Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD/BEIJING: Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, has said that both Iran and the United States have placed trust in Islamabad&rsquo;s ability to act as a credible facilitator in efforts to ease tensions between the two adversaries. Speaking on Pakistan TV programme Beyond Borders, Ambassador Hashmi emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s engagement in mediation efforts is rooted in its &ldquo;long-standing relationships with both sides,&rdquo; allowing it to function as a trusted intermediary rather than a partisan actor. He noted that recent diplomatic efforts, including discussions hosted in Islamabad, helped reinforce momentum away from escalation and toward ceasefire-oriented outcomes. Ambassador Hashmi said that while the situation remains sensitive, &ldquo;a sense of direction away from war and toward dialogue&rdquo; has been introduced, describing it as a &ldquo;significant but still evolving progress.&rdquo; He added that continued diplomatic engagement would be necessary to sustain and deepen these gains. Turning to China&rsquo;s diplomatic posture, Ambassador Hashmi described Beijing as a &ldquo;silent stabilizer&rdquo; in global affairs, particularly in the Middle East. He said Beijing&rsquo;s foreign policy approach is grounded in &ldquo;conciliation, peaceful coexistence, and resolution of disputes through dialogue.&rdquo; Ambassador Hashmi pointed to China&rsquo;s diplomatic facilitation in the 2023 Iran&ndash;Saudi rapprochement and efforts to bring Palestinian factions together as examples of what he called China&rsquo;s &ldquo;practical contributions to regional stability.&rdquo; Addressing the future of Pakistan&ndash;China economic ties, the ambassador said Pakistan is actively working to attract Chinese investment across 21 priority sectors, including traditional industries such as agriculture, steel, and petrochemicals, as well as emerging fields like information technology, fintech, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced materials. &ldquo;The focus is on joint ventures that combine Chinese investment and technology with Pakistani industrial capacity,&rdquo; he said, adding that this approach is intended to strengthen productivity and long-term economic resilience. Commenting on recent high-level diplomatic exchanges, including President Asif Ali Zardari&rsquo;s visit to China, Ambassador Hashmi described the trip as &ldquo;timely and productive,&rdquo; noting that it allowed both sides to exchange views on global developments while reinforcing bilateral ties during the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations.&nbsp; During the visit, He said, multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed in areas including agriculture, health, engineering, construction materials, and industrial cooperation.

Beyond Borders

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, has said that both Iran and the United States have placed trust in Islamabad’s ability to act as a credible facilitator in efforts to ease tensions between the two adversaries.



Pakistan’s mediation role in US-Iran tensions reflects global trust: Ambassador Hashmi

ISLAMABAD: &ldquo;Pakistan has been working as a key intermediary, trying to bridge gaps between Washington and Tehran,&rdquo; says former US National Security Advisor John Bolton, highlighting Islamabad&rsquo;s significant diplomatic role amid tensions between Iran and the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking exclusively on a Pakistan TV program, Beyond Borders, former US NSA stressed that while Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts are significant, the wide gap between the two sides continues to challenge any breakthrough.&nbsp;Bolton says the core issue remains the deep mistrust and conflicting objectives between Tehran and Washington, making negotiations extremely difficult at this stage. He noted that Iran may be seeking to delay critical discussions, particularly around its nuclear program, while trying to recover from recent economic and military pressure.&nbsp;Bolton pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the ongoing blockade is severely impacting Iran&rsquo;s economy while also putting global energy markets under strain. He suggested that opening the Strait for Gulf states, while maintaining pressure on Iran, could provide much-needed stability to international oil supplies.&nbsp;He argued that sustained economic pressure could deepen alleged internal divisions within Iran&rsquo;s leadership, potentially leading to significant political shifts. Despite ongoing mediation by Pakistan, Bolton cautioned that the situation remains volatile, with serious implications for regional security and the global economy.

John Bolton says Pakistan is acting as a key intermediary between the United States and Iran, but warns deep mistrust and conflicting objectives hinder progress in negotiations.

Ex-US national security advisor says Pakistan key intermediary bridging gaps in US-Iran crisis

ISLAMABAD: New York Post correspondent Caitlin Doornbos has said Pakistan&rsquo;s ability to maintain working relationships with both the US and Iran has positioned it uniquely in the conflict, allowing it to serve as a bridge in one of the most sensitive geopolitical standoffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Caitlin Doornbos underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s position as a key mediator in efforts to bridge tensions between the United States and Iran, describing Islamabad as an inimitable diplomatic channel trusted by both sides. She said Islamabad has become a critical venue for dialogue, with direct exchanges and consultations taking place through Pakistan as the leadership remains actively engaged in facilitating communication and maintaining diplomatic momentum between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;Doornbos also referenced her conversation with US President Donald Trump, saying he expressed strong trust in Pakistan&rsquo;s role in ongoing US&ndash;Iran negotiations, spoke positively about Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership and its engagement in regional stability, and emphasised that Islamabad plays an important role in facilitating dialogue.&nbsp;She said such mediation efforts are rare, especially between two adversaries with long-standing distrust, and that Islamabad&rsquo;s role has gained increasing international attention.&nbsp;Her remarks collectively highlight Pakistan&rsquo;s role as both a key host of high-stakes diplomatic engagement and an increasingly important bridge in efforts to manage US&ndash;Iran tensions, reflecting its growing relevance in regional and global diplomacy.&nbsp;Beyond the diplomatic discussions in Islamabad, Doornbos also reflected on her personal experience in Pakistan, praising the hospitality toward visiting journalists and officials attending the Islamabad Talks.&nbsp;She said she has greatly enjoyed her time in the country, describing the warmth and generosity of the people as deeply welcoming and overwhelmingly positive.&nbsp;Doornbos said she did not expect the level of public engagement she received, joking that she had, in a sense, become a &ldquo;Pakistani celebrity&rdquo; through her interactions both online and on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;She added that she has been immersing herself in local culture, wearing traditional attire, listening to regional music, and indulging in delightful Pakistani cuisine.

World This Morning

New York Post correspondent Caitlin Doornbos, speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, has said Pakistan’s ability to maintain working relationships with both the US and Iran has positioned it uniquely in the conflict, allowing it to serve as a bridge in one of the most sensitive geopolitical standoffs.

Pakistan serves as bridge in US-Iran standoff: Doornbos

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s growing role as a neutral and credible diplomatic actor is gaining recognition globally, according to US journalist and former Obama administration policy adviser Laurie A. Watkins. Speaking at Pakistan TV programme, &lsquo;World This Morning&rsquo;, Watkins praised the country&rsquo;s recent international engagement and facilitation efforts, saying Pakistan has successfully positioned itself as a trusted intermediary by maintaining neutrality and focusing on constructive diplomacy. She said the country &ldquo;has treated this with the highest strategic level&rdquo;, avoiding taking sides while helping bring opposing parties to the table. This approach, she said, has not only served Pakistan well but has also earned broader international approval. Watkins highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s role in facilitating dialogue between adversaries, describing it as a &ldquo;crucial intermediary&rdquo; that enabled high-level engagement at a time of significant global tension. She emphasised that such efforts are beneficial not just for Pakistan but for regional stability in South Asia and the wider international community. According to her, the current negotiations remain in early stages, with the possibility of further rounds, including what she referred to as a potential &ldquo;Islamabad 2.0&rdquo;. She also pointed to Pakistan&rsquo;s rapidly improving global image, saying the country has undergone a significant transformation in how it is perceived internationally. &ldquo;It has been incredible to watch,&rdquo; she said, adding that discussions in Washington have shifted toward a more respectful and cooperative tone regarding Pakistan. Watkins said the country is increasingly being seen as a reliable partner not only for the United States but also for other global actors. Reflecting on her visits to Islamabad, former policy adviser to President Obama praised the country&rsquo;s hospitality and security environment, describing her experience as welcoming and reassuring. She said international journalists shared similar sentiments, highlighting the warmth and openness they encountered during their stay. While acknowledging ongoing geopolitical challenges, Watkins expressed optimism about the future of negotiations and Pakistan&rsquo;s role in them. &ldquo;Pakistan has elevated itself in the international community,&rdquo; she said, adding that its approach could serve as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their diplomatic standing.

US journalist Laurie A. Watkins says Pakistan’s neutral, constructive diplomacy has boosted its credibility, positioning it as a trusted intermediary, improving its image, supporting dialogue between rivals, and contributing to regional stability and future negotiations.

Pakistan's diplomatic role recognised globally: Laurie Watkins

Islamabad: Political analyst Professor Adil Najam from Boston has described the emerging ceasefire between the United States and Iran as &ldquo;clearly good news&rdquo; for the world, noting that the situation had been escalating in highly dangerous ways. Speaking on Pakistan&rsquo;s TV programme Newsroom, he emphasised Pakistan&rsquo;s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, describing it as a structural positive change for the country&rsquo;s international image. He said the United States and Iran are motivated to negotiate partly due to economic and political pressures, including the impact on the global oil market, but cautioned that the situation remains highly fragile, particularly in its early stages. &ldquo;The next 48 to 72 hours are extremely important,&rdquo; he noted, adding that the success or failure of this initial period will likely determine whether the ceasefire can evolve into a sustainable long-term arrangement. &ldquo;If we can hold firm in those three to four days, then I think the longer term becomes much more reliable,&rdquo; he added, but stressed that deep mistrust remains a major challenge. &ldquo;I am still holding my breath because there&rsquo;s a very real chance of a slip between the cup and the lip,&rdquo; he said. Professor Najam emphasised that the current ceasefire should be viewed as a starting point, not a final solution.&nbsp; &ldquo;The moment we are in is extremely important. This moment should be both celebrated and ensured that it leads to some sort of ceasefire,&rdquo; he said, stressing the need for continued support from the international community. The analyst also pointed to broader regional dynamics, noting that the conflict cannot be viewed in isolation.&nbsp; &ldquo;This is not just about the US and Iran&hellip; it has already turned into a regional and possibly even global issue that cannot be solved unless a whole lot of dots are resolved,&rdquo; he said, referring to ongoing tensions involving Israel and the wider Middle East. He pointed out that the crisis reflects a structural shift in global geopolitics, adding alliances are being re-evaluated, and countries in the Middle East will need to recalibrate strategies and priorities.&nbsp; &ldquo;Even after we resolve this&hellip; we will come to a new place, and everyone will be scrambling to figure out what that new place is,&rdquo; Professor Najam added.

The Newsroom

Political analyst Professor Adil Najam emphasises Pakistan’s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, describing it as a structural positive change for the country’s international image.



US-Iran ceasefire offers ‘relief’ but fragility remains: Analyst

ISLAMABAD: Political analyst Zoon Ahmed Khan has highlighted Pakistan and China&rsquo;s crucial roles in promoting stability and dialogue in the region on Tuesday.&nbsp; Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s The Newsroom with Sana Maqbool from Beijing, China, Zoon Ahmad Khan emphasized that both countries have long-term stakes in regional peace, connectivity and adherence to international law. She said China and Pakistan have consistently supported regional efforts, including trilateral dialogues with Iran focused on peace.&nbsp; &ldquo;We are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and have spearheaded initiatives to reduce misunderstandings and improve dialogue,&rdquo; the political analyst said. On Pakistan&rsquo;s role in the Middle East, Zoon said Pakistan has a security pact with Saudi Arabia, strong ties with neighbors like Iran, and has repeatedly pursued diplomacy and dialogue despite challenges. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"> </div>&ldquo;Pakistan, with a very balanced approach towards its neighbors and towards the Middle East region at large, is an excellent candidate; a country that can bring together the foreign ministers&#39; dialogue,&rdquo; she said, adding that, &ldquo;You have Turkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia coming together, trusting Pakistan, again, because of Pakistan&#39;s track record and the way Pakistan has conducted itself for years&rdquo;. Zoon also&nbsp;praised China&rsquo;s role in global peace initiatives.&nbsp; &ldquo;China promotes peace, connectivity, and dialogue through projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral mediation efforts. Its five principles of peaceful coexistence, central to its foreign policy, echo the spirit of the Bandung Movement and the rise of the Global South,&rdquo; she said. Highlighting Pakistan-China cooperation, Zoon Ahmad Khan said the strategic partnership, mutual trust and regional experience position both countries to facilitate positive developments.&nbsp; &ldquo;Pakistan previously played a key role in easing tensions between China and the US, demonstrating our capacity to act responsibly in times of global crises,&rdquo; she added. Zoon said the stakes are high, and all responsible countries must step up to prevent conflicts that could affect the world at large.

Middle East War ceasefire being discussed on Pakistan TV Satellite show, The Newsroom. (Screengrab: Pakisan TV Satellite)

Foreign Affairs

Zoon Ahmed Khan says Pakistan and China play key roles in promoting regional peace, dialogue, and stability through cooperation and diplomacy.

Pakistan, China positioned to foster regional peace, analyst Zoon says

ISLAMABAD: Prominent Chinese scholar Professor Vitor Gao has underscored the pivotal role that Pakistan is playing in de-escalating ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Professor Victor Gao of Soochow University praised Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts, describing them as &ldquo;constructive and positive&rdquo; in working towards ending what he termed a war of aggression against Iran. He noted that Pakistan remains among a limited number of countries capable of engaging all sides and facilitating dialogue during a highly volatile period. Professor Gao emphasised that from China&rsquo;s perspective, the continuation or escalation of the conflict could trigger far-reaching consequences, including an energy crisis, economic instability, and a potential global financial downturn. He warned that failure to halt hostilities could have repercussions not only for the region but for the entire world. Referring to recent engagements between Pakistan and China, including discussions between their foreign ministers, he said both countries share a common position advocating cessation of hostilities, adherence to the United Nations Charter, and a return to peaceful negotiations. Highlighting Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic standing, the Chinese scholar remarked that successful mediation by Islamabad could elevate its status as a key global peace actor. &ldquo;If Pakistan succeeds in bringing the parties to the negotiating table, it will be recognised [for] playing a critical role in defending international peace,&rdquo; he stated. The scholar also pointed to the importance of careful diplomacy in managing differing interests, adding that global stability depends on rational decision-making by all parties.

Professor Victor Gao highlights Islamabad’s growing diplomatic significance and urges trust-building to avert global crisis and potentially becoming a key international peace actor through successful mediation.

Pakistan’s role in de-escalating Iran conflict crucial: Chinese Scholar

ISLAMABAD: Christoph Hoerstel, Federal Chairman of The German Center, has praised Pakistan&rsquo;s potential role in mediating the US-Iran dialogue, describing it as a &ldquo;wonderful opportunity&rdquo; for the country to demonstrate its diplomatic capabilities. He made these remarks during a Pakistan TV programme, Beyond Borders.&nbsp;Hoerstel recalled that Pakistan, some 30 years ago, was mentioned on the main page of China&rsquo;s Ministry for Foreign Affairs as the only friend China had at that time. &ldquo;Pakistan has very good working relationship with Western countries, we can see very clearly that this was a fantastic idea for Pakistan to enter into this reality.&nbsp; It is a very important one, it is a strategic one. In fact, from my point of view, that was a glorious idea. I think Pakistan has the very best ability to carry this plan out,&rdquo; he said. Hoerstel referred to Oman&rsquo;s previous attempt to mediate between the US and Israel, saying that while Oman was &ldquo;very honestly constructive,&rdquo; it was impossible to bridge the huge gap between the positions of the two sides.&nbsp;&ldquo;Positions of Iran and the US are so far away&mdash;it&rsquo;s not a gap, that&rsquo;s an abyss. Any mediator has of course a lot of structural and procedural adventures to master, and I do think Pakistan, with its history and vicinity to Afghanistan, and experience from the Soviet occupation, is very experienced in difficult points,&rdquo; he added. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2038694826611188201&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=f69895b0fec36c90303c807c08ee1bc7c8b8ddb2&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 649px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2038694826611188201"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;On the quadrilateral framework of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, Hoerstel described it as &ldquo;a strong block, not just symbolic.&rdquo; &ldquo;Saudi Arabia is the leading power of the Muslim world. Turkiye is a NATO member and a bridge with Iran. Egypt is essential for issues like Palestine. These four countries are forwarding their own foreign policy issues, and they will set a clear example of joint policy towards peace under the host country, Pakistan,&rdquo; he said. Hoerstel said he expects a &ldquo;very clear, very clear-cut type of action towards peace&rdquo; under Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership. &ldquo;This is to my understanding right now not symbolic. It&rsquo;s real practical policy and it can achieve goals,&rdquo; Hoerstel added.

Christoph Hoerstel praised Pakistan’s potential role in mediating between the US and Iran, citing its experience and location, and highlighted its key role with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt in promoting practical peace efforts.

Pakistan well-equipped to mediate US-Iran talks: German analyst

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s former ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani has highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s growing significance as a mediator in global conflicts, particularly between the United States of America and Iran. Speaking at Pakistan TV&#39;s programme &#39;Unfold&#39;, Haqqani emphasised that Pakistan has earned trust from both sides, making it a key channel for dialogue. He noted that Pakistan&rsquo;s strong relations with the US, Iran, and Arab Gulf countries give it credibility as a neutral actor. &ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s position has already been established, recognised, and acknowledged,&rdquo; he said, praising the country&rsquo;s enhanced diplomatic role. He also pointed to the strength of Pakistan&rsquo;s military and political leadership, whose coordinated efforts have created an environment where Pakistan is seen as a reliable convener for complex negotiations. This reflects the nation&rsquo;s strategic depth, institutional stability, and capacity to engage multiple stakeholders effectively, he added. Hussain Haqqani underlined Pakistan&rsquo;s balanced approach in mediation.&nbsp; &ldquo;Pakistan facilitates dialogue while respecting each side&rsquo;s positions,&rdquo; he said, adding that &ldquo;outcome will depend on all the actors, but Pakistan&rsquo;s effort is recognised and appreciated. He highlighted the country&rsquo;s growing diplomatic credibility. The former ambassador said by providing a platform for peace talks, Pakistan is establishing itself as a stabilising force in a volatile region.&nbsp; He described these efforts as a &ldquo;positive thing,&rdquo; demonstrating the nation&rsquo;s ability to contribute meaningfully to global peace. He further said through persistent engagement, Pakistan shows it can bridge divides, foster dialogue, and promote peace and stability.&nbsp; Its strategic role in mediation underscores the country&rsquo;s diplomatic maturity, reinforcing its position as a credible and responsible global actor, Haqqani added.

Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani has highlighted Pakistan’s growing significance as a mediator in global conflicts, particularly between the United States of America and Iran

Pakistan emerges as a trusted mediator in global conflicts: Haqqani

ISLAMABAD: Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White has described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s offer to facilitate talks as a &ldquo;very smart&rdquo; and strategic move. Speaking in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme Newsroom with Sana Maqbool, Dana W. White said the offer underscores Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive role in advancing diplomatic engagement and helping de-escalate tensions. White said the initiative demonstrated foresight on Islamabad&rsquo;s part, adding that President Trump&rsquo;s public acknowledgement of the offer reflected &ldquo;a great deal of respect&rdquo; for Pakistan. The former Pentagon spokesperson said the development could positively shape bilateral ties, particularly at a time when Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with NATO, Great Britain, and Europe, making new and willing partners more significant. She further said the move aligned with Trump&rsquo;s stated desire to end bloodshed quickly, arguing that he requires partners ready to help resolve the crisis.&nbsp; According to White, Pakistan is well positioned to assist in these conversations and could play a meaningful role in moving diplomatic efforts forward. Dana W. White said Washington believes there is still a possibility of a deal with Tehran, but warned that President Trump &ldquo;is not going to wait forever&rdquo;, pointing to ongoing backchannel communications despite what she described as public &ldquo;bluster&rdquo; from Iran.&nbsp; She said the United States&rsquo; objective remains unchanged, which was dismantling Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities.&nbsp; The former Pentagon spokesperson said while US military operations have degraded Iran&rsquo;s missiles and drones, attention is now shifting to diplomacy and identifying credible interlocutors.&nbsp; She said Washington and its allies may look beyond ideological leadership toward mid-level military figures and other actors willing to engage. She also emphasized that regional players, including Gulf states and potentially Pakistan, could help shape post-conflict dynamics, while Iran may seek an &ldquo;exit ramp&rdquo; that allows it to save face.&nbsp; White said Trump is pursuing a dual-track approach of pressure and diplomacy, insisting that Tehran must eventually come to the negotiating table or face further consequences.

Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said PM Sharif offer to help talks is smart. It improves Pakistan’s image, gains Trump’s respect, and could help reduce US-Iran tensions through diplomacy and pressure.

PM Sharif’s offer to facilitate talks a ‘very smart’, strategic move: ex-Pentagon official

WASHINGTON: Elon Musk&#39;s SpaceX plans to invest at least $55 billion to build a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Texas, according to a public notice Wednesday, producing chips for artificial intelligence, robotics and data centers in space. The world&#39;s richest person has said the facility, dubbed Terafab, would be run jointly by his electric-vehicle firm Tesla and his rocket company SpaceX. Initial investment would be &quot;$55 billion, with an estimated total capital investment (if additional phases are constructed) of $119 billion&quot;, according to a notice of public hearing in Grimes County, Texas, where the facility will be located, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of Houston. Terafab &quot;would represent a transformative investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity&quot;, according to a description of the project in the notice. Musk, who has no prior experience in semiconductors, has said Terafab is necessary because Tesla and SpaceX&#39;s demand for computing power is expected to far exceed that of global chip suppliers. Eventually, the project aims to make chips to support 100 to 200 gigawatts of computing power on Earth, and a terawatt in space. The Grimes County commissioners court was set to meet on June 3 to discuss approving a property tax abatement for the project, according to the notice.

Business

Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to invest at least $55 billion to build a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Texas

Musk to spend $55B on SpaceX AI chip project in Texas: Notice

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Indian cinema superstar Vijay has made a dramatic political debut, as his two-year-old party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, emerged as the largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party won 108 seats in the 234-member assembly, falling just 10 seats short of the 118 needed for a simple majority, NDTV reported. Congress, which won five seats, has decided to back Vijay, taking his support to 113 seats.&nbsp; Vijay is now expected to form the government with support from smaller parties and former allies of the defeated Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. NDTV reported that TVK leaders are also counting on backing from the CPI, CPM and VCK, each of which has two seats. The result marks a major rupture in Tamil Nadu politics, which has for decades been dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. The DMK won 59 seats, while the AIADMK secured 47, according to NDTV&rsquo;s reported tally.&nbsp; The defeat was particularly striking for Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who lost his Kolathur stronghold to a TVK candidate. For Vijay, known to millions of fans as &ldquo;Thalapathy,&rdquo; the result has transformed star power into real political authority. Economic Times reported that TVK&rsquo;s campaign relied heavily on a digital-first strategy, using teaser-style messaging, viral videos and tightly controlled online outreach to energize younger voters and convert fan networks into a political base.&nbsp; The Times of India reported that TVK&rsquo;s performance was not uniform across the state, noting that the party won only two of 18 seats in the Cauvery delta region. However, even there, it finished second or third in several constituencies, showing that its influence extended beyond traditional urban pockets.&nbsp; Party leaders hailed the win as historic. K.A. Sengottaiyan, chief coordinator of TVK&rsquo;s high-level steering committee, said the party had secured a massive victory in its debut election without distributing cash to voters.&nbsp; The result has immediately made Vijay one of India&rsquo;s most-watched regional leaders.&nbsp;

Talapathy Vijay - (Photo: Vijay's Instagram )

India

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK emerges as Tamil Nadu’s largest party in its first election, disrupting status quo dominance and positioning the superstar to form the next government.

Indian superstar Vijay scores blockbuster win in debut election

JAKARTA: Indonesia&#39;s government is mulling an e-commerce ban for under-16s, the communications minister told AFP Wednesday, hot on the heels of Jakarta imposing a sweeping social media prohibition for teens. &quot;E-commerce (platforms) are next, because we found children who became scam victims through e-commerce,&quot; Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said in an interview in Jakarta, without providing further details. In March, app-addicted Indonesia started enforcing a social media ban for under-16s in a bid to shield some 70 million children from the threats of online pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction. The policy followed Australia&#39;s landmark move in December to stop teenagers from holding accounts on many popular platforms. The Indonesian regulation initially targeted eight &quot;high risk&quot; platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. But it will eventually apply to &quot;all digital platforms&quot;, Meutya said Wednesday, including online shopping sites. The Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 284 million people boasts one of the highest concentrations of social media users in the world. Meutya said the government aimed to help parents take on the &quot;big platforms&quot; to protect their children. &quot;Letting them face off against (the platforms) alone, without rules, is like letting parents play chess against a grandmaster. They won&#39;t win, or it will be very hard to win,&quot; Meutya told AFP. Global reckoning&nbsp;Roblox became the latest platform to comply with the new regulations, introducing age-verification technology and restricting content based on users&#39; ages, the government said last week. More than half of Roblox&#39;s 45 million Indonesian users are children under 16, the government said. Social media giants are facing a global reckoning as governments increasingly worry about their impact on users&#39; well-being. The Turkish parliament last month approved a law to prevent children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. Some European countries, including Norway, Greece, France, Spain, and Denmark, have said they will introduce similar restrictions. Like in Australia, the Indonesian rules place the onus on platforms to regulate teen access. Non-compliance with the ban, which will be phased in over time, will put defaulters at risk of a fine or even suspension of their services in the country.

This illustration photograph taken on October 30, 2023, shows the X (former Twitter) logo on a smartphone in Mulhouse, eastern France. (AFP/File)

The policy follows Australia's landmark move in December to stop teenagers from having accounts on many popular platforms.

Indonesia eyes e-commerce ban for under-16s: Minister to AFP

GENEVA:&nbsp;Three people believed to have been infected with hantavirus have been evacuated from a cruise ship off Cape Verde and are being taken to the Netherlands, the WHO chief said Wednesday. World Health Organization director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that &quot;the overall public health risk remains low&quot; from the alert over the rare disease usually spread from infected rodents, typically through urine, droppings and saliva &quot;Three suspected hantavirus case patients have just been evacuated from the ship and are on their way to receive medical care in the Netherlands,&quot; Tedros said on X. The MV Hondius cruise ship has been at the centre of an international alert since Saturday, when the WHO was informed that three passengers had died and the suspected cause was hantavirus. The Dutch-flagged ship set sail from Ushuaia in Argentina on April 1 on a voyage through the Atlantic Ocean and has been anchored off Cape Verde since Sunday. It counted 88 passengers and 59 crew members, with 23 nationalities onboard, the WHO said. To date, three hantavirus cases have been confirmed, including one of the fatalities, and five others are suspected. Wednesday&#39;s evacuation of two crew members and one other person believed to have contracted the virus took place in coordination with the WHO, the ship&#39;s Dutch operator Oceanwide Expeditions and national authorities from Cape Verde, Britain and the Netherlands, Tedros said. &quot;WHO continues to work with the ship&#39;s operators to closely monitor the health of passengers and crew, working with countries to support appropriate medical follow-up and evacuation where needed,&quot; he said. &quot;Monitoring and follow-up for passengers on board and for those who have already disembarked has been initiated in collaboration with the ship&#39;s operators and national health authorities,&quot; he added. &quot;At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low,&quot; he said.

This aerial picture shows a general view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left two peopl

Europe

Three suspected hantavirus patients were evacuated from a cruise ship near Cape Verde for treatment in the Netherlands, while the World Health Organization says overall risk remains low.

Three suspected hantavirus cases evacuated from cruise ship: WHO

ISLAMABAD: Oil prices dived again Wednesday on fresh hopes for an end to the Iran war, while Samsung blasted past the $1 trillion valuation mark in an equity markets rally stoked by the AI tech boom. Investors welcomed Donald Trump&#39;s decision to pause efforts to help stranded ships through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which drew Iranian attacks, threatening an already fragile ceasefire. The US president, who had been quoted as warning that Iran would be &quot;blown off the face of the Earth&quot; if it attacked US ships, appeared to take a more conciliatory tone Tuesday. &quot;Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,&quot; he wrote in a social media post. He cited &quot;the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran&quot; for the decision, adding that it came at the request of mediator Pakistan. The US blockade of Iranian ports remained, however. The announcement came hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the offensive side of the US campaign, called &quot;Operation Epic Fury&quot;, had concluded. &quot;The operation is over Epic Fury as the president notified Congress. We&#39;re done with that stage of it,&quot; Rubio told reporters at the White House. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth had said the United States was &quot;not looking for a fight&quot;, but warned attacks would face &quot;overwhelming and devastating&quot; force. Oil prices sank around four percent Tuesday, and on Wednesday they continued to fall as much as three percent, with West Texas Intermediate back below $100 a barrel. The cheaper oil prices provided support to equities, with investors taking their cue from another record day for the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq, fuelled again by tech firms. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Wellington, Taipei, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta were all up with London, Paris and Frankfurt. &quot;Investors found some reassurance in comments from President Donald Trump ... despite ongoing disruption to shipping routes,&quot; said Fiona Cincotta, a senior market analyst at City Index. &quot;Investors are also finding some reassurance in the fact that the diplomatic push to resolve the conflict continues.&quot; She added that strong US earnings were also boosting risk appetite as they had largely been in line with forecasts. However, she added: &quot;Sentiment remains vulnerable. Even US entities could face serious headwinds should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed for an extended period.&quot; The standout performer was Seoul&#39;s Kospi index, which piled on more than five percent to pass 7,000 points for the first time. That came on the back of an eye-watering surge by Samsung, which rocketed 14.4 percent to hit a market capitalization above $1 trillion thanks to huge demand for its AI chips. That makes it just the second Asia firm after Taiwan&#39;s TSMC to reach the figure. Rival SK hynix soared more than 10 percent. Samsung&#39;s shares have risen around 300 percent over the past year as the AI boom boosts South Korean growth. The more risk-on atmosphere also weighed on the dollar, which has been a safe haven from turmoil during the Middle East crisis. The yen continued to hold its gains after surging last week on what is thought to have been an intervention by Japanese authorities to support the struggling currency. Key figures at around 0810 GMT&nbsp; West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 3.1 percent at $99.12 a barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 2.6 percent to $107.01 a barrel Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 1.2 percent at 26,213.78 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.2 percent at 4,160.17 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 1.6 percent at 10,382.35 Tokyo - Nikkei 225: Closed for a holiday Dollar/yen: DOWN at 156.00 yen from 157.85 yen on Tuesday Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1734 from $1.1696 Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3596 from $1.3544 Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.31 pence from 86.36 pence New York - Dow: UP 0.7 percent at 49,298.25 (close)

A man walks past a board showing numbers of the TAIEX Index (C) and other markets at the Taiwan Stock Exchange in Taipei on May 4, 2026. (Photo by I-Hwa Cheng / AFP)

Oil prices fell on easing Iran tensions while AI-driven gains pushed Samsung past a $1 trillion valuation and lifted global markets.

Oil tumbles and stocks rally on peace hopes, Samsung tops $1 trillion

Geneva: The United Nations on Wednesday called on Israel to immediately release two activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla, and demanded an investigation into &quot;disturbing accounts&quot; they had been severely mistreated. Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila, who are held in a prison in Ashkelon, were among dozens of activists on a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Greece last Thursday. &quot;Israel must immediately and unconditionally release Global Sumud Flotilla members Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were detained in international waters and brought to Israel where they continue to be held without charge,&quot; UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement. &quot;It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it,&quot; he insisted. The flotilla&#39;s vessels set sail from France, Spain and Italy with the aim of breaking Israel&#39;s blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory. Representatives for Avila and Abu Keshek have accused Israeli authorities of abusing the two men, who have been on hunger strike for the past six days. Kheetan decried the &quot;disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment&quot;, calling for an investigation and insisting &quot;those responsible must be brought to justice&quot;. &quot;We call for an end to Israel&#39;s use of arbitrary detention and of broadly and vaguely defined terrorism legislation, inconsistent with international human rights law,&quot; he said. &quot;Israel must also end its blockade on Gaza, and allow and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian strip, in sufficient amounts,&quot; the spokesman said.

Middle East

The UN urged Israel to release two Gaza flotilla activists held without charge, investigate alleged mistreatment, end arbitrary detention practices and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

UN demands Israel 'immediately' release Gaza flotilla activists

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the United States&rsquo; decision to pause Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is a step toward regional peace and stability. In a post on X, the PM expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for what he described as &ldquo;courageous leadership&rdquo; and a timely announcement of the pause. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051937780352381197&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=a23dda0325938b3ad6c21cea4c55302a2773fddf&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div> </div>He said the decision came in response to requests from Pakistan and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, and acknowledged the role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in supporting de-escalation efforts. &ldquo;Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy,&rdquo; the PM said. He also expressed hope that &ldquo;the current momentum would lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability in the region and beyond.&rdquo;

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on April 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy: PMO)

Expresses gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his 'courageous leadership;' hopes the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Pakistan PM welcomes Project Freedom pause, hopes for regional stability

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Minister Musadik Malik on Wednesday proposed a &ldquo;Green University&rdquo; initiative and wider international research partnerships to empower young innovators to tackle the country&rsquo;s mounting environmental challenges. He announced the plan while addressing the opening session of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference in Islamabad. He said the initiative would focus on applied and commercially viable climate research developed in collaboration with Italian academic institutions. Malik said discussions with Italian officials in recent months had laid the groundwork for joint research programs in which Pakistani and Italian students would work together under the supervision of leading international scholars, including Nobel laureates. Pakistan&rsquo;s large youth population, about two-thirds of the country, represents a major opportunity to drive innovation in climate solutions, Malik said. While students at top universities have strong ideas and technical knowledge, they often lack the resources and pathways to turn those ideas into practical outcomes, he added. Opportunity to work with renowned professors, Nobel laureatesReferring to recent discussions with Italian officials, Malik said Pakistani and Italian students would jointly conduct research projects under the initiative, with internationally renowned professors, including Nobel laureates, supervising the work. &ldquo;It was a rolling conversation in Italy that I had just a few months ago, and now we are putting together a framework,&rdquo; he said. The minister said Pakistan&rsquo;s young population possessed the imagination, scientific understanding and determination needed to develop climate solutions, stressing that the government was committed to providing them with resources, platforms and institutional support.&nbsp; Malik noted that about two-thirds of Pakistan&rsquo;s population was youth and lauded the quality of education provided by several universities across the country. &ldquo;Our young people have ideas, technology, science and passion. Most importantly, there are still stars in their eyes and they still believe the world can be changed,&rdquo; he said. He said students graduating from institutions including GIK, LUMS and other leading universities had strong ideas and innovative thinking, but often lacked opportunities and pathways to implement them. &ldquo;We have to give them that pathway,&rdquo; he added. The minister announced that the government would organize quarterly competitions to support students and young innovators working on climate-related technologies, applied science and sustainability solutions.&nbsp; Funding availableAccording to him, young researchers and entrepreneurs would receive funding to pursue ideas that could help address challenges related to water, environment, clean energy and climate resilience. &ldquo;It is their air. They are breathing; they will find the solution,&rdquo; he remarked while referring to the younger generation&rsquo;s ability to tackle environmental challenges. Encouraging experimentation and innovation, the minister said young people should be allowed to take risks without fear of failure.&nbsp; The minister said the government was also working on a &ldquo;Greenfield Pakistan Pitch&rdquo; initiative to connect innovative climate ideas with investment opportunities and commercial support. He said Pakistan&rsquo;s climate-related challenges could become the foundation for globally relevant solutions.&nbsp; &ldquo;The child who solves Pakistan&rsquo;s water problem can solve Africa&rsquo;s water problem too,&rdquo; he remarked, adding that billion-dollar ideas could emerge from Pakistani youth. Highlighting the unequal global impact of climate change, Malik said Pakistan contributed less than 1% to global carbon dioxide emissions despite being among the countries most severely affected by floods, environmental degradation and worsening air quality.&nbsp; Speaking about the impact of air pollution on life expectancy, he cited studies suggesting that polluted air could reduce average life expectancy by several years. &#39;Those suffering are not causing it&#39;The minister said around 10 countries were responsible for nearly 78% of global emissions, while communities in areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan continued to suffer the consequences despite contributing almost nothing to the problem. &ldquo;Those suffering are not causing it, and those causing it are not suffering,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; Questioning the global response to climate change, Malik asked whether the issue was one of &ldquo;rights, justice or political will.&rdquo; The minister said climate change was not only a question of environmental policy but also one of imagination, responsibility and commitment toward future generations.

Environmental protection (File Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Climate

Climate minister Musadik Malik announces global research partnerships to empower Pakistani youth to develop practical climate solutions and drive innovation.

Govt to empower youth-led climate innovation through Green University initiative: Minister 

BEIJING: China&#39;s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing would play a &quot;greater role&quot; in ending hostilities in the Middle East during talks with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday, a week before US President Donald Trump is due to meet Xi Jinping. China is a key customer for Iranian oil, defying sanctions imposed by the United States, and is directly affected by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz bordered by Iran. Beijing has quietly engaged in efforts to resolve the weekslong crisis, and its diplomacy is credited with playing an important role in the fragile ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran. China &quot;will work harder to ease tensions and end the fighting, continue to support the launch of peace talks, and play a greater role in restoring peace and tranquility to the Middle East&quot;, Wang told Iran&#39;s Abbas Araghchi in Beijing. &quot;China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential,&quot; Wang said, according to a statement from his ministry after the talks. Manufacturing giant China has been comparatively sheltered from fuel shortages thanks to oil reserves and renewable energy, but costs of oil-derived materials like plastic and fabric have risen significantly. More than half of the crude imported by sea to China comes from the Middle East and mainly transits through the Hormuz strait, according to maritime analytics firm Kpler. Analysts have warned that the war&#39;s impact on China will be felt for months. During Wednesday&#39;s talks, Wang said China hopes &quot;the parties concerned will respond as quickly as possible to the urgent call of the international community&quot; for a resumption of normal and safe maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump trip loomsThe Wang-Araghchi talks came as Trump said the US would pause escorting commercial ships through the Hormuz Strait -- which drew Iranian attacks -- barely a day after it began doing so. Trump cited a desire to reach a peace deal with Iran. Washington demands tight controls on Tehran&#39;s nuclear programme, which Iran has refused to agree to and has led to talks crumbling. &quot;On the nuclear issue, China welcomes Iran&#39;s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while considering that Iran has the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy,&quot; Wang said. The US leader is expected to meet Chinese President Xi in Beijing on a visit the White House said will take place May 14-15. Beijing has not confirmed those dates. A foreign ministry spokesman again refused to share details when asked about Trump&#39;s visit at a regular news conference on Wednesday. Trump would join rulers from the Gulf, Europe and Southeast Asia that have recently landed face time with Xi, who has sought to position China as a stable partner in the face of the US- and Israeli-led conflict. Trump&#39;s visit would also come more than a year after his sweeping global tariffs wreaked havoc on the supply chain, causing chaos in China&#39;s manufacturing sector.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on May 06, 2026. (Photo: IRNA)

China is a key customer for Iranian oil, defying sanctions imposed by the United States, and is directly affected by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz bordered by Iran.

China says will play 'greater role' in ending Mideast fighting

ISLAMABAD: A mob attacked and vandalized the Jama Masjid in Jorpokhri, Darjeeling, on Wednesday, shortly after the West Bengal Assembly elections in India, as reported by the Observer Post. The elections resulted in a victory for the Hindu right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party. The attack came as West Bengal entered a volatile political transition following the BJP&rsquo;s first major capture of power in the state, where the party won more than two-thirds of the 294-seat assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress&rsquo;s three-term-long dominance. The desecration in Jorpokhri has intensified fears among Muslim residents and rights advocates that the BJP&rsquo;s electoral surge in Bengal could embolden Hindutva-aligned groups targeting minority religious spaces. The Darjeeling mosque attack followed reports of political clashes in several districts after the vote count, adding to concerns that post-election violence has taken on both partisan and communal dimensions. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051861735016104061&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9dbb24720119e48bf7b82a61d1aabc6274e88271&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 849px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> The desecration of mosques and Muslim religious spaces has become synonymous with India&rsquo;s Hindutva-centered political landscape under BJP rule. Amnesty International has documented the demolition of Muslim homes, businesses and places of worship through what rights groups call &ldquo;bulldozer justice,&rdquo; describing such actions as unlawful, punitive and discriminatory. Human Rights Watch has also reported that authorities have failed to act adequately against BJP supporters accused of attacks. Rights groups say victims of violence have themselves faced state action, including demolitions of Muslim-owned properties. This pattern reflects the deeper normalization of Hindutva politics in India, where Hindu majoritarian ideology increasingly shapes public life, state action and electoral mobilization. From the controversial Ayodhya temple built on the site of the martyred Babri Mosque to more recent disputes over mosques and Muslim neighborhoods, India&rsquo;s secular framework exists only in name.

Desecration heightens fears that Hindutva politics has normalized attacks on Muslim religious spaces across India.

Articles by Pakistan TV Satellite