Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India gives frosty reception to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on rare visit

The Pakistan’s foreign minister was in the Indian coastal resort state of Goa, for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of foreign ministers

India gives frosty reception to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on rare visit

India gave a frosty reception Friday (5) to Pakistan's foreign minister during the first official visit by a senior official from its arch-rival neighbour since 2016.

Relations between the countries have remained tense in recent years with both sides trading barbs over the disputed territory of Kashmir, with Friday no exception.

Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in the Indian coastal resort state of Goa, for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of foreign ministers.

His address to the gathering urged members to refrain from "weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring", drawing a rebuke from his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.

"Pakistan's credibility is depleting faster than its foreign reserves," Jaishankar told reporters after the conference ended, in a jab at the country's ongoing economic crisis.

Bhutto's address "reveals the mindset of that country", he added. "His position was found out and called out."

India regularly accuses Pakistan of supporting insurgents in Indian-administered Kashmir -- allegations Islamabad denies.

Pakistan suspended trade and diplomatic ties with India in 2019 when New Delhi imposed direct rule on the part of Muslim-majority Kashmir it controls and enforced a heavy security lockdown.

Both countries withdrew their top diplomats and several consular staff were expelled or withdrawn in tit-for-tat measures.

The most recent visit to India by a high-ranking Pakistan diplomat was in 2016 by Sartaj Aziz, then the senior foreign affairs adviser to the prime minister.

India currently holds the rotating presidency of the SCO, a forum established in 2001 that also includes China and Russia, rivalling Western institutions.

Jaishankar did not hold a one-on-one meeting with Bhutto but on Thursday (4) met with his Chinese and Russian counterparts, Qin Gang and Sergei Lavrov.

(AFP)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less