WASHINGTON, JUL 21: President Donald Trump said the US will be hitting the Pickaxe Mountain area, located near Iran’s heavily damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility, “pretty soon.”
Pickaxe Mountain is a heavily fortified site that hosts two deeply buried tunnel complexes that experts assess as beyond the reach of the most powerful bunker buster bombs in the US arsenal. The site is linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
WASHINGTON, JUL 21: US President Donald Trump praised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday as he welcomed him to the White House, making Aoun Lebanon’s first head of state to visit since 2009.
“He’s handsome also,” Trump quipped to reporters during comments from the Oval Office. “And I think he could become one of the most important leaders in the Middle East, actually,” the US president said.
Trump went to say that Lebanon had been “very mistreated” for a long period of time. “We’re going to help it a lot.”
Trump highlight Iran-backed Hezbollah as a “problem,” adding that he would speak with Aoun about some “very concrete plans already in store” for dealing with the group.
On Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, which has been a key ask from the Lebanese president, Trump said Israeli forces were “in the process of doing that.”
For his part, Aoun said it was an honor to meet a “great president like yourself,” before Trump joked: “He knows how to get me… now he can have anything.”
Aoun later said he needed political support from Trump and the backing of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). “All we’re asking is, keep supporting the LAF,” he said in response to a question.
RIYADH, JUL 21: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned the “false” allegations made by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia, saying the accusations were “baseless.”
In a statement issued after its weekly meeting, the Cabinet – chaired by King Salman – said the Houthis had become embroiled in the region’s conflicts in pursuit of their “sinister agenda,” adding that the militia’s actions had deepened the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for the Yemeni people and the country’s internationally recognized government, and stressed that Saudi Arabia would take firm measures to protect its national security and its ships.
KARACHI, 21 JULY (DNA) — The family of a missing National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) official approached police on Tuesday with an application for his recovery. The application, seen by Dawn, addressed Sindh Inspector General of Police (IG) Javed Alam Odho and stated that applicant Sohail Sangi’s younger son, Fayyaz Ahmed Janjhi, who is an assistant director at Nadra, had been missing since 6:30pm on July 20.
The application further stated that the missing official’s family had tried to contact him continuously, but his phone was switched off. The family also contacted his colleagues, who said he had left his office at Ayesha Manzil at around 6pm on Monday. “But he did not reach home,” the application said.
Urging authorities to register a complaint of him going missing and locate him, the applicant said his son or the rest of the family had no enmity with anyone. Janjhi’s elder brother, Riaz Sohail, told Dawn that the family had approached the Sindh IG with the application, and the provincial police chief had assigned the case to Central Senior Superintendent of Police Imran Khan.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also posted on X: “HRCP is deeply concerned to learn that Fayaz Janjhi, a Nadra officer and son of HRCP council member Sohail Sangi, has been missing since yesterday. We demand that the Sindh government expedite their efforts to recover Mr Janjhi safely.” — DNA
ICCI determined to Strengthen Business Linkages, Facilitate Chinese Investment in Pakistan: Sardar Tahir Mehmood
ISLAMABAD, JUL 21 /DNA/ – Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, has said that Pakistan-China economic relations are entering a more focused phase of investment-led business-to-business cooperation, with sustained efforts underway to translate the two countries’ exceptional political relationship into tangible trade, investment and industrial partnerships. Addressing an interactive session with the business community at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), he said that over the past two-and-a-half years, the Embassy has worked to complement the strong government-to-government relationship, including CPEC, by accelerating B2B engagement and promoting Chinese investment in Pakistan, particularly through joint ventures.
Ambassador Hashmi who was accompanied by Mr. Ghulam Qadir former trade and investment Counsellor in China said a research-driven strategy has identified 21 China-specific priority sectors for investment cooperation. He said six B2B investment conferences and six investment roadshows have been organized in areas including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, IT and telecom, energy storage, agriculture and food, textiles, leather, surgical and medical equipment and other industries.
These initiatives, he disclosed, have generated more than 670 MoUs, around 40 joint ventures, and cumulative commitments exceeding US$22 billion, while the conversion rate of MoUs into agreements or contracts has reached nearly 30 percent. He emphasized that the real objective was not merely signing MoUs but converting them into operational projects, factories, joint ventures and sustainable investments through a structured follow-up mechanism.
Describing China as the “land of opportunity of the 21st century,” the Ambassador urged Pakistani businesses to come forward with well-prepared and bankable projects to attract credible Chinese partners. He said future initiatives would focus on high-potential sectors, including semiconductors, surgical instruments, sports goods and sportswear, while greater emphasis was also being placed on integrating investment with technical and vocational training and demand-driven skills development. Appreciating the initiative for business facilitation desks in Guangzhou and at ICCI in Islamabad, he said these platforms could strengthen investment and trade promotion, provide reliable market information and help resolve business disputes. He assured that the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing and its four consulates would continue extending full facilitation to the business community.
In his welcome address, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said China has always stood by Pakistan through thick and thin and remains one of its most trusted friends and strategic economic partners. He said CPEC has laid a strong foundation for connectivity, infrastructure development and industrial cooperation, and the time has come to further capitalize on this relationship by expanding private-sector collaboration, joint ventures, technology transfer and value-added production. He emphasized that Pakistan offers significant opportunities to Chinese investors in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture, information technology, renewable energy, minerals, engineering and other promising sectors.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood said ICCI was committed to serving as an effective bridge between the business communities of Pakistan and China and facilitating meaningful B2B linkages. He highlighted ICCI’s initiative to establish a Business Facilitation Desk in Guangzhou, along with a corresponding facilitation mechanism at the Chamber in Islamabad, to provide businesses with market information, investment guidance, partner identification and support in addressing trade-related issues. He expressed confidence that close coordination between ICCI, Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in China and relevant institutions would help transform business leads into concrete investment and trade outcomes.
The event was effectively moderated by ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, who emphasized the importance of sustained institutional engagement and regular interaction between the private sectors of the two countries to unlock the full potential of Pakistan-China economic cooperation.
In his vote of thanks, ICCI Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry reiterated ICCI’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China business relations and extending all possible facilitation to Chinese investors and Pakistani entrepreneurs seeking partnerships in China.
An impressive question-and-answer session was also held, during which members of the business community interacted with Ambassador Khalil Hashmi on issues relating to investment opportunities, joint ventures, market access, trade facilitation, dispute resolution and sector-specific cooperation with China.
The session was attended by ICCI former Presidents Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Sheikh Aamir Waheed, Executive Members Waseem Chaudhry, Raja Naveed Satti, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Imran Minhas, Ishaq Sial, former SVP Naveed Malik, senior members Israr Mishwani, Sajid Iqbal, and many other.
ISLAMABAD, JUL 21 /DNA/ – Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House, earlier today.
Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Interior & Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior government officials were also present.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the Iranian Interior Minister and his delegation to Pakistan. While recalling his visit to Tehran, earlier this month, to attend the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards and good wishes for Supreme Leader His Eminence Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Prime Minister shared his deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region. While emphasizing that Pakistan would continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to regional peace and stability.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation in Islamabad. He conveyed greetings and best wishes of the Iranian leadership. He stated that he was leading a delegation of senior government officials to enhance bilateral ties.
The Iranian Minister expressed deep appreciation for the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their untiring mediation efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He also expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit to Tehran to attend the funeral ceremony of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei.
RAWALPINDI, JUL 21 /DNA/ – Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional and bilateral security and effective border management were discussed.
The visiting Iranian dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s consistent efforts and indispensable diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, encouraging de-escalation and serving as an anchor for peace.
The meeting concluded on reaffirmation of resolve to maintain close coordination and cooperative mechanisms to safeguard regional security and mutual prosperity.
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will kick off its campaign against Sri Lanka in the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship 2026 starting from today (Wednesday) the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad following India’s last-minute withdrawal from the tournament despite receiving comprehensive security assurances.
Speaking to the media after the championship’s trophy unveiling ceremony, Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob expressed disappointment over India’s decision to pull out of the event. “We are surprised by India’s withdrawal after all necessary arrangements had been completed. At their request, the federation, in coordination with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and other relevant government departments, secured all required NOCs and comprehensive security guarantees to ensure the Indian team’s safe participation in Islamabad,” he said.
Despite India’s withdrawal, Yaqoob said the championship remains one of the biggest international volleyball events ever hosted in Pakistan and reflects the country’s growing stature as a safe and capable destination for international sports.
Organised by the Pakistan Volleyball Federation under the auspices of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA), the championship will be hed on 29 July feature teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
The opening day will feature three matches, with hosts Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in the curtain-raiser, while Kazakhstan will face Nepal and Uzbekistan will meet Bangladesh.
The Pakistan Volleyball Federation has extended a warm welcome to all participating teams, officials and delegates, stating that comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure the successful staging of the regional showpiece, which aims to promote volleyball, regional friendship and sporting excellence.
NEW DELHI, JUL 21: India’s main opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, demanded on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi step down over the police crackdown against student protests demanding reforms in the education system.
Modi must resign “for destroying the future of India’s youth”, the Congress Party leader said in a post on social media as he led a march with other MPs towards the prime minister’s residence in New Delhi.
“The government doesn’t want to take any accountability, nor does it want to have a debate on it in parliament,” said Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the lower house.
Gandhi’s comments came after police said 60 protesters were injured in clashes with security forces in the heart of New Delhi on Monday, marking the biggest street rally in the capital for about five years.
Thousands of protesters had gathered to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following an appeal by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) online movement.
Police fired tear gas and charged with batons at protesters, who responded by pelting stones. At least 118 police personnel were also injured, Delhi Police said.
The CJP vowed to press on with its demands for Pradhan’s removal as hundreds of protesters remained camped at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site on Tuesday, many of them calling for changes to the wider education system.
The CJP has won millions of followers on social media since its launch in May, fueling one of the biggest challenges to Hindu-nationalist leader Modi since he won his third term in office in 2024.
‘Shameful day’
“We won’t stop. Pradhan has to be sacked,” CJP spokesman Ashutosh Ranka said on social media.
There were far fewer protesters at Jantar Mantar than on Monday, when the CJP mobilized huge crowds to march on India’s parliament.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged protesters on Tuesday not to lose hope.
“They want to break our spirit,” he said, perched on top of a lorry. “Do not let them silence you.”
Protest organizers condemned the “high-handedness” of the authorities and said hundreds of protesters had been injured.
“It’s a shameful day in the history of Indian democracy that people, honest students, who had come for a genuine issue were brutally beaten by the Delhi police,” Ranka told AFP.
Ranka, who met senior minister JP Nadda on Monday, said the government had yet to respond to their demands.
Protesters said they would not relent.
“We have become even more fearless now,” said 25-year-old law student Chandra Pratap Sishwi.
“When I saw people being beaten up by the police like that, my blood boiled.”
Parliament was adjourned on Tuesday after the opposition benches demanded a discussion on the alleged “brutality unleashed on students.”
Despite rapid economic growth, millions of people in the world’s most populous nation still struggle to find stable and well-paying jobs, fueling discontent.
The protests follow a series of examination scandals that have shaken confidence in India’s testing system.
Some 2.2 million aspiring medical students sat for a re-examination under tight security last month after the previous test was scrapped following the leak of a question paper.
That came on top of another scandal related to the online marking of tests taken by nearly two million high school students.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government on Tuesday, saying it had acted swiftly after the exam paper leaks by arresting several people.
He said Modi had called for a “foolproof system” to prevent irregularities in the future at a closed-door meeting with his allies on Tuesday.
Modi has yet to comment directly on the protests.
WASHINGTON, JUL 21: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday to present a plan on how to disarm Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and secure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon.
Aoun, who served as the commander of Lebanon’s army before being elected president last year, is the first Lebanese head of state in nearly 20 years to visit the White House, where he will meet Trump face-to-face for the first time.
The meeting comes at a crucial moment for Lebanon: Israeli troops are occupying a swathe of the country’s south, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese remain displaced following Israeli strikes and Hezbollah has firmly rejected the government’s direct talks with Israel – and efforts by the state to strip it of its arms.
Aoun arrived in Washington at the weekend and met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, telling him that Israel should begin withdrawing from southern Lebanon in line with a US-brokered June 26 agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
That deal aims to disarm Hezbollah, see a progressive Israeli troop withdrawal and set the stage for peaceful ties between the two countries.
Hours ahead of Aoun’s meeting with Trump, Lebanese army troops began taking control of territory vacated by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon – the first test of the plan.
A Lebanese official said Aoun believes only Trump possesses the leverage needed to pressure Israel to withdraw its troops and help Lebanon restore its sovereignty. The official said that Aoun, in addition to asking the US president to press Israel to withdraw, would also present Trump with a written proposal on how to decommission Hezbollah’s massive arsenal.
