The current uproar over crypto currency in Pakistan seems no less than a story of economic terror. On one hand, the entire country is struggling with historic inflation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves and uncontrolled economy, while on the other hand, common Pakistani citizens are looking for some support to save their savings from sinking. Crypto currency has filled this void. But this has become the biggest headache for the government and the State Bank. After all, how did this chaos become so big and what is going on inside the neighboring country…

Why did the common Pakistani run towards crypto?

It starts with the deteriorating economy of Pakistan. The Pakistani rupee has continuously weakened in the last few years. The inflation rate has crossed 30 percent several times. When this is the condition of a country’s currency, it is natural for people to lose confidence in it. People want their savings to be kept in a safe place, but keeping money in Pakistani banks means its value continuously falling according to inflation.

According to Pakistani media Dawn, investing in real estate or gold in Pakistan is not for everyone. In such a situation, crypto, especially stable coins like Bitcoin and USDT (Tether), have emerged as an alternative safe haven. Pakistan has consistently been included in the top-10 countries in Chainalysis’ ‘Global Crypto Adoption Index’ report. This shows how fast common Pakistanis are adopting crypto.

Why did crypto currency become an thorn in the eye of the government?

The stance of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is very strict. SBP has repeatedly said that no crypto currency has been given legal recognition in Pakistan. But just saying it doesn’t help. In fact, crypto has become a major source of ‘black money’ for the government of Pakistan. Pakistan is currently in talks with the IMF for another bailout package. IMF has already made it clear that Pakistan will have to bring transparency in its financial transactions and curb money laundering and terrorism financing.

According to the report of Arab News, the entire structure of crypto is decentralization, meaning neither the government has control over it nor its transactions can be easily tracked. This makes it difficult for the government to collect taxes and a large part of the foreign exchange starts going out through unregulated channels. According to Pakistani media, every year crypto currency worth billions of dollars is bought and sold in Pakistan through P2P (Peer-to-Peer) platforms, over which the government has no control.

How did the crypto uproar spark?

According to Dr. Rajan Kumar, foreign affairs expert and JNU professor, there are 3 recent and concrete incidents behind the uproar over crypto in Pakistan at the beginning of this year:

• Repressive actions and arrests: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) started massive raids a few months ago. People running crypto exchanges were arrested in many cities. He was accused of sending dollars out of the country illegally. This was no small action, it shook the entire crypto community.
• Digital Frauds and Scams: The biggest problem with crypto in Pakistan is lack of awareness. In 2025, many such online platforms were caught in big cities like Karachi and Lahore which made away with crores of rupees by luring people of huge profits in crypto. These scams cost the common people crores of rupees and led to protests on the streets. This gave the government an opportunity to take a more strict stance against crypto.
• Power crisis and crypto mining: Pakistan is already facing severe shortage of electricity. Meanwhile, the government claimed that illegal crypto mining farms are running on a large scale in many parts of the country including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. They are being run by stealing electricity. After this, the administration seized a large number of mining machines and disconnected the connections. This gave rise to a new type of economic crime.

So is the crypto game over in Pakistan?

it’s not like that at all. No matter how much uproar there is, the ground reality is that there has been no break in the pace of crypto in Pakistan. The reason for this is the crisis of trust. People neither trust government policies nor the traditional banking system. Even after the action of FIA, people are doing crypto transactions underground through P2P networks and WhatsApp-Telegram groups.

Experts say that the Pakistani government itself is in a dilemma. She knows that it is impossible to ban it completely. Therefore, there are reports that the Pakistan government is now trying to bring a regulatory framework on the lines of Singapore and Dubai. With this, crypto will be brought under legal ambit and tax will be collected on it.

The current tussle that is going on tells the story of a country where crypto currency has become a battlefield between the weakness of the state and the helplessness of the people. This uproar is not showing any signs of stopping.

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POJK), which it calls ‘Azad Kashmir’, but the reality has turned out to be something else. The anger of the common people here is now on the seventh sky. When people, troubled by inflation, unemployment and electricity bills, took to the streets, the Pakistani Army and Rangers opened fire on them indiscriminately. In areas like Rawalkot, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, there are only screams and mourning everywhere. Internet was down, phone lines were closed and hospitals were filled with injured. Now this matter has reached the United Nations (UN). India has taken a strong stand and demanded intervention from the UN and Farooq Abdullah has also broken his silence and raised his voice against the atrocities…

How did the whole controversy start?

This dispute in POJK starts from 5 June 2026. The POJK administration banned a civil group called the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). JAAC had been continuously raising its voice against inflation, power cuts and rising prices of flour for the last two years. He had a total of 38 demands. The administration had accepted 37 of them, but drew a line on one demand and that was the demand to abolish 12 refugee seats.

These seats are reserved for the refugees who went to Pakistan from India in 1947. JAAC says that Pakistan uses these seats to seat its puppets in the assembly. As soon as JAAC was banned, people got angry. On June 6, a businessman died in a police clash and then the volcano erupted.

The story of the black night of Rawalakot

This was the night which added a dark story to the history of POJK. On June 8, JAAC supporters held a big demonstration in Rawalakot. Pakistani Rangers were already deployed there. Within no time the security forces started firing indiscriminately at the protesters.

It is alleged that bullets were fired not just in the air but directly on the chests of people. Many people were sleeping in their homes and bullets were fired at them too. Hospitals were captured, so that the details of the injured were not known. Mobile internet and phone lines were shut down simultaneously. POJK plunged into darkness and silence.

Kashmir, which was once known as our coronary artery, today is witnessing scenes of state coercion on the same land in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Thousands of people came out on the streets and staged a strong protest after the funeral prayers of Brahmin Kashmiri who was martyred by the Rawalkot ranger’s bullet.#क्षमीर_की_अवाज_बंद_नही_क्रो… pic.twitter.com/R0QQuXwYTp

— PTI Central Punjab (@PTIOfficialCP) June 11, 2026

How many people were killed in this attack?

Talking about the exact number of dead people in the firing, the answer is difficult because when the media is closed, it is very difficult to verify the truth. But the figures from media reports are shocking:

• Official statement of Pakistan administration: In this attack, 11 people including 7 civilians and 4 policemen were killed, while more than 70 people were said to be injured.
• JAAC and local sources claim: The number of dead is more than 27 and more than 200 are injured. JAAC also said that Rangers entered houses and shot people.
• Intelligence Dossier: According to a secret intelligence report, 26 people have been killed, including 19 children and 7 pregnant women. This report was prepared within Pakistan, but when it came out it created a stir.
• International media reports: Reuters has confirmed 11 deaths, while AFP has reported 7 dead. But Indian websites like The Week and The Hitwada have estimated the death toll to be around 30.

It is clear that this is the biggest violence that has happened in POJK in the last several years. Unless communication is restored, the real picture will not emerge.

What did the Government of India and Pakistan say on POJK violence?

Veteran Kashmir leader and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah broke his silence on this matter and said, ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir is going through a very difficult phase. Atrocities are taking place there. Many people have been martyred till now. I would appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to go there and see what troubles are beingfall those people. The only solution is the path of dialogue.

Farooq Abdullah further said that the pain of the people of POJK is absolutely real and ignoring it will prove suicidal for Pakistan. His statement has come at a time when Pakistani media is trying to portray the situation there as ‘normal’.

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: On protests in PoK, National Conference President, Farooq Abdullah says, “This state is in a difficult situation. The part that is with Pakistan is where oppression is happening today. Many people have been martyred there. Full details of the news are not… pic.twitter.com/gEAea7Gla3

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2026

A major reversal has been seen in the statements of POJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore:

• On June 6-7, Rathore described JAAC as a ‘non-political and anti-national’ group and ordered action against its leaders. He said, ‘There will be no talks now.’
• Then on June 9, as international pressure mounted and the death toll increased, Rathore reversed course. He said, ‘We are ready for talks with JAAC. The issue of 12 seats is not fatal. Come, let’s sit and talk.

There is an important thing here. The real power lies not with the POJK government but with the Pakistani Army. Pakistan’s Union Minister Atta Tarar made it clear that ‘the intentions of the protesters are bad and they cannot be compromised’, that is, the POJK PM’s offer of talks fell on deaf ears.

What did India demand from UN?

India has raised this entire issue at the international level. Kashmiri activist Javed Baig submitted a memorandum to the United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP). It said, ‘Pakistan is carrying out state terrorism in Rawalakot.’ The memorandum demands that the UN immediately conduct an independent investigation.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal fiercely targeted Pakistan in the press briefing. He said, ‘We are seeing serious reports of police brutality in POJK. Many protesters have been killed. Pakistan is taking help of fake videos and false propaganda. This is a desperate attempt to hide his failures. The international community should hold Pakistan accountable for its human rights violations.

India’s clear message is that Pakistan is killing its own people and then calling it an ‘Indian conspiracy’. India wants the world to look at the real face of POJK.

What is the world saying about Pakistan’s actions?

• Britain: Large demonstrations took place outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford city. About 30 British MPs have demanded their government to put pressure on Pakistan.
• Human Rights Commission of Pakistan: HRCP issued a statement saying that it is shocked by the violence of POJK and imposing terrorist law on JAAC is barbaric.
• Amnesty International: Strongly criticized the ‘large scale repression’ of Pakistani Army.
• America: Kashmiri activists living there attacked US President Trump and said that the friendship between Trump and Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir has become a problem for Kashmiris.

Pakistan Army’s ‘Crush and Eliminate’ order

The most scary news is that Pakistani Army has given orders to ‘crush and eliminate’ JAAC leaders. More than 14,000 security personnel have been deployed in POJK. A reward of 1 crore Pakistani rupees (about 30 lakh Indian rupees) has been placed on the heads of four main leaders of JAAC. Media blackout continues i.e. no TV channel, no internet and no mobile network.

Why is this matter so important?

First of all, POJK elections are going to be held on 27th July 2026. The question of 12 refugee seats can directly change the electoral equation. This is the reason why Pakistani Army does not want to make any compromise.

Secondly, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through this POJK. If the rebellion spreads here, China’s billion-dollar project will be in danger. This is the reason why China is silent till now, but its eyes are in this direction.

The situation still remains critical. JAAC has again announced a march on June 11. Pakistani Army has put up barricades on the march routes. Only time will tell how bloody this conflict will be, but it is certain that the silence in POJK is the silence before the storm.

In the first week of June 2026, there was such an uproar in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) that the eyes of the whole world were fixed there. On the roads where people used to queue up for ‘Chinese noodles’, now lakhs of people were shouting – bus, bus and bus. Pakistani Army, Rangers, Punjab Police and local police opened fire on the unarmed protesters. About 30 people were killed and more than 200 were injured. After this, more than 1.5 lakh protesters took to the streets. Why did such a big rebellion happen? Who is the face of this bloody action and why is the whole world troubled by this situation?

The seeds of rebellion were growing since a year ago

The immediate reason for the outbreak of this rebellion was the elections to be held in PoJK. Elections were to be held here on 27 July 2026, but there was a dispute regarding 12 seats. These 12 seats were reserved for ‘refugees’ i.e. those who fled Indian Kashmir in 1947. People who do not live in PoJK themselves could contest elections on the seats here. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called it a ‘violation of local representation’ and demanded a complete boycott.

Instead of talking to JAAC, the Pakistani government banned the organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act on June 5, 2026, started arresting its leaders, and shut down the internet in entire areas. This move fueled anger.

9 June 2026: The day when blood spilled on the streets

On June 9, the day of JAAC’s protest march, the situation went out of control. Instead of hundreds, lakhs of people took to the streets. There was Jalsa everywhere in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Dadiyal, Mirpur and Bhimbar. The situation had reached its peak a day earlier, on June 8, when protesters had surrounded the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) of Rawalakot.

According to the police administration, since June 6 till now, four security personnel (three policemen and one Frontier Constabulary) have lost their lives in firing by violent elements. In response, the police fired live ammunition and tear gas shells. There were reports of at least 14 to 22 deaths in the overnight crackdown on June 8.

Liaqat Ali Malik: Who is the face of this violence?

The biggest question is who is the commander of this entire bloody game and the answer is – Retired Captain Liaqat Ali Malik. Malik is the 47th Director General of Police (IGP) of PoJK. He was appointed to this post only in February 2026. This appointment was highly controversial as he was a junior officer of ‘BPS-20’ in Punjab Police, while his senior and competent Kashmiri officer (BPS-21) was present. According to Pakistani newspaper ‘Dawn’, local officials had expressed anger over their ‘negligence’.

Lahore hospital controversy: A case that expressed humanity

Malik was already in controversies just before this incident. It was December 2023, when his father was admitted in a private hospital in Lahore. It is said that he had a fight with the doctors over the delay in the report and the bill. The next news came that he put his entire CIA police team in the hospital. The police took the doctors, paramedical staff and patients present there hostage and beat them up, snatched the cameras and mobiles of the journalists and confiscated the CCTV VCR.

As the uproar increased, the then Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi immediately took action and removed him from the post and made him Officer on Special Duty (OSD). But the surprising thing is that without conducting any investigation, he was reinstated in just 10-12 days. This means that even after committing such a big crime, no FIR was registered against him.

Warlord of power: Favorite officer of the army and government

Malik is not just a police officer, he has been the face of suppressing political opposition in Pakistan’s Punjab province. When jailed Imran’s party PTI protested in 2025, the Punjab Police led by Malik brutally cracked down. More than 800 activists were arrested and 11 MPs were put in jail.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), there were more than 400 deaths in suspicious ‘police encounters’ in Punjab alone in 2025. The opposition alleged that these ‘encounters’ had become a substitute for the judicial process.

Bullets on the unarmed: a massacre or something else?

Human Rights Commission Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International expressed deep concern over this massacre and said, ‘The lives of both protesters and law enforcement agencies are being lost. The government should immediately de-escalate and conduct an impartial investigation. HRCP strongly criticized the ban imposed on JAAC, calling it ‘restricting democratic space’.

More than 40 MPs in the UK demanded intervention in the matter. India has also slammed Pakistan and requested the international community to pay attention to these human rights violations.

India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ at around 1:05 am on 7 May 2025 to avenge the Pahalgam terrorist attack. In this joint operation of the three armies, within 22 minutes, 9 major hideouts of terrorists in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) were destroyed. More than 100 terrorists were killed in this. Today this operation has completed one year. On this occasion, let us know which 5 big lessons India learned from this conflict to defeat the enemy.

1. There is no delay in taking revenge, hit the target directly

India’s old thinking was that we should think carefully and be patient after the attack. But Operation Sindoor completely changed this thinking.

• Now the action will happen immediately: Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, a senior army officer, said that India has adopted ‘strategic activism’. This means that as soon as the enemy does anything, he will get a befitting reply at that very moment.
• Attack only the criminals: This was not a thoughtless attack. Retired Air Marshal SP Dharkar said that every target was chosen very thoughtfully, so that only those terrorists and their helpers who were involved in the Pahalgam attack were punished.
• Lesson: The enemy thought that he would be saved by sitting across the border and attacking. But this operation made it clear that now no place is safe for them.

2. All three armies created panic together

The biggest feature of this operation was that the Army, Air Force and Navy together attacked with full force.

• With complete preparation: This was the first time that all three armies conducted such a major operation under a single command. The army on land, the air force in the air and the navy in the sea surrounded the enemy from all sides.
• Not just the army, the entire country: In this operation, not only the army, but our spy agencies, cyber team, Border Security Force and the Ministry of External Affairs also worked shoulder to shoulder. This is called the ‘whole-of-government’ approach, meaning every department of the government together.
• Lesson: The enemy should not be dealt with alone, but with full force and by taking everyone along.

3. Busting Pakistan’s ‘nuclear bomb’ hoax

Pakistan always threatened that it has atom bomb, hence India cannot take major action. Operation Sindoor exposed this hoax.

• Answer to blackmail: Indian Navy’s Vice Admiral AN Pramod clearly said, ‘India entered Pakistan and launched a precise attack on terrorist targets with long-range missiles. We completely ended their nuclear blackmail.
• We set limits for fighting: This operation was limited and focused only on terrorists. When Pakistan tried to retaliate, on May 10, India attacked 8 of their major airbases. After this Pakistan became silent.
• Lesson: No matter how big the enemy talks, if the intention is strong and the attack is made accurately, then all his tricks fail.

4. Indigenous weapons did wonders

This war proved how important our own weapons are to win the battle.

• Victory of Made in India: Most of the weapons like BrahMos missile, Akash missile and ATAGS cannon were made in India and performed very well.
• Self-reliance is not just a slogan: Lieutenant General Ghai said, ‘Self-reliance means that we fight with our own strength. Now more than 65 percent of India’s defense equipment is made in our own country.
• Lesson: The greatest strength is to create your own weapons and technology, rather than relying on others. This is the real ‘Force Multiplier’ i.e. mantra to increase strength.

5. Future battles will be fought with drones, cyber and space

Operation Sindoor also showed that the wars of the future will not be fought only with guns and tanks, but in a very hi-tech manner.

• Drone attack and defense: During the war, Pakistan carried out a large number of drone attacks. After this, India laid a lot of emphasis on drone killing technology and making its own attack drones.
• Cyber ​​War and Rumors Market: This battle was fought not only on land and air, but also on the internet and social media. The enemy tried its best to spread fake news, which was foiled by our cyber teams.
• Need for strong bunkers: After the attack, now the army is building an underground command center and strong bunkers made of 3D printing. Besides, such roads and airstrips are being built in the border areas which can be useful even during war.
• Lesson: To win the battle, it has become most important to use not only strength but also new technology and brain.

Call it ‘Operation Epic Fury’ or ‘Operation Roaring Lion’… In the 40 day long war between America, Israel and Iran, there was devastation on all three sides. Many countries of the Middle East were thrown into this fire. Thousands of deaths and hundreds of people rendered homeless. It may take as many years to heal the wounds caused by this war as the number of governments that can be changed. We will also talk about the recovery of these countries after the ceasefire. In the explainer…

Question 1: Iran’s wounds are deeper, how long will it take to heal?
answer: This war has had the biggest impact on Iran. Iran’s leadership is almost finished. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on 28 February 2026. Along with him, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpur, Intelligence Chief Ismail Khatib, Ali Larijani and dozens of other top commanders were killed. Overall, Iran lost more than 40 senior officials. Now Mujtaba Khamenei has been elected as the new Supreme Leader, but it will take many years to re-establish the entire command system.

According to the New York Post report, Iran’s nuclear sites were destroyed. There were repeated attacks on places like Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan and Bushehr. American and Israeli attacks caused heavy damage to the entrances, tunnels and equipment of these sites. Experts say that Iran’s nuclear program was already pushed back by the 2025 attacks. Now it has gone back several more years. If Iran wants to rebuild, it may take 5 to 10 years or more without outside help, but due to sanctions it is difficult to get help.

Iran’s human loss is also huge. According to the Iranian Health Ministry, more than 3,000 people died, while some reports put the death toll at more than 7,300. This includes both civilian and military. More than 26,000 were injured. Many hospitals were destroyed. There were attacks on schools, in which more than 175 children were killed in the attack on Minab’s girls’ school. 65 schools and 32 medical facilities were targeted. More than 10,000 civilian buildings, bridges, railways, petrochemical plants (South Pars gas field) and desalination plants were damaged. Water and electricity supply was disrupted.

Talking about economy, Iran’s economy was already weak. Now oil exports stopped and factories collapsed. According to the New York Post report, Iran suffered a loss of hundreds of billions of dollars due to the global economic impact. To rebuild all this will take tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure alone. If the sanctions are removed in talks, then there can be some improvement in 3-5 years, but it may take 10 years or more to completely restore nuclear and military power.

Question 2: Does America, which announced ceasefire, need recovery?
answer: Damage to America remained limited. 15 soldiers were killed and more than 500 were injured. There was a loss of about 800 million dollars on 17 bases in the Middle East, but America’s economy is strong. The total military cost of the war has reached more than 84 million dollars. Hundreds of millions of dollars were being spent every day. The consumption of arms was huge, but America has resources.

Recovery? It will take a few months to replace the military equipment. Long-term care of injured soldiers will last for years, but overall America’s wounds will heal in 1-2 years. Economically, it also benefited from the increase in oil prices because it is a net exporter.

Question 3: When will the wounds of Israel, which fought against Iran on the strength of America, heal?
answer: Israel has also suffered losses in this war. 12 soldiers and 27 civilians were killed, while more than 7,000 people were injured. Homes, factories and infrastructure were damaged by Iranian missiles. There was an economic loss of 3 billion dollars in just one week, but Israel’s economy is resilient. A separate war with Lebanon is still going on, but the ceasefire on the main Iran front brought relief.

Israel may take 6-12 months to repair infrastructure. Economic recovery will be fast i.e. the entire impact will be erased in 1-2 years.

Question 4: Apart from America, Israel and Iran, which countries suffered deep wounds?
answer: Apart from Iran, Lebanon was deeply wounded, where more than 1,530 people were killed in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. 4,812 were injured and lakhs of people were displaced. Hospitals, schools, homes and infrastructure were badly destroyed, which will take years to rebuild.

Among the Gulf countries, the UAE was worst hit, where Iranian missile and drone attacks damaged Dubai-Abu Dhabi airports, hotels, oil facilities and the Thuraya Telecom building, resulting in 13 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Attacks on oil and power plants in Kuwait resulted in 10 deaths, more than 100 injuries and major infrastructure damage. There were 3 deaths and more than 40 injuries in Bahrain, an attack on gas facilities in Qatar injured 4 and affected LNG production, while missile attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia caused 2 deaths, injuries and damaged energy sites in the Eastern Province.

Oil-gas production, refineries and ports of all these Gulf countries were badly affected. There were more than 100 deaths in Iraq, as attacks by American bases and Iran-backed militias halted power generation. There were also some attacks in Jordan in which injuries were reported, while drones were dropped near Incirlik Air Base in Turkey but there was no major damage.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused a billion-dollar blow to the economy of the entire region. Exports to Gulf countries stopped, due to which global inflation increased. Overall, Lebanon suffered the most serious damage in terms of humanitarian and infrastructure, while the Gulf countries (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi) suffered the biggest impact on their oil-based economies. Although recovery may be faster due to their strong economies, the wounds of weaker countries like Lebanon may take 5-10 years or more to heal.

Question 5: What are the better options for recovery available to the three countries?
answer: Foreign expert and retired JNU professor A. Of. Pasha says that it is most important that the ceasefire should be permanent. In the Islamabad talks, consensus was reached on nuclear programme, sanctions, security guarantees and regional peace. Iran should get international help (from UN, EU or neighboring countries) so that recovery can be fast. America and Israel should also consider removing sanctions and economic cooperation. The wounds of death and devastation run deep mentally, so counseling and support is necessary. If peace continues, Iran can recover to a great extent in 5-10 years, while America and Israel can recover in 1-2 years, but if talks fail, the wounds can become deeper.

US President Donald Trump created a viral moment by giving ‘Stand Up’ command to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. This incident happened during the Board of Peace (BOP) summit held in Washington on 19 February 2026, where Trump claimed that he had stopped the nuclear war between India and Pakistan by threatening 200% tariff.

Trump mentioned India-Pakistan in Gaza summit

The focus of the summit was on peace and reconstruction in Gaza, but Trump mentioned the India-Pakistan 2025 conflict in his speech. He said that after India’s Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terrorist attack in May 2025, both the countries were engaged in fighting. Trump claimed, ‘I told both of them that if the fight continues, I will impose 200% tariffs on every country. When it came to money, both of them stopped fighting. He also said that 11 expensive jets of both the countries had fallen.

Trump called Shahbaz Sharif a school-boy

Calling Shehbaz Sharif a ‘school-boy’, Trump said, ‘I think you should stand up. Come, please, stand up for a second. Sharif immediately stood up, the video of which quickly went viral on social media. Trump further said, ‘I spoke to PM Modi, he is watching us right now.’

#WATCH | At the Board of Peace Event, US President Donald Trump says, “Pakistan and India, that was a big one. Pakistan and India, thank you very much. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi. He’s excited. He’s watching us right now.”

(Source: White House) https://t.co/EiZ39UDrwA pic.twitter.com/AnAug4zCLG

— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2026

Trump praised Pakistani Army Chief

Trump praised Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. He said that Munir told US Chief of Staff Susie Wiles that Trump saved 25 million lives. Trump shared a conversation in which Munir called him ‘Savior of South Asia’ and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, but it is being trolled on social media.

There was no official reaction from India on this video. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said that the 2025 ceasefire was achieved through direct talks between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan, there was no mediation by any third party. India participated in the summit only as an observer, where Charge d’Affairs Namgya Khampa was present.

Trump’s new initiative is Board of Peace

This board is focusing on $7-10 billion aid and troops deployment in Gaza. More than 45 countries participated in it. Many claims in Trump’s speech were controversial, such as stopping the India-Pakistan war and the tariff threat. The ‘Stand Up’ moment is being called ‘cringe’ and ‘weird’ on social media, with some users describing it as ‘principal and student’.

Did the Indian Air Force attack Kirana Hills of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May 2025? This question has been discussed for the last several months, but no clear answer was found. Now world famous aircraft historian and military analyst Tom Cooper has claimed in an interview given to a TV channel that yes, this had happened. He said the evidence was so clear that it was ‘like the sun rising in the east’. Cooper believes that this attack forced Pakistan to request a ceasefire.

Tom Cooper’s biggest claim is the attack on Kirana Hills.

Tom Cooper is one of the most trusted experts on aerial warfare. He has analyzed air conflicts around the world for years. One thing that comes up again and again in his talks on Operation Sindoor is that the Indian Air Force almost completely destroyed Pakistan’s missiles, drones and projectiles. But the biggest claim is on Kirana Hills.

After all, what is this Kirana Hills thing?

Kirana Hills is a sensitive area of ​​Pakistan near Sargodha. Here are considered to be the main storage facilities of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. This place has also been associated with nuclear tests in the past i.e. subcritical or cold test. Satellite images and US reports show more than 40 hardened shelters, underground facilities, ammunition depots and maintenance centers for F-16 squadrons. Cooper says it’s ‘not Disneyland’. This is a core part of Pakistan’s nuclear program.

Now what is Cooper’s claim on the attack?

According to Cooper, early in the morning of 10 May 2025, the Indian Air Force conducted a precision strike on Kirana Hills. In the geo-located video posted on Pakistani social media, missiles are seen falling on the hills, smoke rising over the radar station (4091st Squadron). He said that first the radar was disabled, then the two main entrances to the underground facilities were attacked. Among the weapons dropped were BrahMos and Rampage from Su-30, Rampage from Jaguar and Scalp missiles from Rafale.

Cooper said, ‘This attack was very well thought out. Its purpose was not to cause much harm, but to give a clear message that ‘we can hit you anywhere, anytime.’ Now stop.’ He claimed that immediately after this attack, Pakistan demanded ceasefire from America and India through diplomatic channels. ‘Pakistan was finished then.’

What does the Indian side say?

The Indian Air Force has repeatedly denied the attack on Kirana Hills. Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor had said that only terrorist and military targets were targeted in the operation, not nuclear sites. Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti also said, ‘We did not hit Kirana Hills and we did not know that there was a nuclear installation there.’

So why is Cooper’s claim important?

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed. From 7 to 10 May, India carried out precise strikes on 9 terrorist targets in Pakistan and PoK. Cooper claims that the attack on Kirana Hills shows that India targeted not just terrorists but also Pakistan’s strategic capabilities, without nuclear escalation.

This controversy is not over yet. Cooper says the evidence comes from video, satellite and his personal sources. But the denial from the Indian side is also strong. Operation Sindoor showcased India’s military might, and the Kirana Hills claim is making it even more famous.

India has taken a big step towards stopping the water of Ravi river from going to Pakistan. The work of Shahpur Kandi Dam is in the final stage and will be completed by 31 March 2026. After this, the remaining water of Ravi river will not go to Pakistan, but will be used to irrigate the drought-hit lands of Kathua, Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

The project will prove to be a lifeline for Jammu

This project is located on the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Minister Javed Ahmed Rana clearly said on Monday, ‘Yes, the excess water of Ravi river will be stopped from going to Pakistan. It is necessary to stop this. He said that Kathua and Samba districts are affected by drought and this project will prove to be a lifeline for these areas.

What will be the main benefits of this project?

• 32,173 hectares of land will be irrigated in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
• About 5,000 hectares of additional land in Punjab will get water.
• Overall, more than 37,000 hectares of agricultural land will be benefited and electricity will also be generated.
• The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 485.38 crore for the irrigation share.
• This will prevent wastage of water, which earlier used to go to Pakistan through Madhopur headworks.

What is the relation of Indus Water Treaty to this project?

Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, India has full rights over the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. But due to technical shortcomings and absence of dam, a lot of Ravi water used to go to Pakistan. The Shahpur Kandi project is within the scope of the treaty because it exercises India’s rights.

The project was started in 2001, but remained stalled due to the dispute between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. In 2018, with the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an agreement was reached and the work was expedited. Now it is being completed in ‘mission mode’.

What impact will this project have on Pakistan?

Pakistan is already struggling with water crisis. Due to stagnation of remaining water of Ravi, there could be a huge shortage in its lower areas. India had suspended the treaty after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, stopped data sharing and sought answers from Pakistan on terrorism. Now blocking Ravi water is also being considered a part of strategic pressure against terrorism. Former Irrigation Minister Taj Mohidin said that this is completely in accordance with the treaty.

Jammu and Kashmir MLA Dr. Rameshwar Singh said that now the water will irrigate the lands of Kathua instead of Pakistan. This step is important for maximum utilization of India’s natural resources and regional development. Upon completion of the dam by March 31, 2026, the water of Ravi will remain entirely in India.

The Trump administration has expressed confidence in Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in the matter of important minerals, but according to a report, this bet is going to fail. Pakistan’s internal instability, increasing power of militants and American weapons reaching their hands are weakening this partnership.

Munir lured Trump with critical minerals

According to the report of Times of India, Pakistan has offered major minerals to America, because the Trump administration is focusing on critical minerals like copper, lithium, cobalt, gold, rare earth to reduce China’s hold. The main project is Reko Diq in Balochistan, which:

• One of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world.
• Barrick Gold (Canadian company) has 50% stake, Government of Pakistan has 25% stake and Government of Balochistan has 25% stake.
• In December 2025, the US Export-Import Bank approved financing of $1.25 billion.
• Pakistan claims that it has mineral reserves worth up to $8 trillion.
• In September 2025, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Munir showed a box of rare earth minerals to Trump at the White House. Trump had called Munir ‘my favorite field marshal’.

Why are critical minerals important for Trump?

China has more than 90% of rare earth processing in the world. In the future, due to EV, AI and electrification, the demand for copper may double by 2050. For this reason America wants an alternative supply chain.

But why might this bet fail?

The minerals are mostly in Balochistan and Afghan border areas, where the security situation is deteriorating. There are 5 big reasons why Trump’s bet failed:

1. Militants better equipped: American weapons (M-16, M-4, M249 machine guns, Remington sniper rifles, night vision devices) left behind after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 are now with groups like TTP, BLA and ISKP. CNN showed more than 100 such weapons in Pakistani border areas, whose serial numbers showed that they were given to Afghan forces. Now instead of IED, attacks are using long range firing and night attacks. Allah Uddin, a Pakistani soldier, said he was angry after losing both his legs in the ambush because the militants’ weapons were ‘different and better’.

2. Increasing violence in Balochistan: Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out coordinated attacks in January 2026, which resulted in more than 33 deaths. Pakistan launched ‘Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1’ and claimed to have killed 216 militants, but 36 civilians and 22 security personnel were also killed. 2025 was the most dangerous year of Balochistan. There were more than 254 attacks at that time, in which more than 400 deaths occurred. Militants are now hijacking trains, blocking highways and occupying areas.

3. Impact on Reco Dick: Barrick Gold CEO Mark Hill said in February 2026 that the company was conducting a full review of the project. Investors are afraid whether the project will be able to start in 2028 or not.

4. Afghanistan Connection: The Taliban have captured the weapons and Pakistan accuses them of providing shelter to the militants. Trump asked for weapons back, but has not achieved any success.

5. Attacks increased after power went into the hands of Munir: On 6 February 2026, a suicide bombing took place at the Khadija Tul Kubra Shia Mosque in Tarlai Kalan on the outskirts of Islamabad. In this attack, 31 to 32 people were killed and more than 160 to 170 were injured. The attack took place during Jumma prayers, where the bomber wore an explosive vest and detonated himself. Islamic State (ISIS) took responsibility for this. Earlier in November 2025, there were 12 deaths outside the court. This clearly showed the weakness of security even in the capital of Pakistan, where General Munir and the government make tall claims.

So what will be its consequences?

Pakistan has taken help from IMF 24 times. Because of this, there is hope for mineral economic recovery. But without benefits to local people and political support, the projects will remain unsafe. Pakistan was a ‘hedge’ in Trump’s anti-China strategy, but now it is being weakened due to security risks. While Pakistan and China remain CPEC and ‘all-weather’ friends, Pakistan is playing a two-sided game. Without dialogue, development and power-sharing, these minerals may remain buried in the ground.

Pakistan’s state oil company Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced the discovery of new reserves of oil and gas in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This discovery was made from the exploratory well named Baragzai X-01 (Slant). This is the third discovery within a month, which is expected to lead to a big increase in Pakistan’s domestic oil production.

Production of thousands of barrels of crude oil daily

This well was dug on 30 December 2024. Then testing was done through cased hole drill system from Samana Suq and Shinawari Formation. Test results have revealed daily production of 3100 barrels of crude oil and 8.15 million standard cubic feet of natural gas. This is happening with a wellhead flowing pressure of 3010 pounds per square inch at 32/64 inch choke size.

Pakistan has lead in oil and gas production

This is the third discovery within a month and with these three discoveries, Pakistan’s domestic oil production has increased by a total of 9480 barrels per day. This is about 14.5 percent of the country’s current production (about 66,000 barrels per day). Apart from this, there has also been a good increase in gas production. OGDCL has given this information by giving notice to Pakistan Stock Exchange. OGDCL has 65 percent stake in this project, while Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has 30 percent and Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) has 5 percent carried interest.

Why is this discovery important for Pakistan?

Pakistan is struggling with energy crisis and economic difficulties. To reduce dependence on expensive imports, the government is emphasizing on increasing domestic oil and gas production. OGDCL says that this discovery will reduce the gap between supply and demand of energy from domestic resources and will increase the country’s hydrocarbon reserves. Last year the government signed 5 new exploration deals. An auction of 40 offshore blocks was held in November 2025, where 23 bids came from 4 consortia. An agreement was signed for initial investment of 80 million dollars, which can reach 1 billion dollars in future.