ISLAMABAD, JUN 23 /DNA/ – Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to Pakistan, welcomed 7 French teachers to Pakistan who will receive a scholarship to attend a month of French language teaching training at CAVILAM, a high-level institution located in Vichy (central France). These 7 teachers, 3 of whom will discover France for the first time 1st time, will depart on July 4th from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
President Zardari expresses concern over escalating tensions in Middle East
ISLAMABAD, /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which could spiral out of control with serious consequences for millions of innocent people.
The President urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and to choose the path of peace , dialogue and Diplomacy to ensure enduring peace and stability in the region.
President Asif Ali Zardari also called upon the international community to play its part in de-escalating the crisis in the interest of regional stability as well as the well-being of its people.
“You’re Next”: Iran threatens Israel’s allies after missile barrage
Tehran, JUN 22: The spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KACH) has claimed that Israel is experiencing a shortage of ammunition, and that the Zionist government has lost a notable portion of its radar and defence capabilities.
On Saturday and Sunday nights, the United States launched attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz — using B2 stealth bombers. Iranian officials have confirmed the attacks but have not disclosed details of the damage.
The spokesman also threatened that those providing military support to Israel would become targets of Iran.
Following the US strikes, Iran retaliated by launching Khaibar Shekan missiles at Israel, causing extensive damage in several cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. More than 80 people were reported injured.
According to reports, Iran fired between 30 and 40 ballistic missiles at various Israeli cities.
Saudi Arabia joins global condemnation of US strikes on Iran
RIYADH, JUN 22: Saudi Arabia expressed on Sunday its “great concern” following US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, according to a statement by the foreign ministry on X.
The Saudi ministry statement “affirmed its condemnation and denunciation of violating the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing the need to exert all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation.”
The kingdom also called on the international community to boost efforts in such “highly sensitive circumstances” to reach a political solution to end the crisis.
بيان | تتابع المملكة العربية السعودية بقلق بالغ تطورات الأحداث في الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية الشقيقة المتمثلة في استهداف المنشآت النووية الإيرانية من قبل الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية. pic.twitter.com/BYsi3akvmm
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) June 22, 2025
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres meanwhile slammed US President Donald Trump’s decision to order US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as a “dangerous escalation.”
“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security,” he said in a statement.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said.
READ: Transcript of Trump’s speech on US strikes on Iran
Guterres called on member states to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.
“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” he said.
Other countries began reacting Sunday with calls for diplomacy and words of caution:
Turkiye
Turkiye warned Sunday the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities risked escalating the Iran-Israel conflict to a global level that could have “catastrophic” consequences.
“The ongoing developments could cause the regional conflict to escalate to a global level. We do not want this catastrophic scenario to come to life,” the foreign ministry indicating Turkiye was “deeply concerned about the possible consequences.”
India
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said on X that spoke with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian: “We discussed in detail about the current situation.
“Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
UAE
The United Arab Emirates urged on Sunday an immediate halt to escalation to “avoid serious repercussions” in the region following strikes by the US on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
It warned that such actions could lead the region to “new levels of instability,” according to a statement from the foreign ministry.
Egypt
Egypt has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Iran, warning of the risks posed by a rapidly escalating situation that could threaten the security and stability of the entire region.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt said the ongoing escalation could have serious consequences for both regional and international peace.
The statement stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
Egypt called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and pursue peaceful solutions, emphasizing that resorting to military options would only lead to greater instability.
Pakistan
Pakistan, in a statement, said it “condemns the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities which follow the series of attacks by Israel. We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region.”
“We reiterate that these attacks violate all norms of international law and that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.
“The unprecedented escalation of tension and violence, owing to ongoing aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing. Any further escalation of tensions will have severely damaging implications for the region and beyond.”
Russia
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump had started a new war for the US by attacking Iran.
“Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the US,” Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel.
Qatar
Qatar, host of the biggest US military base in the Middle East, on Sunday said it feared serious repercussions after US air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.
The foreign ministry “warns that the current dangerous escalation in the region may lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels”, a statement said.
“It calls on all parties to exercise wisdom, restraint, and to avoid further escalation.”
Oman
Oman, which was mediating nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, on Sunday strongly condemned US strikes on nuclear sites in Iran.
The Gulf sultanate “expresses deep concern, denunciation and condemnation of the escalation resulting from the direct air strikes launched by the United States on sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran”, the official Oman News Agency said.
Lebanon
Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, in statement released by the Lebanese Presidency on X, meanwhile said: “Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region. It is unwilling to pay more, and there is no national interest in doing so, especially since the cost of these wars was and will be greater than its ability to bear.”
“The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities raises fears of an escalation of tensions that could threaten security and stability in more than one region and country.
“The President of the Republic calls for restraint and the launch of constructive and serious negotiations to restore stability to the countries of the region and avoid further killing and destruction,” the statement added.
UK
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” over its nuclear ambitions after the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said on X, adding that “stability in the region is a priority”.
“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
Iraq
Iraq warned on Sunday that the US attacks on its neighbor Iran’s nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East.
Iraq “expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the targeting of nuclear facilities” in Iran, government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said. “This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability,” he added.
European Union
The European Union’s top diplomat said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon but she urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint.
“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media.
Kallas will chair a meeting of the 27-nation bloc’s foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, with the Israel-Iran war high on the agenda.
New Zealand
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged “all parties to return to talks.”
He wouldn’t tell reporters Sunday whether New Zealand supported President Trump’s actions, saying they had only just happened.
The three-time foreign minister said the crisis is “the most serious I’ve ever dealt with” and that “critical further escalation is avoided.”
“Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,” he said.
Italy
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani, on state broadcaster RAI, said: “Now we hope that, after this attack, which caused massive damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region, a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table.”
China
A flash commentary from China’s government-run media asked whether the US is repeating “its Iraq mistake in Iran.”
The online piece by CGTN, the foreign-language arm of the state broadcaster, said the US strikes mark a dangerous turning point.
“History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization,” it said, citing the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.
It said a measured, diplomatic approach that prioritizes dialogue over military confrontation offers the best hope for stability in the Middle East.
Japan
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented.
Ishiba, asked if he supports the US attacks on Iran, declined to comment. He was speaking to reporters after an emergency meeting with officials from key ministries over the US military action.
Ishiba said officials are still assessing details and doing their utmost to protect the safety of the Japanese nationals in Iran, Israel and elsewhere in the region.
While the US attacks on Iran do not affect Japan’s stable energy supply for the time being, Ishiba said, he has instructed officials to “watch the development with a sense of urgency and take every precaution” to prevent an increase in oil and utility costs ahead of the summer when energy demand rises.
South Korea
South Korea’s presidential office said it would hold an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the security and economic ramifications of the US strikes and potential South Korean responses.
Australia
Australia, which shuttered its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff Friday, continued to push for a diplomatic end to the conflict.
“We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,” a government official said in a written statement. “We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace.”
“The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was predictably all praises for Trump’s decision.
“Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history,” he said in a video message directed at the American president.
Netanyahu said the US “has done what no other country on earth could do.”
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also thanked Trump for his “historic decision to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Today, President Trump proved that ‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan — it’s a policy.”
In Washington, Congressional Republicans — and at least one Democrat — immediately praised Trump after he announced his fateful attack order.
“Well done, President Trump,” Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina posted on X. Texas Sen. John Cornyn called it a “courageous and correct decision.” Alabama Sen. Katie Britt called the bombings “strong and surgical.”
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin posted: “America first, always.”
The Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, said Trump “has made a deliberate — and correct — decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.”
Wicker posted on X that “we now have very serious choices ahead to provide security for our citizens and our allies.”
The quick endorsements of stepped up US involvement in Iran came after Trump had publicly mulled the strikes for days and many congressional Republicans had cautiously said they thought he would make the right decision. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Saturday evening that “as we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.”
Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, were briefed ahead of the strikes on Saturday, according to people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it.
Johnson said in a statement that the military operations “should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says.”
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford, R-Arkansas, said he had also been in touch with the White House and “I am grateful to the US servicemembers who carried out these precise and successful strikes.”
Breaking from many of his Democratic colleagues, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, an outspoken supporter of Israel, also praised the attacks on Iran. “As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS,” he posted. “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.”
Both parties have seen splits in recent days over the prospect of striking Iran. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican and a longtime opponent of US involvement in foreign wars, posted on X after Trump announced the attacks that “This is not Constitutional.”
Many Democrats have maintained that Congress should have a say. The Senate was scheduled to vote as soon as this week on a resolution by Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine requiring congressional approval before the US declared war on Iran or took specific military action.
Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House intelligence panel, posted on X after Trump’s announcement: “According to the Constitution we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop.”
Russia demands UN action after US strikes hit Iranian nuclear sites
MOSCOW, JUN 22 /DNA/ – Russia resolutely condemns the United States’ strikes on several nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, carried out in the early hours of June 22, following recent attacks by Israel.
This reckless decision to launch missile and aerial strikes on the territory of a sovereign state, regardless of the justifications offered, constitutes a blatant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and relevant resolutions by the UN Security Council, which has consistently and unequivocally deemed such actions unacceptable. Particularly concerning is the fact that the strikes were executed by a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The consequences of this action, including potential radioactive effects, have yet to be determined. However, it is already evident that a dangerous escalation is underway, one that threatens to further destabilise security both in the region and globally. This has drastically increased the likelihood of a larger conflict in the Middle East, a region already plagued by numerous crises.
The attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have dealt a substantial blow to the global non-proliferation regime built around the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which raises particular concerns. They have significantly undermined both the credibility of the NPT and the integrity of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) monitoring and verification mechanisms that underpin it.
We expect the IAEA leadership to respond promptly, professionally, and transparently, avoiding vague language or efforts to hide behind political ‘equidistance.’ An unbiased and objective report from the Director General is required, to be submitted for consideration at the Agency’s upcoming special session.
Obviously, the UN Security Council must take a firm stance as well. Confrontational and destabilising actions taken by the United States and Israel must be collectively rejected.
We call for an immediate end to aggression and for stepping up efforts to bring the situation back onto a peaceful, diplomatic track.
From Chaunsa to Sindhri: Mango varieties delight twin cities
ISLAMABAD, JUN 22 (DNA) — The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi revelled in the sweet bliss of mangoes, aptly hailed as the “King of Fruits,” as the juicy delights brought joy to residents of all ages. In local markets, vibrant displays of mangoes greet shoppers, with vendors showcasing everything from the renowned Chaunsa, Sindhri, and Anwar Ratol to the prized Langra, Fajli, and Dusehri, every popular variety is readily available.
Mango enthusiasts can relish the sweetness of Chaunsa, the tanginess of Sindhri, or explore other unique flavors, making the twin cities a haven for mango connoisseurs. Sara Ali,a mango enthusiast from Islamabad said “Mangoes are a summertime staple for us as there’s nothing like biting into a ripe, juicy Chaunsa on a hot summer day.” She commented that Mangoes are more than just a fruit and they are a part of our culture adding that every one look forward to the season all year round.
For many residents, mangoes evoke memories of childhood summers spent savoring the fruit under the shade of trees. The variety of mangoes available has also sparked a sense of adventure among consumers. A desident of Rawalpindi said “I love trying different types of mangoes as last week, I had Sindhri, and this week, I am trying Anwar Ratol. Each variety has its own unique taste.”
Mangoes are her favorite summer treat and she love trying different varieties and the vendor’s mangoes are always fresh, and the prices are reasonable,she told.”I am stocking up on mangoes for the week. They’re perfect for snacking, smoothies, or desserts,” she commented. As people enjoy the mango season, vendors are working hard to meet the demand.
Muhammad Ali, a fruit vendor in Islamabad’s F-6 market shared that “We are importing mangoes from the best orchards in Sindh and Punjab to ensure top quality and flavor. He told that Mangoes are flying off the shelves and they are having a great season so far, with Chaunsa and Sindhri being the top sellers. He further said he has been selling mangoes for years, and this season’s batch is one of the best Saying that they are seeing a lot of repeat customers, which is great to see,people love their mangoes, and they are happy to deliver quality and taste.
“Mangoes are a summer staple, and we are proud to offer a wide variety to our customers, from sweet to tangy, we have got something for everyone,he stated. Whether it’s the sweetness of Chaunsa or the tanginess of Sindhri, the people of twin cities are enjoying every bite of the King of Fruits.—DNA
PM Shehbaz condemns US strikes, backs Iran in call with President Masoud
ISLAMABAD, JUN 22 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, this afternoon.
The Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan’s condemnation of the U.S. attacks, which followed Israel’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression over the past eight days. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people and Government of Iran, while expressing heartfelt condolences on the loss of precious lives and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister expressed concerns that the U.S. strikes had targeted facilities that were under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These attacks constituted a serious violation of international law and the IAEA Statute.
While noting Iran’s right to self-defence, as enshrined under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Prime Minister stressed upon the need to immediately return to dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path forward. He also called for urgent collective efforts to de-escalate the situation. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role in this context.
President Pezeshkian conveyed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s support to Iran. He thanked the Prime Minister, the Government and people of Pakistan, including the military leadership, for standing in solidarity with the people and Government of Iran.
The two leaders emphasized on the need and urgency of forging unity among the Ummah at this critical juncture.
The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Canada smashes way into T20 World Cup 2026 with 10-wicket win
OTTAWA, JUN 22: Canada became the latest side to seal a place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after thrashing the Bahamas by 10 wickets in the Americas Qualifier at the Maple Leaf North-West Ground on Saturday.
The hosts maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament with a fifth consecutive win, comfortably chasing down a paltry target of 58 in just 5.3 overs. The result confirmed Canada’s qualification for the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year.
Opting to bowl first, Canada’s bowlers delivered a ruthless performance, dismissing the Bahamas for a mere 57 runs. Left-arm pacer Kaleem Sana and off-spinner Shivam Sharma took three wickets apiece, dismantling the Bahamian batting order.
In response, Canadian opener Dilpreet Bajwa produced an explosive unbeaten knock of 36 off 14 deliveries to finish the match inside six overs and cap off a one-sided affair.
Led by Nicholas Kirton, Canada entered the qualifier as one of the favourites, having featured in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup hosted jointly by the United States and the West Indies. They began their campaign with a resounding 110-run win over Bermuda, followed by successive victories against the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas in the initial round.
A rain-affected five-over encounter against the Cayman Islands in the return fixture also went Canada’s way, as they posted 82 runs and secured a 42-run win under the DLS method.
Saturday’s win ensures Canada’s participation in the expanded 20-team T20 World Cup, joining automatic qualifiers India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, the United States, and the West Indies.
The remaining seven slots will be filled through regional qualification tournaments: two from Europe (5–11 July 2025), two from Africa (19 September–4 October 2025), and three from the Asia-East Asia Pacific Qualifier (1–17 October 2025).
Spain crushes Ireland 9-1 in Pro League
Hockey; Belgium Dominates India 6-0
DNA
KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 22 – In a stunning display of skill, Spain demolished Ireland 9-1 in the ongoing FIH Pro League hockey tournament, showcasing their attacking prowess. The match, held TODAY, saw Spain dominate from the start, leaving Ireland struggling to keep up. Meanwhile, Belgium delivered another strong performance, defeating India 6-0 in a one-sided contest.
The Pro League fixtures, set to continue until June 29, have seen intense competition among the world’s top hockey nations. Belgium’s commanding win over India reinforces their position as a strong contender for the title. India, usually a formidable side, failed to counter Belgium’s relentless attacks, raising concerns ahead of their next matches.
In another development, New Zealand has secured a spot in the Pro League after defeating Pakistan in the Nations Cup 2025, held in Malaysia. The Kiwis’ victory ensures their participation in the next edition of the elite tournament, while Pakistan faces a setback in their quest for higher-tier competition.
Fans are eagerly watching the remaining Pro League matches, with teams battling for crucial ranking points ahead of major international events. The tournament has already delivered thrilling encounters, and with just a week left, the race for the top spots remains wide open.
Mushahid says US attack a war crime
Faisal Sheikh
ISLAMABAD, JUN 22 /DNA/ – Prominent Pakistani politician and Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has strongly condemned recent American attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, labeling them as “willful aggression and a war crime.” In a fiery post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sayed compared the strikes to the 2003 Iraq War, accusing the U.S. of acting on false pretenses.
Sayed alleged that the “Israeli Lobby” influenced the decision, criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump for engaging in “deception” and betraying his pledge to avoid new military conflicts. He suggested that the attacks were politically motivated rather than based on legitimate security concerns.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with Washington justifying the strikes as preemptive measures against nuclear proliferation. However, critics like Sayed argue that such actions risk escalating regional instability and violate international law.
Iran has yet to issue an official response to the alleged attacks, but hardliners within the country are expected to demand retaliation. Meanwhile, global leaders are calling for restraint, fearing another Middle East crisis.
Sayed, a vocal advocate for Muslim world solidarity, has long criticized U.S. foreign policy, particularly its alignment with Israel. His latest statement is likely to resonate with anti-Western factions in Pakistan and beyond.=DNA
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