Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, visited General Staff Headquarters, Tehran

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, visited General Staff Headquarters, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

COAS held meeting with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. The two military leaders engaged in discussions on the evolving regional security landscape, with particular focus on strengthening bilateral defence ties.

Key areas of mutual interest included enhancing military-to-military cooperation, improving security mechanisms along the shared border, and exploring avenues for transforming the border regions into zones of trade and economic connectivity, thereby contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival, including a ceremonial guard of honour presented by a well-turned-out contingent of the Iranian Armed Forces.

COAS alongside the Prime Minister of Pakistan earlier met with H.E Ayatollah Syed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran and H.E Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran. COAS is on an official visit to Türkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan along with the Prime Minister’s delegation visiting the three friendly countries.

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet today for Zil-Hajj moon sighting

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet today for Zil-Hajj moon sighting

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan is scheduled to convene in Islamabad today for the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon, which will determine the date for Eid-ul-Adha in the country.

However, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has indicated a very low probability of the moon being sighted this evening. According to SUPARCO, the moon’s age at sunset on May 27th will be approximately 11 hours, making its visibility unlikely.

Based on this assessment, SUPARCO anticipates that the first day of Zil Hajj is likely to be observed on May 29th. Consequently, Eid-ul-Adha in Pakistan could potentially fall on June 7th.

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia will also hold its moon sighting meeting today. Astronomers in Saudi Arabia, along with the astronomical center in the United Arab Emirates, have suggested a likelihood of the Zil Hajj moon being visible in their respective regions this evening. If the moon is sighted, Eid-ul-Adha in the UAE could be celebrated on June 6th. The final announcements from each country’s official bodies will confirm the dates.

Pakistani Athlete Irfan Mehsood Secures Four More Guinness World Records, Tally Reaches 150

Pakistani Athlete Irfan Mehsood secures four more Guinness World Records

Pakistani martial artist and serial record-breaker Irfan Mehsood has further cemented his legacy by having four more of his Guinness World Records officially approved. This remarkable achievement brings his total number of Guinness World Records to an astounding 150, making him the first Pakistani to reach this milestone.

In his latest feat, Mehsood broke one Norwegian and three Italian records. Notably, he surpassed Norway’s record of 32 push-ups with fingers while carrying an 80-pound pack by performing 35 such push-ups.

Mehsood has distinguished himself globally, particularly in the push-up category, where he holds an unparalleled 70 world records. He has also set 40 world records while carrying a 100-pound weight. His dominance extends across various weight categories, holding the most records with 100-pound, 80-pound, 60-pound, and 40-pound weights.

His diverse record-breaking achievements span numerous exercises, including martial arts push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, step-ups, knee strikes, elbow strikes, side jumps, high jumps, and star jumps, among others.

To date, Irfan Mehsood has broken world records previously held by athletes from 20 different countries, including the USA, UK, India, China, Norway, Germany, France, Finland, Philippines, Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan itself.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, Mehsood is also a dedicated mentor, with 20 of his students having achieved their own Guinness World Records. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Irfan Mehsood was honored with the Presidential Pride of Performance Award in 2023.

KUST Seminar Lauds Armed Forces for Operation Bunyan Marsoos, Stresses National Unity

KUST seminar lauds Armed Forces for Operation Bunyan Marsoos

KOHAT – A national seminar held at the Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) paid rich tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for the resounding success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos. The event, organized under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Ayaz, Chairman of the Department of Political Science and Pakistan Studies, KUST, saw widespread participation.

Attendees included KUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Syed Zafar Ilyas, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and a large number of students.

The Chief Guest, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 9th Division, Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, addressed the seminar, terming the youth as Pakistan’s “real asset.” He highlighted that enemies are attempting to create rifts between the public and the armed forces through conventional and cyber warfare, but the nation has consistently thwarted these conspiracies by demonstrating unity.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Syed Zafar Ilyas described Operation Bunyan Marsoos as a “miracle,” asserting that it would deter any future aggression against Pakistan’s sovereignty. He saluted the armed forces and thanked all guests.

Professor Dr. Fakhar-ul-Islam, Director of the Pakistan Study Centre at the University of Peshawar, noted that despite economic challenges, the Pakistani nation demonstrated remarkable national unity in 2025, which is commendable. He urged the government to further promote this national spirit.

Professor Shakila Naz from Government Girls Post Graduate College Kohat remarked that the seminar brought together Pakistan’s three major strengths – the armed forces, teachers, and students – symbolizing national unity. She also elaborated on Pakistan’s geostrategic importance.

GOC Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti reiterated that Pakistan’s scientists and youth are the true heroes of this endeavor. He stated that Operation Bunyan Marsoos is proof that Pakistan is not only defensively strong but also advancing in modern technology.

The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, during which the GOC encouraged students to form research groups on history and exchange information.

"Sukhan Silsila" Abbottabad organizes ninth memorable mushaira

“Sukhan Silsila” Abbottabad organizes ninth memorable mushaira

ABBOTTABAD – The literary organization “Sukhan Silsila” Abbottabad hosted its ninth memorable Mushaira (poetry recital) at the Jalal Baba Auditorium. The event featured Shafqat Hussain Jaffery as the Chief Guest and noted poet Saadullah Sooraj as the “Shair-e-Shaam” (Poet of the Evening). The Mushaira was presided over by Zia Shahid.

The proceedings of the evening, held yesterday, were skillfully conducted by Kamran Khulus. Prominent poets who presented their works included Zahid Jadoon, Tauqir Naseervi, Hamza Tufail, Zahid Ali, Kamran Khulus, Madni Ijaz Madni, Saadullah Sooraj, and Zia Shahid.

Earlier, renowned Naat Khwaan Mustafa Syed Tanveer Hussain Shah captivated the audience with a heartfelt Naat (praise for the Prophet Muhammad PBUH).

Chief Guest Shafqat Hussain Jaffery, during his address, emphasized the need to include a prose session in future programs, a suggestion that was well-received and assured of implementation by the audience. He also recited verses from the poetry of Parveen Shakir.

Mansehra kicks off Five-Day anti-polio campaign with robust security measures

Mansehra kicks off Five-Day anti-polio campaign with robust security measures

MANSEHRA – A five-day anti-polio campaign has commenced in Mansehra district under stringent security arrangements to ensure the safety of polio vaccination teams. A significant deployment of 2,002 police officers and personnel are performing security duties alongside the polio teams.

District Police Officer (DPO) Mansehra emphasized that the protection of polio teams is the top priority. Detailed security plans include blockades at all entry and exit points of the district throughout the campaign. The DPO has issued directives to all Superintendents of Police (SPs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and Station House Officers (SHOs) to personally supervise the security of polio teams. Police officers and personnel have also been instructed to ensure their own safety by using bulletproof jackets and helmets.

Prior to the campaign’s launch, briefings were conducted for the deployed personnel at all police stations and circles under the supervision of SPs, DSPs, and SHOs, as per the DPO’s orders.

In a message to the public, the DPO Mansehra stated, “It is our national duty to vaccinate our children against polio. Cooperate with the anti-polio teams and ensure your children up to the age of 5 receive polio drops to protect them from physical disability.”

Rain with thunder in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rain and thunderstorms expected in most districts of KP from this evening

PESHAWAR – The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has forecast rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds across most districts of the province starting from this evening. This weather system is expected to continue intermittently until Saturday.

According to the PDMA, districts likely to be affected include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Malakand, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, and Kohat.

The PDMA has issued directives to all district administrations to take precautionary measures to deal with any untoward incidents arising from the rains. Administrations have been instructed to ensure the availability of small and large machinery.

The public is advised to stay away from power lines, dilapidated buildings and structures, signboards, and billboards during the rainy period. Farmers are urged to plan their activities keeping the weather forecast in mind. Tourists and local populations in sensitive upland areas are advised to take precautionary measures and stay informed about weather conditions.

District administrations in sensitive areas have been instructed to disseminate warning messages in local languages. All relevant departments are to remain vigilant for road link restoration and provide alternative routes in case of road closures.

The Director-General PDMA has advised tourists to contact the PDMA helpline at 1700 for information on weather conditions and road closures before heading to tourist destinations. A PDMA spokesperson confirmed that their Emergency Operation Centre is fully functional and urged the public to report any untoward incidents to the free helpline 1700.