LAHORE, Jun 11 (APP/DNA): The first Hajj flight, Airblue flight PA-473, reached the Allama Iqbal International Airport here on Wednesday, carrying 147 pilgrims from Jeddah.

The flight marked the beginning of the post-Hajj return season, a time of heartfelt reunions

and spiritual fulfilment. The pilgrims glowing with gratitude after completing Hajj were given a warm welcome.

Provincial Minister for Primary & Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazeer received

the pilgrims at the airport, offering garlands and prayers for their safe return.

Talking to the media, Imran Nazeer congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and

the Ministry of Religious Affairs for making the best arrangements for pilgrims.

On this occasion, the pilgrims expressed their heartfelt gratitude for comprehensive

arrangements made by the government for their holy journey. “We are thankful to the government

for the excellent arrangements, said a pilgrim.

Director Hajj Directorate Lahore Syed Muhammad Arif Hazoor, Deputy Director Mujeeb Shah,

the airport manager, Customs, Airport Security Force officers and others were

also present.

ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (DNA): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid stepping out between 11 am and 5 pm as a severe heatwave continues to grip Punjab and other parts of
the country. The heatwave is expected to persist until June 12.

       PDMA Spokesperson talking to a private news channel, he advised citizens to stay hydrated and follow health guidelines to ensure their safety during the ongoing heatwave and avoid direct sun exposure to minimize health
risks.
         PMD predicts a scorching day nationwide, however, He advised avoiding spicy and oily foods during the heatwave to prevent dehydration and heat-related discomfort.

      To combat the heatwave, PDMA Punjab has set up special counters in hospitals and ensured access to clean drinking water in Cholistan, says DG Irfan Ali Kathia.

   As per Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’ s directives, all relevant institutions have been put on high alert to promptly respond to any heat-related emergencies, he added.

LONDON: A high-level Pakistani diplomatic delegation has reached United Kingdom after concluding a series of positive meetings with US Congress members and senators in Washington and New York.

The nine-member delegation led by former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was involved in more than 50 meetings over a period of five days to present Pakistan’s stance on regional peace and disputes with India and highlight New Delhi’s provocations and aggression against Islamabad.

The delegation include Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt and Syed Faisal Subzwari.

The recent conflict between the nuclear-armed countries was triggered by New Delhi after an attack in IIOJK’s Pahalgam on April 22, where gunmen killed at least 26 civilians. India labelled it an act of terrorism orchestrated by Pakistan, a claim denied by leaders in Islamabad. Following this, India attacked Pakistan which led to days-long military engagement between the two neighbouring countries.

Speaking to Geo News, Senator Rehman stated that they held positive meetings with American lawmakers who understood Pakistan’s position.

“Everyone agreed that weaponisation of water was dangerous,” she said, adding that: “India’s identity is becoming that of a belligerent state.” She asserted that IIOJK has become the largest open-air prison.

Sherry also clarified that the Pakistani delegation was not “chasing” the Indian delegation, pointing towards Pakistani and Indian delegation’s visit to the US at the same time. She said: “Our story is our own story.”

She further warned that Pakistan would respond if India were to attack, and stressed that “our goal is to promote peace and negotiations”.

Sherry stated that Pakistan has “more complaints against India” and suggested that the Indian delegation’s sole purpose was to defame Pakistan, whereas the delegation went to the US to “tell Pakistan’s story”.

Subzwari, another member of the diplomatic delegation, told Geo News that their tour began at the United Nations, where they presented Pakistan’s case.

“Even though we showed military superiority, we have come to invite peace,” Subzwari stated. He expressed a desire for global powers to convey to India that “two nuclear powers cannot progress in such a dangerous environment.”

He said India is seeking “immunity to commit aggression without proof,” citing the Pahalgam incident after which India attacked civilian infrastructure on Pakistani soil despite calls for evidence.

He said Pakistan desired for the current ceasefire to lead to “permanent peace”. The country’s stance was presented to the US State Department and members of parliament, and their “peace-based stance has largely been well-received,” he said. He also said they had brought a message of peace in the region, which is India’s failure and Pakistan’s success.

‘Life and death’
Meanwhile, Dastgir emphasised that the issue of water is a matter of life and death for Pakistan, and we will not back down from it.

He noted that Americans initially believed that President Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire meant no further intervention was needed. “Our mission was to make them understand that intervention is necessary as India neither wants a neutral inquiry nor talks,” Dastgir explained.

Jilani, another member of the delegation, said good discussions were held with all members of the UN Security Council. “We met with the UN secretary-general and the president of the UN General Assembly as well,” he said.

He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that “India committed aggression and Pakistan is a peace-loving country.” He mentioned that Pakistan had been urging India for a long time to resolve issues peacefully. He stated that “Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression has dealt a blow to India’s image in the world.”

The former caretaker foreign minister added that India’s long-standing accusations against Pakistan have now been rejected by the international community and that India’s false impression of being a major power has ended.

Jilani further stated that: “Pakistan shot down six Indian planes, jammed their system, and hit military installations,” and also that “after the recent war, the Kashmir issue has emerged as a global issue worldwide”.

Meanwhile, Senator Butt informed Geo News that they discussed the Indus Waters Treaty and the Kashmir issue with UN members. She warned that if the Indus Waters Treaty was disregarded today, “then no future agreement will hold any value”.

“If Pakistan and India go to war, the entire region is affected,” she said. Pointing towards Islamabad’s diplomatic success, she said Pakistan received a “better response in US”.

She highlighted that Pakistan is calling it a ceasefire, while India is calling it a pause. She expressed concern that if the Kashmir and IWT issues were not resolved now, the matter will escalate again in six months, and urged US President Trump to play a role to prevent the region from being affected by war.

Earlier on Saturday, Bilawal said the recent five-day conflict had exposed India’s façade as a so-called “net security provider,” revealing it instead as a source of insecurity for South Asia and the wider global community.

“India’s actions had dangerously lowered the threshold for armed confrontation in the region… they started a war based on a lie and couldn’t even win it,” he said while speaking at a luncheon hosted by Pakistan Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed in honour of the Pakistani multi-party delegation in Washington, DC.

Speaking to the attendees of the luncheon, Bilawal said that India had long portrayed itself to the West, particularly the United States, as a stabilising power, justifying foreign aid and defence deals.

“The American taxpayers’ dollars are subsidising India’s military-industrial complex under the illusion that it provides regional stability. But these five days of conflict proved otherwise,” he said, stressing that a peaceful and stable relationship between India and Pakistan is the only viable path toward security in South Asia.

RAWALPINDI, JUN 7: In a strong message of appreciation and resolve, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir praised the frontline troops for avenging the loss of innocent Pakistani civilians — including women, children, and the elderly in a bold and effective response to hostile provocations by India during the recent standoff, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

“You have befittingly avenged the loss of lives of innocent Pakistani civilians including children, women and elderly through your bold and effective response,” Gen Munir told frontline troops during his Eid ul Adha visit to forward positions along the Line of Control (LoC).

As per the military’s media wing, the visit commenced with Eid prayers, during which special supplications were made for Pakistan’s enduring peace, stability, and prosperity as well as for Shuhda who made supreme sacrifice for the defence of their motherland.

Extending warm Eid greetings to the officers and men, the field marshal commended their unwavering commitment, professional excellence, and steadfast service in the face of persistent challenges.

The chief of army staff lauded the spirit of the troops, noting that celebrating Eid on the frontline away from their families serves the superior national purpose of defending the motherland at all costs throughout the year.

He also lauded the formation’s exemplary performance during Marqa-e-Haq, Operation Bunyaanum Marsoos against Indian aggression and paid solemn tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis whose sacrifices continue to fortify the nation’s security and resolve.

While interacting with troops, the army chief expressed deep appreciation for their high morale, exceptional operational readiness, and resolute vigilance in responding effectively to Indian ceasefire violations.

He reiterated complete confidence in the battle preparedness of the Armed Forces to decisively deter and defeat any act of aggression, the ISPR stated.

Underscoring Pakistan’s principled stance, Field Marshal Munir affirmed that the just and valiant struggle of the Kashmiri people against the illegal Indian occupation will never be forgotten. He emphasised the need for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with the aspirations of its people and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Upon arrival at the LOC, the COAS was received by the commander of Rawalpindi Corps.

The military confrontation between Pakistan and India — which included cross-border strikes by both countries — came weeks after 26 tourists were killed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) Pahalgam and India falsely blamed Pakistan for the attack.

After the incident, India killed several innocent civilians in unprovoked attacks on Pakistan for three days before the Pakistan Armed Forces retaliated in defence with the successful Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

Pakistan downed six IAF fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

ISLAMABAD, JUN 7: The nation is celebrating Eid-ul-Adha today with traditional religious fervour and devotion, marking the profound legacy of sacrifice by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

The festive day began with special prayers in mosques across the country, where the faithful will seek blessings for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and pray for peace, progress, and prosperity in Pakistan.

Congregational Eid prayers are being held at mosques, Eidgahs, and open spaces in cities, towns, and villages. Ulema and religious scholars are delivering sermons highlighting the spiritual significance and lessons from the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

In keeping with the Sunnah, people have started performing the ritual of animal sacrifice and will continue over the three days of Eid, reaffirming the values of devotion, generosity, and compassion.

To ensure a safe and smooth celebration, federal and provincial governments have implemented comprehensive security measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

Additionally, local administrations have developed special plans for the efficient disposal of offal and solid waste during the festival period, aiming to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in both urban and rural areas.

Media outlets, including Pakistan Television and various private channels, will broadcast special Eid programmes. Newspapers also feature dedicated supplements exploring the meaning and importance of Eid-ul-Adha and the enduring message of sacrifice.