Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
WORLD LEADERS voiced their condemnation Tuesday(3) over the multiple shootings in Vienna that killed four people.
British prime minister Boris Johnson said that he was 'deeply shocked' by the incident. He added that the country stands united with Austria 'against terror'.
"I am deeply shocked by the terrible attacks in Vienna tonight. The UK’s thoughts are with the people of Austria - we stand united with you against terror," he tweeted.
— (@)
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said that he was "deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna".
"Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna. India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families," Modi wrote on Twitter.
— (@)
US president Donald Trump said that these 'evil attacks' against innocent people must stop.
"Our prayers are with the people of Vienna after yet another vile act of terrorism in Europe. These evil attacks against innocent people must stop. The US stands with Austria, France, and all of Europe in the fight against terrorists, including radical Islamic terrorists," he tweeted.
— (@)
The European council chief Charles Michel said that Europe strongly condemns this cowardly act that violates life and our human values.
"My thoughts are with the victims and the people of #Vienna in the wake of tonight's horrific attack. We stand with Austria."
The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell called it "a cowardly act of violence and hate".
German chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman, said: "The fight against these assassins and those who instigate them is our common struggle."
German police said they had stepped up checks on the border with Austria.
"After France, it is a friendly nation that has been attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they're dealing with. We will concede nothing," French president Emmanuel Macron tweeted in both French and German.
Russian president Vladimir Putin "strongly condemned the cruel and cynical crime which once again confirmed the inhumane nature of terrorism", the Kremlin said.
"Pakistan strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack in Central #Vienna on Monday night," said a foreign ministry spokesman.
"We extend our deepest condolences & sympathies to families of victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured."
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said: "Terrorism is reprehensible in all its forms, and the regrettable act perpetrated in Vienna demonstrates once again that terrorism and extremism know no borders."
A foreign ministry statement from Turkey said: "As a country that has been fighting against all sorts of terrorism for decades Turkey stands in solidarity with the Austrian people."
Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte said there was "no room for hatred and violence in our common European home", while Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio tweeted that "Europe must react".
Pakistan Army's ceremonial guards perform during the funeral ceremony of a paramilitary personnel of the Frontier Corps (FC) who was killed during the Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes, in Kohat on October 17, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
A CEASEFIRE along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border was holding on Thursday, officials from both countries said, following cross-border clashes that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead.
In Spin Boldak, a key area on the Afghan side, an AFP journalist reported that shops had reopened and residents had returned to their homes after fleeing the fighting.
The 48-hour ceasefire, set to expire on Friday evening, was meant to allow time to "find a positive solution... through constructive dialogue," according to Islamabad.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday evening that any extension of the truce would depend on Kabul’s response.
"If in 48 hours they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them," Sharif told his cabinet, reiterating that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and Afghan territory should not be used for attacks.
Pakistan has been facing renewed attacks against its security forces along the western border with Afghanistan, led by the Pakistani Taliban and affiliated groups.
Spin Boldak’s health director said 40 civilians were killed and 170 wounded on Wednesday. The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported at least 37 dead and 425 wounded across several affected provinces.
"Our houses were bombed, a child was wounded. I heard the plane myself," said Abdul Zahir, a 46-year-old resident. "It's terrifying."
An AFP journalist reported that hundreds of residents and Taliban officials attended the funeral of seven members of the same family in Spin Boldak.
Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants who launch attacks from Afghan soil, a claim the Taliban government denies.
Pakistani officials posted on both the northern and southern borders told AFP on Thursday that "no violence was reported overnight, and the ceasefire remains in effect."
A senior security official in Peshawar said, "Additional paramilitary troops have been deployed to counter potential... militant activity that could jeopardise the ceasefire."
Blasts were reported in Kabul before the truce was announced, as well as in Kandahar, where the Taliban’s top leader resides.
UN rights chief Volker Turk welcomed the truce and urged both sides to protect civilians and "commit to a lasting ceasefire."
‘Precision strikes’
The first explosions last week, which the Taliban blamed on Islamabad, occurred while Afghanistan’s top diplomat was on a visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival.
The Taliban authorities then launched a border offensive, prompting Islamabad to vow a strong response.
Exchanges of fire from Saturday killed dozens, and renewed clashes on Wednesday also led to civilian casualties, according to Kabul.
The Taliban government said Wednesday’s explosions in Kabul were caused by an oil tanker and a generator blast.
However, Pakistani security sources said the military carried out "precision strikes" in Kabul targeting an armed group, and also hit Afghan Taliban bases in Kandahar.
Power cuts were reported in parts of Kabul overnight and into Thursday morning after explosions damaged electricity cables, AFP journalists said.
Municipal workers were seen repairing damage in a Kabul neighbourhood where roads were blackened and apartment windows shattered.
At least five people were killed and 35 wounded in Wednesday’s explosions in Kabul, according to EMERGENCY, an Italian NGO that runs a hospital in the city.
"We started receiving ambulances filled with wounded people," said Dejan Panic, EMERGENCY’s country director.
The NGO said ten people were in critical condition with injuries including shrapnel wounds, blunt trauma, and burns.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.