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The political situation remained centered on the status of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. His lawyer reported a serious deterioration in his eye condition, with Khan having lost most of the vision in his right eye, leading to criticism from his PTI party regarding his medical treatment in prison. The PTI ended a parliamentary sit-in but continued to demand access for his personal doctors. In a related development, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province announced the formation of an 'Imran Khan Release Force' to advocate for his freedom, while a PTI-called strike saw mixed public response. Separately, Pakistan received an invitation to participate in upcoming talks between the United States and Iran in Turkiye.
Pakistan's foreign relations were marked by significant regional tensions and complex diplomacy. A major escalation occurred with Afghanistan, as Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghan territory. India condemned the strikes, while China called for a ceasefire and Afghanistan sought dialogue. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of being an Indian 'colony'. Relations with the United States were strained, with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accusing the U.S. of having 'used Pakistan then threw away like toilet paper.' Pakistan also objected to a U.S. map showing Kashmir as part of India and scaled back its lobbying spending in Washington. Concurrently, Pakistan accused India of involvement in attacks in Balochistan, which India rejected as 'baseless.' Diplomatically, Pakistan hosted events marking Iran's revolution, with President Asif Ali Zardari attending, and observed 'Kashmir Solidarity Day.' The country also hosted a visit from Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, signing a 'historic document,' and reversed a decision to boycott a cricket match against India following ICC intervention.
3 topics | 36 sources
Imran Khan, Pakistan's jailed former prime minister, is receiving medical attention for an eye condition. His lawyer says he has lost most of the vision in his right eye, and his party has criticized the conditions of his medical exam in prison. Khan's political party, the PTI, ended a protest sit-in at Parliament but continues to demand his personal doctors be allowed to see him. Separately, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province announced the formation of an 'Imran Khan Release Force' to work for his freedom. A strike call by the PTI saw mixed results, with some cities largely ignoring it.
Pakistan has been invited to participate in upcoming talks between the United States and Iran, which are expected to be held in Turkey. The country's Foreign Ministry confirmed the invitation, and reports indicate Pakistan is likely to attend. Separately, Pakistan has also been invited to a first 'Board of Peace' meeting, which will test its diplomatic balancing act. In other diplomatic news, the Sri Lankan president thanked Pakistan's Interior Minister Naqvi for support during difficult times.
15 topics | 184 sources
Feb 28
Pakistan bombs Afghanistan as international powers call for talksPakistan carried out airstrikes on cities in Afghanistan, including Kabul and Kandahar. The Afghan Taliban government said it is open to talks to resolve the issues. Several countries, including the United States, Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey, have responded. The U.S. said it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself. Iran offered to mediate, while Russia and China called for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations. India condemned Pakistan's airstrikes.