Sajjad Hussain

Stories by Sajjad Hussain

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Rediff.com   2 days ago

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran does not include provisions regarding Tehran's ballistic missile programme. This statement followed talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sharif emphasising Iran's right to its defence capabilities and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran peace process.

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Rediff.com   2 days ago

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is on a state visit to Pakistan to discuss the full implementation of an agreement signed between Iran and the US, alongside regional and international developments. The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, following recent high-level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland regarding regional security.

US, Iran move closer to historic agreement after Swiss summit talks

US, Iran move closer to historic agreement after Swiss summit talks

Rediff.com   3 days ago

The US and Iran have agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days after hours-long talks at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock, mediators Qatar and Pakistan said on Monday, describing the progress as "encouraging."

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Rediff.com   7 days ago

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the historic peace deal between the United States and Iran as a guarantor; the agreement will see the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade.

Pakistan to host 'historic signing' of US-Iran peace agreement

Pakistan to host 'historic signing' of US-Iran peace agreement

Rediff.com   15 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would host the signing ceremony of a peace agreement between the US and Iran in Switzerland on June 19, calling it a "historic milestone" that ends a 107-day conflict and promises global economic stability.

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Rediff.com   14 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced that a deal to end the war with Iran would be signed on Sunday, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz immediately becoming 'open to all'. This follows indications from Pakistan that negotiations were in their final stages, though Iran has yet to comment on the timeline.

Pakistan PM: US-Iran peace deal 'on verge of finalisation' within 24 hours

Pakistan PM: US-Iran peace deal 'on verge of finalisation' within 24 hours

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a US-Iran peace deal is on the verge of finalisation, potentially within the next 24 hours, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough after months of intense negotiations.

'Peace has never been this close': Pak PM Shehbaz on US-Iran deal

'Peace has never been this close': Pak PM Shehbaz on US-Iran deal

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the US and Iran have agreed on the text of a peace deal, kindling hope of a diplomatic breakthrough in the region.

Pakistan boosts defence spending by 17.6% in new Budget

Pakistan boosts defence spending by 17.6% in new Budget

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2026

Pakistan has increased its defence budget by 17.6 per cent to PKRs 3,000 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, as announced by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The federal budget, estimated at PKRs 18,771 billion, targets 4 per cent GDP growth, with significant allocations for debt service and pensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted economic stability and ongoing discussions with the IMF, while the opposition protested Imran Khan's incarceration during the budget session.

'India's long-range missile programme aimed beyond South Asia'

'India's long-range missile programme aimed beyond South Asia'

Rediff.com   12 Jun 2026

A senior Pakistani defence official, Lt Gen (retd) Mazhar Jamil, claimed that India's long-range missile development indicates ambitions to become a global nuclear power capable of threatening Western capitals, urging international attention to India's military modernisation. He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to deterrence stability in South Asia.

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Rediff.com   11 Jun 2026

Pakistan has criticised India's recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protests, asserting it is addressing issues democratically. Pakistan also warned India against blocking water, calling it an "act of war," and commented on India's nuclear capabilities and its own military strikes in Afghanistan.

Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crash: All Personnel Dead

Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crash: All Personnel Dead

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2026

An Mi-17 helicopter of the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing all personnel on board. The military attributed the accident to a technical fault during take-off, and a board of inquiry has been ordered. Top Pakistani leaders expressed condolences.

Pakistan Army helicopter crashes in PoK, all onboard killed

Pakistan Army helicopter crashes in PoK, all onboard killed

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2026

A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir due to a technical fault, killing all personnel on board. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident, which follows other recent helicopter crashes in the region.

Protests in PoK intensify amid crackdown

Protests in PoK intensify amid crackdown

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2026

Shops and markets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remained closed following a protest call by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), amidst reports of over 20 deaths in recent police action. The JAAC, now outlawed, is demanding subsidised flour and electricity, and the abolition of "refugee seats." Authorities have offered a reward for the arrest of JAAC leaders, while the PoK "Prime Minister" has called for negotiations.

Pakistan And Lebanon Discuss Regional Security And Defence Cooperation

Pakistan And Lebanon Discuss Regional Security And Defence Cooperation

Rediff.com   9 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met with Lebanese army chief General Rodolphe Haykal to discuss regional security, defence cooperation, and strengthening bilateral military relations.

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Rediff.com   7 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the third time recently to mediate peace amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. Pakistan is actively leading diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, which has impacted global energy markets and trade.

Pak PM praises Trump, says 'forever grateful' for brokering ceasefire with India

Pak PM praises Trump, says 'forever grateful' for brokering ceasefire with India

Rediff.com   5 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed 'forever grateful' to US President Donald Trump for his 'timely' intervention in securing a ceasefire with India following a military conflict last year, a claim India has consistently rejected.

Pakistan Security Forces Kill 17 Militants In Balochistan

Pakistan Security Forces Kill 17 Militants In Balochistan

Rediff.com   2 Jun 2026

Pakistani security forces have killed at least 17 militants in Balochistan province following a deadly train attack last week, the army said.

Iran urges Pak to continue efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia

Iran urges Pak to continue efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia

Rediff.com   1 Jun 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged Pakistan to use its diplomatic influence to help de-escalate the current regional situation and support efforts to maintain the ceasefire.

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Rediff.com   29 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar amid American demand that countries mediating the peace talks with Iran join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.