Islamabad: World leaders and international organizations have broadly welcomed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, crediting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for helping secure a pause in hostilities at a critical moment for the Middle East. Diplomatic circles congratulated Pakistan for playing a quiet but significant role in facilitating backchannel engagements between Washington and Tehran, contributing to de-escalation efforts amid rising regional tensions. In a statement posted on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald J. Trump described the development as “a big day for world peace,” expressing optimism about stability in the region and highlighting prospects for reconstruction and economic activity. He also appreciated efforts to ensure smooth maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling continued U.S. involvement in maintaining regional security. China was among the first countries to respond, with its Foreign Ministry stating that Beijing “supports all efforts aimed at reducing…

April 7 - Iran on Tuesday attacked Saudi Arabia's Jubail petrochemical complex, the heart of the kingdom's downstream sector, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement, though it was not immediately clear what exactly was hit. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Iran said the attack was in retaliation of those against petrochemical plants connected to its massive South Pars gas field. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

DND News Report The arrest of an Afghan national in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has reignited concerns over alleged links between the Afghan Taliban and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with officials warning that cross-border support for militant activities persists despite repeated assurances from Kabul. According to security officials, the suspect, identified as Habibullah, was apprehended during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Kuchlak. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to involvement in terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, resulting in casualties. Authorities further claimed that he admitted affiliations with both the Afghan Taliban and the TTP. At a joint press conference on April 5, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Zia Langau, accompanied by Home Secretary Hamza Shafqaat and DIG Counter Terrorism Department Aitzaz Goraya, presented what they described as evidence of Afghan soil being used to facilitate terrorism in Pakistan. Officials disclosed that the suspect’s…

DND News Report: Fresh information of direct financial and logistical support by the Afghan Taliban to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, have surfaced, raising serious concerns about regional security and stability. According to reports, the Afghan Taliban regime has been actively collecting chanda (charity) across northern Afghanistan, where TTP is reportedly operating spring training camps. These developments are said to be strengthening the group’s operational capacity and posing an increased threat to Pakistan and the broader region. Afghan media outlet Amaaj News claims that the Taliban administration has intensified a systematic fundraising campaign aimed at supporting the TTP. The campaign, initially limited in scope, has reportedly expanded nationwide, with collection efforts reaching “every door” in parts of Afghanistan. Local residents are allegedly being subjected to significant pressure to contribute financially, with authorities assigning individuals the task…

DND News Report: Unverified claims attributed to Iranian Academic Professor Mohammad Marandi have sparked debate among analysts, alleging a massive covert transfer of advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) from North Korea to Iran. According to the claims, as many as 500 Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBMs, considered North Korea’s most advanced long-range missile system were delivered to Iran over a 14-month period through a complex overland network spanning part of Asia. The reports suggest the operation evaded detection by Western intelligence agencies by breaking shipments into smaller consignments and avoiding traditional maritime surveillance routes. If true, such a development would mark a significant shift in the strategic balance of the Middle East. The Hwasong-18, a road-mobile, solid-fuel missile, is believed to offer enhanced survivability and rapid launch capability compared to older liquid-fuel systems. Analysts note that these features could complicate missile defense planning and reduce…