Iran peace talks. Munir has taken a prominent role as an unexpected peacemaker, with expectations for a new round of discussions.
The United States and Iran are engaged in ongoing diplomatic discussions, with hopes for a potential peace deal or ceasefire growing. These talks involve mediators like Pakistan and address various issues, including Iran's request for the unfreezing of its assets.
A former Pakistani minister has stated that General Asim Munir is currently the de facto leader of Pakistan, also noting that Trump did not discuss Sharif.
Donald Trump launched a tirade against Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social, stating he does not want a Pope who criticizes the US President and accusing him of weakness in fighting crime and foreign policy.
Critical minerals, cryptocurrency, and CIA co-operation - how Asim Munir, Trump’s “favourite field marshal”, may have pulled off the diplomatic coup of the century.
Američki sekretar odbrane Pit Hegset izjavio je na brifingu za novinare danas da su SAD pobedile u ratu sa Iranom i u velikoj meri uništile njegovu vojsku, iako su američke obaveštajne službe…
Ropa prudko zlacnela po oznámení dvojtýždňového prímeria medzi USA a Iránom. Trump spojil dohodu s okamžitým a bezpečným znovuotvorením Hormuzského prielivu.
Iran has rejected a US ceasefire proposal and dismissed claims of ongoing negotiations, dampening hopes for de-escalation, though markets like the S&P 500 still reacted positively to initial hopes for peace talks, with oil prices falling.
Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, asserted that terrorists operating from Afghanistan would not be permitted to compromise Pakistan's security, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.
Saudi's defence minister said discussions covered steps to end the war under the “Joint Strategic Defense Agreement” signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesndtv3mo ago3 sources
US President Donald Trump refused to intervene in the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, while praising Islamabad's "great Prime Minister, General" in an evident diplomatic tilt.
(LEFT) PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti announces his resignation; while, PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets players from the national team.—Dawn
• PM accepts Tariq Bugti’s resignation, Wani named interim president
• Outgoing chief imposes two-year ban on captain Ammad Butt before quitting
• PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi meets players, hands ‘compensation’ cheques
• PSB blames PHF for mismanagement; Bugti alleges board delayed payments
• Shake-up follows Australia tour fiasco, when players were left without hotel upon arrival
LAHORE / ISLAMABAD: Amid a deepening crisis in Pakistan hockey, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday accepted the resignation of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Hussain Bugti and appointed Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Federal Secretary Mohiyuddin Ahmed Wani as ad-hoc president of the federation.
The premier also accepted the resignations of PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid and Treasurer Shahid Pervaiz Bhandara. Their replacements had not been announced until late Thursday night.
The developments came amid controversy over the national team’s tour of Australia for the FIH Pro League, where accommodation arrangements could not be secured on time, forcing players to spend several hours on the road.
The team’s overall performance in the Pro League also came under criticism. In addition, PHF elections had been facing delays. Mr Bugti had been appointed by interim prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to hold elections but did not complete the process during his tenure.
Similarly, in his tenure, Mr Bugti-led PHF was accused of inaction over alleged corruption, pointed out by the Auditor General of Pakistan. There are more than 100 audit paras related to the PHF, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been probing the matter for over a year.
Speaking after his appointment, Mr Wani said the governance mechanism of the PHF would be improved. “In the next six weeks, we will prepare a business plan for the PHF and take steps to run this federation on professional grounds,” he said.
He added that IPC would form a working group with all sports boards and education bodies to focus on grassroots development and that international trainers and coaches would also be engaged.
“There is no shortage of resources, but the PHF is facing financial management issues. We will work on this,” he said, adding that he would ensure free, fair and transparent elections. “Hockey, being the national game, is close to our hearts and we will take every possible step to bring positive change,” he said.
National captain ‘banned’
Earlier on Thursday, before the prime minister’s decision, Mr Bugti announced his resignation, but not before imposing a two-year ban on national captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, citing findings of a committee regarding alleged misconduct.
“I received a message (from a certain quarter) and I am resigning from the post as it is not a big issue. Had the prime minister asked me six months earlier, I would have left,” Mr Bugti said, appealing to the prime minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir to constitute an independent committee to probe the entire episode. He said he was ready to face any punishment if found responsible.
However, shortly after Mr Bugti’s resignation, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the hockey players, including Ammad Butt and Hanan Shahid. In a message on X, Mr Naqvi said: “I am not becoming Hockey Federation President but we will assist players till this turmoil ends.”
Talking to the media after the meeting, Mr Butt said Mr Naqvi directed that a training camp be set up in Lahore from Friday for the World Cup qualifiers to be held in Egypt and that immediate steps be taken to hire foreign coaches. Mr Butt said former Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans had been contacted and might join the team directly in Egypt.
On the reported two-year ban, Mr Butt said Mr Naqvi told him there was no ban and that the same team which toured Australia would travel to Egypt. The ban had reportedly been imposed under the PHF constitution, raising questions over the process for its reversal.
The PCB later issued a statement confirming Mr Naqvi’s meeting with the players and announcing that cheques of Rs1,000,000 had been distributed to each member of the national team, which took second position in the last six international tournaments.
The cricket board said Mr Naqvi had assured full cooperation in streamlining the affairs of the players and confirmed that tickets, hotel accommodation and kits would be arranged for the World Cup qualifying round.
Outgoing PHF president Mr Bugti told Dawn that arrangements for the qualifiers had already been made through a grant from the Balochistan government.
PSB-PHF blame game
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) issued a statement rejecting allegations levelled by the PHF and placing responsibility for the Australia tour’s mismanagement on the federation.
The PSB said it had fulfilled all financial obligations for the FIH Pro League Phase 2 in Hobart and made timely payments. It alleged that the PHF had submitted visa applications late and with incomplete information, delaying the team’s departure from Feb 2 to Feb 5.
According to the PSB, it bore Rs27.1 million in air ticket expenses and an additional Rs9.7m burden caused by the visa delays. It said that, at the PHF’s request, an advance of 49,280 Australian dollars was issued for hotel accommodation, along with daily allowances of USD 1,610 per player and USD 3,000 for miscellaneous expenses.
The PSB also stated that while the PHF had sought a total grant of Rs350m for the Pro League, the government approved Rs250m, with the remaining amount to be arranged by the federation. It alleged that most of the PSB’s grant had been spent on salaries and foreign tours of PHF officials, prompting the board to stop issuing direct grants.
In contrast, Mr Bugti had alleged that the PSB failed to make timely payments for hotel bookings and criticised the formation of a probe committee comprising PSB officials. He also urged the formation of a Pakistan Hockey Board and the transfer of stadium control to the PHF to generate funds.
Meanwhile, Hockey legend Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, who had opposed Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League, said the national game deserved special treatment from the government.
He criticised the heavy expenditure on the league and said the funds should have been directed towards grassroots development in schools, colleges and districts.
Pakistan, a four-time World Cup winner and three-time Olympic champion, has faced a prolonged decline in international hockey over the past 30 years, amid repeated allegations of poor administration and negligence in the PHF officialdom, non-existent planning and upgrading, sheer lack of accountability, nepotism and a high frequency of changes in the federation.
Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has discussed “global and regional security dynamics” with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Inter