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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday held talks with Norway&rsquo;s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on the evolving regional situation and prospects for enhanced cooperation. During the meeting, Dar underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s continued efforts to promote engagement and dialogue aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region and beyond.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 696px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051224215488004364&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=2ce8bbd824ad3b4d0ec5e5bd188a62392d83fc8e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>Kravik appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive role and reiterated Norway&rsquo;s support for ongoing efforts toward a peaceful and durable resolution of conflicts. Both sides also reviewed bilateral relations and explored avenues to deepen cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest. The Norwegian deputy foreign minister conveyed an invitation from his country&rsquo;s foreign minister to Dar to participate in the Oslo Forum scheduled for next month. Dar expressed appreciation for the invitation, with both sides agreeing to remain in close contact on bilateral matters as well as issues relating to peace, stability, and development.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar receives Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on May 4, 2026. (Photo: X/ @ForeignOfficePk)

Foreign Affairs

Kravik appreciates Pakistan’s constructive role and reiterated Norway’s support for ongoing efforts toward a peaceful and durable resolution of conflicts.

Pakistan FM, Norwegian deputy FM discuss regional situation, bilateral ties

COPENHAGEN: A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship, on which three people have died, presents a low risk to the public, the head of the World Health Organization Europe said Monday. &quot;The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,&quot; Hans Kluge said in a statement, adding that hantavirus infections were &quot;uncommon and usually linked to exposure to infected rodents&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hantavirus, the disease which has caused a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship in the southern Atlantic, circulates in rodents and can be deadly when transmitted to humans. Dutch cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed Monday it was dealing with &quot;a serious medical situation&quot; on board the MV Hondius, travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde. Hantaviruses are among the pathogens that can cause respiratory and cardiac distress, as well as hemorrhagic fevers. There are no vaccines or specific medications to combat hantaviruses, meaning treatment consists solely of attempting to relieve the symptoms. The virus&nbsp;There are many types of hantavirus, which vary in their geographical spread and their pathologies, according to Switzerland&#39;s FOPH health ministry. &quot;Human-to-human transmission has only been observed with one single virus type, which is extremely rare,&quot; it says. Hantaviruses are found on every continent. The virus is named after the Hantan River in South Korea, where more than 3,000 troops fell seriously ill after becoming infected with it during the 1950-1953 Korean War, the FOPH says. TransmissionHantaviruses are transmitted to humans through infected wild rodents, such as mice or rats, which shed the virus in their saliva, urine, and droppings. A bite, contact with these rodents or their droppings, or breathing in contaminated dust can cause infection. The French National Public Health Agency says human infection generally occurs through the inhalation of dust and aerosols contaminated by the excretions of infected animals. This is typically &quot;during activities in forests, or in long uninhabited buildings near forests, as well as during activities in rural areas where fields and farms offer a favourable environment for reservoir rodents&quot;, it says. The only way to minimize the risk of infection is to avoid contact with rodents and their secretions and excretions. The World Health Organization&#39;s Europe director Hans Kluge said hantavirus infections are &quot;uncommon&quot; and &quot;it is not easily transmitted between people&quot;. &quot;The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,&quot; he said Monday. Diagnosis&nbsp;Suspected cases can be confirmed through various laboratory tests, according to the WHO, including through &quot;the presence of hantavirus-specific IgM antibodies&quot;. OnsetThe two most common illnesses caused by infection are hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), caused by hantaviruses found mostly in Europe and Asia; and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), caused by viruses found in the Americas. The hantavirus types in the Americas can also cause pulmonary oedema or acute respiratory failure. Different health authorities give varying time periods before symptoms start to manifest. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPS symptoms usually start to show one to eight weeks after contact. HFRS symptoms usually develop within one to two weeks after exposure, and in rare cases, up to eight weeks, says the CDC. SymptomsThough most cases of hantavirus infection pass unnoticed, according to Switzerland&#39;s FOPH, hantaviruses can cause infections of varying severity in humans sometimes fatal. The first clinical symptoms generally present like flu: fever, headache, and muscle aches. The CDC says four to 10 days after initial HPS illness, late symptoms appear, which include coughing and shortness of breath. &quot;Patients might experience tightness in the chest, as the lungs fill with fluid,&quot; it says. The types of hantavirus prevalent in Europe and Asia can cause kidney dysfunction and even acute kidney failure. Fatality rate&nbsp;The Public Health Agency of Canada says around 200 HPS cases occur each year, primarily in North and South America, putting the average case fatality rate at 40%. It adds that between 150,000 and 200,000 HFRS cases occur each year worldwide, most of which are in China, where the average case fatality rate is from one to 12%.

This aerial picture shows a general view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left two peopl

Europe

WHO Europe head says a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that killed three poses low public risk and does not require panic or travel restrictions.

No need for travel restrictions after hantavirus cruise ship outbreak: WHO Europe

YEREVAN: Europeans have &quot;heard&quot; US President Donald Trump&#39;s message of frustration over the Iran war and are &quot;stepping up&quot;, NATO chief Mark Rutte said on Monday after Washington announced it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. &quot;European leaders have gotten the message. They heard the message loud and clear,&quot; Rutte said before talks with European leaders in Armenia, acknowledging &quot;disappointment on the US side&quot; faced with European allies&#39; resistance to joining the war. &quot;Europeans are stepping up, a bigger role for Europe and a stronger NATO,&quot; Rutte insisted ahead of a European Political Community meeting dominated by the twin security threats posed by the Ukraine and Middle East wars. &quot;We have seen all these countries now participating with their bilateral agreements making sure that when it comes to basing requests and all the logistical support,&quot; Rutte said. The Pentagon troop move comes with transatlantic ties badly strained over the Middle East war although German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted Sunday there was &quot;no connection&quot; with his recent spat with Trump over the conflict. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas called the announcement&#39;s &quot;timing&quot; a &quot;surprise&quot;. &quot;There has been a talk about withdrawal US troops for a long time from Europe,&quot; she told reporters in Yerevan. &quot;But of course, the timing of this announcement comes as a surprise.&quot; &quot;I think it shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in NATO, and we have to really do more,&quot; Kallas said, while stressing that &quot;American troops are not in Europe only for protecting European interests, but also American interests.&quot; Europe has been ramping up its defense spending in the face of fears over Trump&#39;s commitment to NATO and Russia&#39;s assault on Ukraine a push underscored by several leaders in the Armenian capital. &quot;Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands, increasing their defense and security spending, and building their own common solutions,&quot; French President Emmanuel Macron said. &quot;We have to step up our military capabilities to be able to defend and protect ourselves,&quot; EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told reporters.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrives to attend the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan on May 4, 2026. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

Americas

European and NATO leaders said they are “stepping up” defence efforts and strengthening NATO’s European pillar after the US announced troop withdrawals from Germany amid tensions over the Iran conflict.

NATO chief says Europeans have 'gotten message' from Trump on defense

ISLAMABAD: The Grand Mufti of Palestine, Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, on Monday said the people of Palestine would never forget Pakistan&rsquo;s steadfast support, describing the bond between the two nations as strong and enduring.&nbsp;He made the remarks upon arrival in Islamabad, where he is visiting to attend a major international religious conference. He was accompanied by Dr Mahmoud Al-Habash, the Qazi-ul-Quza (Chief Justice of Sharia Courts), Radio Pakistan reported.&nbsp;The visiting delegation was received at Islamabad International Airport by Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Palestinian ambassador to Pakistan.&nbsp;According to officials, the delegation will participate in the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference, scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Wednesday.&nbsp;Speaking to the media, Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein termed the relationship between Pakistan and Palestine &ldquo;everlasting,&rdquo; reaffirming the deep-rooted ties shared by the two peoples.&nbsp;Officials said the visit reflects ongoing religious and diplomatic engagement between the two countries and underscores their shared positions on key issues concerning the Muslim world.

Grand Mufti of Palestine Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein and Qazi ul Quza Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habash have arrived in Pakistan to participate in the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference. (File Photo: Radio Pakistan)

Palestinian religious leaders visiting Pakistan praised the strong, lasting bond between the two countries and are attending an international Islamic conference in Islamabad.

Our people will never forget Pakistan's support, says Palestinian Grand Mufti

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members from a seized container vessel as part of a confidence-building measure by the United States, the Foreign Office said on Monday.&nbsp;According to FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, the crew members, who were aboard the Iranian container ship &ldquo;MV Touska,&rdquo; were flown to Pakistan overnight and will be handed over to Iranian authorities later today.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 441px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051190284474839056&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=12d4a92b77cf199e9bb19a00242a62b6f6ccbdf2&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The statement added that the vessel will also be brought back into Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial waters for necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners.&nbsp;The transfer and return process is being coordinated with the support of both the United States and Iran. &quot;Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security,&quot; the spokesperson said. He reiterated Pakistan&#39;s commitment to facilitating dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to promote regional peace and security.

Distant view of Iranian-flagged cargo vessel MV Touska in the Arabian Sea. (Photo: CENTCOM/File)

FO spokesperson says the ship is to be backloaded to Pakistan for necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners.

Islamabad says 22 crew members of Iranian ship seized by US evacuated to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appreciated Pakistan for the constructive role and sincere mediation efforts between the parties, said a post shared on X on Monday by Pakistan&#39;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan&#39;s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar&nbsp;held a telephonic conversation late last night with the foreign minister of Iran, the post said. &quot;Discussion focused on regional situation and Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region,&quot; it added.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051164280935104829&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fdashboard%2F&sessionId=74e9f1122b82f56e274fc6cf1ec014f512067bbe&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2051164280935104829"></iframe></div></div>Araghchi appreciated Islamabad&#39;s constructive role and sincere mediation efforts between the parties, it added. Pakistan&#39;s foreign minister reaffirmed Islamabad&rsquo;s continued commitment to promoting constructive engagement and underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward peaceful resolution of issues and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Pakistan's foreign minister reaffirms Islamabad’s continued commitment to promoting constructive engagement and underscores that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward peaceful resolution of issues.

Pakistan, Iran FMs discuss ongoing efforts for regional peace: FO

PARIS: Methane emissions from the energy sector remained at near record levels in 2025, the International Energy Agency said in a report on Monday. Tackling the emissions could make billions of cubic meters of gas available to international markets, a top priority as the war in the Middle East squeezes energy supplies, the report said. &quot;With methane emissions from energy sector near record highs, tried-and-tested abatement measures could make 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas available annually,&quot; said The Global Methane Tracker 2026 report. &quot;If select countries with spare existing gas export capacity and importing countries were to implement readily accessible methane abatement measures across their gas systems, nearly 15 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas could very quickly be made available to markets,&quot; it said. Over the longer term such measures &quot;could deliver nearly 100 bcm of gas to markets each year, while eliminating non-emergency gas flaring could unlock a further 100 bcm,&quot; it said. The report, based on data from satellites and measurement campaigns, presents emissions findings for 2025 and explores various abatement measures and associated costs.

Gas prices above $6 per gallon are displayed at s Chevron station in Monterey Park, California, on April 30, 2026.

Climate

International Energy Agency says near-record Methane emissions in 2025 could be reduced to unlock significant natural gas supplies for global markets.

Energy sector methane emissions linger near record highs: IEA

KOLKATA: Vote counting in key Indian state elections was underway Monday under tight security, with the focus on West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s party is hoping for crucial gains. Elections in five states and territories took place in April and May, and Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in the national parliament, is hoping to make inroads into opposition-held states. In West Bengal, the Hindu-nationalist BJP waged an aggressive bid to dislodge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the firebrand leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), in power in the state of 100 million people since 2011. Exit polls last week predicted the BJP has a slight edge over TMC, although exit polls have a patchy record in India. &quot;The entire country has its eyes on this state&#39;s election results,&quot; political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty told AFP, in the main city Kolkata. &quot;The contest can tilt the balance of power.&quot; The campaign this time was marked by protests over the removal of millions of names from voter rolls, billed as removing ineligible voters, but which critics said was skewed against marginalised and minority communities. Banerjee, speaking ahead of the count, insisted her TMC would win. &quot;The BJP is not coming, take my word for it,&quot; she said. &quot;Be patient till the last.&quot; But West Bengal&#39;s BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya told AFP he was confident of a win. &quot;It was an election of rejection,&quot; he said. &quot;People of the state want change. The ruling Trinamool Congress will be defeated.&quot; Past elections have resulted in violence in the state. In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, a key industrial hub with more than 80 million people, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) under Chief Minister MK Stalin is widely expected to be re-elected. Votes are also being counted in Assam, an eastern state of more than 31 million which the BJP is widely expected to maintain control of, and the small coastal territory of Puducherry, where the BJP is part of a ruling coalition. In Kerala, the tightly contested race in the southern state of approximately 36 million, exit polls suggest the Congress party-led alliance is tipped to oust the Communist party. Wins in the state elections would put Modi on a stronger footing while battling a series of economic and foreign policy challenges, including high unemployment rate and a pending US trade deal.

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel stands guard as election officials count votes after the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on May 4, 2026.

India

Narendra Modi’s BJP seeks key gains in major Indian state elections especially in West Bengal as vote counting unfolds amid tight security and high political stakes.

India's Modi faces key test as vote count underway

ISLAMABAD: Former chief minister of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and President of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, has accused the BJP-led Indian government and the National Conference administration of attempting to erode the identity of the region by targeting Islamic institutions and cultural markers.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after a workers&rsquo; convention in Ganderbal, she said the authorities were systematically shutting down religious seminaries.&nbsp;According to her, institutions such as Madinatul Uloom, where Arabic and Islamic studies were taught, had already been closed, while similar action was now being taken against Sirajul Uloom, which provided both religious and modern education.&nbsp;&ldquo;This is an attack on our identity,&rdquo; Mufti said, alleging that both New Delhi and the Srinagar-based government were pursuing a specific agenda aimed at weakening the region&rsquo;s distinct character.&nbsp;She also criticized recent changes in recruitment rules, claiming that the removal of Urdu as a mandatory requirement for jobs in the revenue department was part of a broader attempt to dilute the region&rsquo;s cultural identity.&nbsp;Responding to remarks by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who denied any such change, Mufti insisted that earlier regulations required Urdu proficiency, while a 2026 order only mandates a graduate degree without mentioning the language.&nbsp;&ldquo;The head of the government is lying,&rdquo; she said, adding that documentary evidence exists to support her claim.&nbsp;Mufti further expressed concern over employment opportunities, stating that locals were being sidelined in key sectors. She alleged that mining contracts, once a source of livelihood for residents, were now being awarded to outsiders.&nbsp;&ldquo;With limited job opportunities, people are struggling. Many are forced to sell valuables to secure employment,&rdquo; she said, accusing the National Conference government of enabling such practices.

India’s Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti. (File Photo: X via @MehboobaMufti)

Also criticizes recent changes in recruitment rules, claiming that the removal of Urdu as a mandatory requirement for jobs in the revenue department was part of a broader attempt to dilute the region’s cultural identity.

BJP targeting Islamic institutions to erase IIOJK identity, says former CM

ISLAMABAD: At least four journalists and media workers are currently being held in Taliban prisons in Afghanistan, a United Nations expert said Sunday, calling for their immediate release. According to Hasht e Subh Daily, Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council&rsquo;s special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, said the detentions highlight ongoing concerns about press freedom under Taliban rule. &ldquo;I call for their release as well as the release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained in Afghanistan,&rdquo; Bennett said in a statement. Marking World Press Freedom Day, Bennett said there is no better time to free detained journalists, stressing the importance of an independent media in the country. His remarks come amid growing concerns about the conditions facing Afghan journalists. Earlier, Richard Lindsay the United Kingdom Special Representative for Afghanistan, said reporters in Afghanistan continue to work under increasingly difficult circumstances. Bennett also noted that Afghan media outlets are struggling with financial challenges and declining international support, in addition to operating under strict political and security restrictions. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping limitations on the media, drawing widespread criticism from rights groups and international observers.

Richard Bennett, speaks at a special event on human rights at the United Nations.

Afghanistan

Richard Bennett urges Taliban to free at least four detained journalists, citing worsening press freedom conditions in Afghanistan. 

Pakistan FM, Norwegian deputy FM discuss regional situation, bilateral ties

Latest News

No need for travel restrictions after hantavirus cruise ship outbreak: WHO Europe

Pakistan FM, Norwegian deputy FM discuss regional situation, bilateral ties

NATO chief says Europeans have 'gotten message' from Trump on defense

Our people will never forget Pakistan's support, says Palestinian Grand Mufti

Islamabad says 22 crew members of Iranian ship seized by US evacuated to Pakistan