Pakistan talking peace while waging war with Afghanistan: Report

IANS | May 5, 2026 8:56 PM

Islamabad, May 5 (IANS) Pakistan is talking peace while waging war with Afghanistan. While portraying itself as a diplomatic actor committed to talks by attending formal and informal negotiations, backing Track 1.5 processes in Istanbul and indicating openness for de-escalation, Pakistan is also using coercion and pressure to influence Afghanistan, a report has detailed.

US launches mission to break Gulf blockade

IANS | May 5, 2026 8:11 PM

Washington, May 5 (IANS) The United States has launched a military mission to break what it calls Iran’s blockade of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying warships and aircraft to escort vessels through one of the world’s most critical oil routes.

India and Kuwait discuss bilateral ties, regional developments

IANS | May 5, 2026 7:42 PM

Kuwait City, May 5 (IANS) India's Ambassador to Kuwait, Paramita Tripathi held a meeting with Kuwait's Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs, Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah on Tuesday, discussing ways to strengthen strategic partnership between the two nations across several sectors, including in emerging areas of technology, research and innovation. Both sides also discussed regional developments.

Pakistan staring at health emergency but govt's monitoring remains inconsistent: Report

IANS | May 5, 2026 7:32 PM

Islamabad, May 5 (IANS) A public health emergency is unfolding in Pakistan as a recent joint study by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Pakistan's Ministry of National Health Services has revealed that four in every 10 children aged 12 to 36 months in high-risk urban areas carry lead in their blood. The cities surveyed in the report, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi, are not remote or marginal spaces but economic and population centres, a report has stated.

Press freedom in Pakistan facing tough phase due to harassment, online campaigns

IANS | May 5, 2026 6:56 PM

Islamabad, May 5 (IANS) Press freedom in Pakistan is going through a tough phase as lawfare, enforced disappearances, online campaigns, harassment, and harsh financial tactics are being used against those trying to express opinions that are considered unfavourable to the power wielders, a recent report has stated.