QUETTA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday said externally sponsored terrorism, propaganda and disinformation campaigns could not obstruct Pakistan’s destined rise.

Speaking to officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan, the army chief noted: “Pakistan’s destined rise cannot be obstructed through propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism.”

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief had visited Quetta to interact with officers and faculty members at Command and Staff College and later met officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan.

During his address, the army chief appreciated the institution’s high standards of training, intellectual rigour and professionalism, noting that its graduates had consistently distinguished themselves through exceptional performance and commitment to the profession.

Highlighting the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare, the field marshal stressed the importance of keeping pace with emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, tri-services synergy and future battlefield challenges.

He advised officers to continuously train themselves and their troops to effectively respond to the changing character of war while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, preparedness and operational excellence.

While interacting with officers and troops deployed in Balochistan, the field marshal reviewed the prevailing security environment and reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces, with the support of the people, remained fully committed to eradicating terrorism across the country.

He said hostile forces attempting to derail Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda would ultimately fail due to the resilience of the state and unity of its people.

Emphasising the importance of lasting peace and stability in Balochistan, he said sustainable progress depended on a people-centric approach, inclusive development and improved governance alongside security measures.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Government of Balochistan aimed at public welfare, socio-economic development and strengthening ties between the state and the people of the province.

The army chief further praised the high morale, operational preparedness and professional commitment of officers and troops in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in Balochistan.

Earlier, upon his arrival in Quetta, the field marshal was received by the commander of Quetta Corps.

Mehtab Pirzada

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Strongly Condemns Drone Attacks against Saudi Arabia, Reaffirms Unwavering Support

The Government of Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the drone attacks carried out against the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 May 2026.

Such attacks constitute a serious violation of Kingdom’s sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and appear to be an attempt to further undermine the regional peace and stability.

The Government and the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this critical time, and reaffirm their full and unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security, peace and prosperity.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 18 /DNA/ – The Government of Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the drone attacks carried out against the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 May 2026.

Such attacks constitute a serious violation of Kingdom’s sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and appear to be an attempt to further undermine the regional peace and stability.

The Government and the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this critical time, and reaffirm their full and unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security, peace and prosperity.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 18: Peace mediator Pakistan has shared with the United States a revised proposal from Iran to end the war in the Middle East, a Pakistani source told Reuters on Monday, warning that the sides “don’t have much time” to narrow their differences.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei later confirmed that Tehran’s views had been “conveyed to the American side through Pakistan” but gave no details.

A fragile ceasefire is in place after six weeks of war that followed US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, but talks mediated by Pakistan have stalled and US President Donald Trump has said the ceasefire is “on life support.”

The Pakistani source gave no details of the revised proposal. Asked if it would take time to close gaps, the source said the sides “keep changing their goalposts” and added: “We don’t have much time.”

Iran-US peace efforts stalled

Washington has urged Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program and lift an effective blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply.

Iran has demanded compensation for war damage, an end to a US blockade of Iranian ports and a halt to fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where Israel is battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia.

Trump said in a post on Truth Social at the weekend that “the Clock is Ticking” for Iran, adding that “they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”

Trump is expected to meet top national security advisers on Tuesday to discuss options for resuming military action, Axios reported.

Issues holding up negotiations also include Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The US and other major powers want to ensure that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons.

Tehran denies trying to do so, and also wants compensation for war damage, a guarantee that there will be no further attacks, and resumption of Iranian oil sales.

Baghaei said Tehran was prepared for all scenarios.

“As for their threats, rest assured that we are fully aware of how to respond appropriately to even the smallest mistake from the opposing side,” he told a televised weekly press conference.

Midterm elections loom

Hostilities have been scaled down since the ceasefire came into effect in April, but drones have been launched from Iran towards Gulf countries.

One drone strike caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, officials there said on Sunday, and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones.

Global share markets slipped on Monday as the latest drone attacks pushed oil prices and bond yields higher, stoking inflation worries.

Trump, who faces midterm elections in November that carry political risks for his Republican Party, held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week without securing an indication from China that it would help resolve the conflict.

The disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has caused the biggest oil supply crisis in history, increasing crude prices by 50 percent or more.

Some White House officials worry that Trump’s foreign policy gamble and its effect on US gasoline prices may derail Republican chances of keeping control of Congress at a time when war-wary voters are more concerned with the cost of living than conflicts abroad.

PTI’s Gohar says depriving 18-year-olds of the right to vote would affect democratic process

Saifullah Ansar

ISLAMBAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday dismissed reports suggesting that the government was considering a proposal to raise the minimum voting age from 18 to 25.

“Why should we comment on rumours?… No such proposals are under our consideration,” Tarar said while responding to a question.

The debate emerged after Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah recently commented that a proposal to increase the voting age was currently under consideration during discussions related to the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.
“A person cannot contest an election until the age of 25, then […] if that is the case, the age for contesting elections should also be reduced to 18,” he said while speaking on Geo News’ programme ‘Jirga’.

Under the prevailing election laws, a Pakistani citizen can be enrolled as a voter if they are at least 18 years of age on January 1 of the year in which electoral rolls are prepared or revised.

It is also required that the person is, or is deemed to be, a resident of the relevant electoral area in order to be registered as a voter there.

Earlier today, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, while reacting to the reports, said he did not believe the matter was a “serious proposal”.

“According to the United Nations, people between the ages of 15 and 29 are considered youth,” he told reporters in Parliament House, warning that depriving 18-year-olds of the right to vote would affect the democratic process.
Separately, JUI-F’s Kamran Murtaza said an 18-year-old should retain the right to vote if they are legally recognised as adults.

“If an 18-year-old person can get married, then they should also have the right to vote,” he said, adding that a person mature enough to understand marriage could also understand the law.

The lawmakers’ statements come amid rumours abound about another constitutional amendment.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar last Saturday said that any constitutional amendment process will only proceed with consensus, adding there were currently no signs of a 28th Amendment.

“We are a coalition government; how can we proceed with constitutional amendments without consultation?” he said during a media interaction in Lahore.

He added that all stakeholders will come together for dialogue on key issues requiring agreement, stressing past consensus models, including those from 2009, could guide future discussions.

Tarar’s clarification aligns with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s denial of any immediate talks on a proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.

“No talks have taken place yet on the 28th Amendment; [but] I do not know about tomorrow,” he said while addressing the PPP’s parliamentary party meeting on Thursday.

Bilawal’s remarks followed State Minister for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik’s statement, rejecting impressions that the 28th Amendment would roll back the 18th.