Saudi authorities have denied reports claiming that funds from Pakistani Hajj pilgrims were mistakenly sent to the wrong account. The clarification comes amid growing concerns in Pakistan over Hajj arrangements, especially regarding the underutilization of the full quota by private tour operators. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan have surged following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Without presenting evidence, India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the assault.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level security meeting and granted the army “complete operational freedom” to determine the mode, targets, and timing of a response. Video footage released by the Indian government shows Modi in discussion with the defence minister and military officials. Cross-border gunfire has continued for five consecutive nights along the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistan shooting down two Indian drones accused of airspace violations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke separately with PM Shehbaz and India’s foreign minister, urging restraint. Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism but dismissed India’s claims as baseless, calling for a neutral investigation. He also criticized India’s alleged weaponization of water resources and reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to defend its sovereignty.
Addressing the media, Pakistan’s military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry presented what he called “irrefutable evidence” of Indian-sponsored terrorism within Pakistan. He accused Indian military officials of orchestrating cross-border plots, supplying IEDs, explosives, and financial support to militants.
Chaudhry emphasized that despite India’s serious accusations, no concrete proof has been presented even a week after the Pahalgam incident. He warned that India’s narrative is part of a larger agenda to destabilize Pakistan and undermine the Kashmiri freedom movement.
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