Shah Meer Baloch

Rukhsar Ahmed, a Pakistani MP and former state minister, has reportedly declined to provide a date for returning to the UK to comply with police bail over allegations that he raped and trafficked underage girls from Manchester care homes in the 1990s. Ahmed, who denies the allegations and has not been charged or convicted, left the UK after his July 2024 arrest and was later elected for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party. Greater Manchester Police may seek an arrest warrant or extradition if he fails to answer bail within the expected timeframe. Abuse lawyer Richard Scorer called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

Pakistan has introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 requiring international journalists, including Pakistani nationals, to obtain permission before reporting anywhere except Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The restrictions followed reports by overseas outlets about the deaths of protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, after which Al Jazeera became inaccessible without a VPN and authorities ordered journalists to leave Kashmir. Journalist organizations and legal experts say the rules could enable censorship, particularly because accreditation can be revoked for vaguely defined acts against Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, security or public order. The government denies imposing a blanket restriction, while journalists argue the measures are an unprecedented attack on independent reporting.

Rukhsar Ahmed, a former Pakistani state minister and recently re-elected member of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly, was arrested in Manchester in July 2024 over allegations that he raped and trafficked vulnerable girls in care during the 1990s. He remains on UK police bail and reportedly failed to attend a recent bail appointment, citing illness while campaigning in Pakistan. Greater Manchester Police may seek a warrant or extradition if he does not answer bail. Ahmed has not responded to requests for comment, and no conviction is reported. The investigation comes amid tensions between the UK and Pakistan over the handling of individuals linked to historic grooming-gang offences.

An avalanche struck an 11-person expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan, led by Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Rescuers recovered four bodies, with three identified as Pur Bahadur Gurung, Nadhira Alharthy and Mallory Geis, while drone footage indicated that seven climbers may still be alive, though their identities and conditions were unconfirmed. Severe weather, difficult terrain and limited helicopter availability hampered rescue operations. Tracking data indicated a rapid loss of altitude around 6,579 metres, while Purja's tracker later appeared to move, raising hopes but providing no evidence about his condition. Purja is known for climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in record time and for leading the first winter ascent of K2.

At least 30 people are alleged to have been killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after security forces reportedly fired on protesters led by the Joint Awami Action Committee. JAAC alleges that authorities removed bodies and restricted access to hospitals, while a communications blackout and media restrictions have hindered independent verification. The protests demand political and economic rights and electoral reform, including the abolition of reserved seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistani authorities deny state involvement and allege that India is funding and directing the unrest. Amnesty International and the UN have called for communications to be restored and for independent investigations into the reported violence.

Nine-year-old Australian Hania Ahmed was killed in Chakwal, Pakistan, when Punjab police officers from the newly created Crime Control Department opened fire on a car carrying her family after robbers confronted them. Hania was reportedly hit by four bullets, while her father Adeel and brother Aafan were injured. Police say an officer mistakenly believed the robbers were escaping in the family’s vehicle; that officer has been suspended, arrested and remanded in custody. Hania’s father is demanding punishment for those responsible and safeguards against further abuses by the CCD. The Australian prime minister has called for a transparent investigation, while Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission has urged a judicial inquiry into hundreds of alleged CCD killings.

The US military fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker attempting to breach its blockade of Iranian ports, disabling its rudder shortly after Donald Trump threatened Iran with a more intense bombing campaign unless it accepted a deal. Despite the escalation, Washington and Tehran were reportedly discussing a possible memorandum covering a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and future negotiations on uranium enrichment, though officials stressed that nothing was finalized and mistrust remained high. Trump paused Project Freedom, a naval effort to guide stranded ships through the strait, amid reports of Saudi opposition, while France prepared for a possible joint mission. China was viewed as a potential guarantor because of its ties to Iran, and news of possible progress pushed oil prices lower. Israel also struck Beirut after a recent ceasefire with Hezbollah, adding to regional instability. Any agreement faces major obstacles, including Iran’s resistance to exporting highly enriched uranium, the continuing blockade and the risk that military hostilities will resume.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are due to travel to Islamabad for talks involving Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, with Pakistan mediating efforts to revive negotiations over the Iran war. The White House says it has seen progress, while Iranian state media denies requesting talks and rejects US demands. Donald Trump says Iran is preparing an offer, and Qatar, Russia and the United Arab Emirates are urging a sustainable ceasefire. The conflict continues to affect Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire, while the closure or restriction of the Strait of Hormuz is driving energy and food-security concerns. The US imposed new sanctions on Iranian cryptocurrency wallets, and European leaders disagreed over whether sanctions relief should form part of a future agreement.

A Guardian live blog tracks the Iran war’s expanding economic and diplomatic consequences after the United States indefinitely extends a ceasefire while maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran rejects the blockade and has reportedly seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rise above $100 a barrel and airlines raise fares amid fuel concerns. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warns that the conflict is weakening Europe. The coverage also reports Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed journalist Amal Khalil and other civilians, violence in the occupied West Bank, and planned US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon over extending their truce. Political uncertainty persists as Washington and Tehran dispute the ceasefire’s terms and the prospect of negotiations in Pakistan.

Islamabad remains under stringent, repeatedly extended lockdown measures while awaiting uncertain US-Iran negotiations that may be held in the Pakistani capital. Public transport is closed, businesses and restaurants are shut, many workers have been displaced from hostel accommodation, and residents are losing income. The restrictions compound an existing energy crisis linked to the regional war, with fuel shortages causing power cuts and taxi and restaurant businesses suffering. Workers and exam candidates say the government has prioritized hosting the talks over their livelihoods, while officials acknowledge that the country feels stalled by decisions in Washington and Tehran.

Donald Trump extended the US-Iran ceasefire indefinitely until Tehran submits a unified peace proposal and negotiations conclude, while ordering the US blockade of Iranian ports to continue. The announcement followed contradictory threats to resume bombing and drew accusations from Iranian officials that Washington was seeking surrender or preparing a surprise attack. Pakistan is working to convene a second round of talks in Islamabad, but Iran says negotiations cannot resume while the blockade remains. Disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and its regional proxies remain unresolved, with the conflict already intensifying pressure on global oil and gas markets.

The US Senate again failed, by 47 votes to 52, to pass a war powers resolution restricting the Trump administration's military campaign against Iran, with Democrats vowing to keep forcing votes. The White House denied seeking an extension of the fragile US-Iran ceasefire but said negotiations remained productive, with Pakistan likely to host another round. The US said its blockade of Iranian ports was fully operational and announced expanded sanctions on Iran's oil network, while Iran reportedly offered possible navigation concessions in the Strait of Hormuz if an agreement prevents renewed conflict. Israel continued strikes in Lebanon as its security cabinet considered a ceasefire under US pressure; four Lebanese medics were reported killed. International finance ministers and officials warned that the conflict was damaging energy markets, living standards and food security, while the UK called for de-escalation and opposed joining the war.

The US and Iran are pursuing indirect talks to extend a two-week ceasefire scheduled to expire on 22 April, with Pakistan mediating and potentially hosting a second round in Islamabad. Washington says it remains engaged and optimistic about a deal, while Iran reportedly wants Israel to stop attacks on Lebanon before resuming negotiations. Israel continues operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon despite indications that a separate Israel-Lebanon ceasefire may be imminent. The US has also implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports and threatened expanded secondary sanctions, prompting Iranian warnings that trade across the Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea could be halted. China has opposed the blockade, while conflicting claims persist over its military and satellite support for Iran. Donald Trump continues to predict a rapid end to the war, but oil prices and diplomatic prospects remain uncertain.

Face-to-face US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad ended after roughly 21 hours without an agreement. Vice-president JD Vance said Iran rejected the US’s final offer, including a long-term commitment not to develop nuclear weapons or the capability to do so quickly. Iran blamed what it called unreasonable US demands and insisted on issues including sanctions relief, reparations, frozen assets, the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the war. Pakistan facilitated the talks, but Israel continued its attacks on Iran and Lebanon, where more than 2,000 people had reportedly been killed. Disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program remained central, while US and Iranian claims about mine-clearing and naval access to the waterway conflicted.

The United States and Iran began high-level, face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad, with US Vice-President JD Vance leading the American delegation and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi representing Tehran. Pakistan is mediating as the sides discuss security, finance and the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran seeks a Lebanon ceasefire, reparations and the release of frozen assets. The talks take place amid continuing Israeli strikes on Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks, and US efforts to clear mines from Hormuz. Israel says its campaign has damaged Iran’s nuclear and missile programs but remains opposed to a Hezbollah ceasefire, while Lebanon and Israel are preparing separate US-sponsored negotiations.

Islamabad is preparing to host weekend negotiations between Iran and the United States after Pakistan helped broker a two-week ceasefire in the conflict. The capital has been placed under heavy security, with army and paramilitary deployments, road closures, a public holiday, and several possible venues for the talks. The negotiations face major uncertainty because Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon continues and the US and Israel dispute Iran and Pakistan’s claim that Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire. The US delegation is expected to be led by Vice-President JD Vance, while Iran plans to send Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and senior Revolutionary Guard figures. Gulf states including Qatar and Saudi Arabia may participate in parallel discussions.

Pakistan’s military and political leadership worked for weeks to mediate an end to the US-Israeli war with Iran, fearing severe consequences for Pakistan’s economy, security and relations with Saudi Arabia. Army chief Asim Munir and intelligence chief Asim Malik coordinated calls involving US and Iranian officials, while Pakistan persuaded China to intervene and guarantee Iran’s safety during negotiations. The resulting temporary ceasefire was hailed as Pakistan’s biggest diplomatic achievement in years, but the agreement remains fragile amid distrust, continued tensions around Israel, Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz, and fears that Israel or the United Arab Emirates could sabotage peace talks planned for Islamabad.

A Guardian podcast examines the 28 February bombing of Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school in Minab, Iran, during the first US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran. Tess McClure describes the experiences of two families who lost children and explains evidence indicating that the United States was responsible. More than 130 girls and about 30 teachers were reportedly killed, devastating families and communities.

Pakistan and China issued a joint five-part proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire, diplomatic negotiations and protection of waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan is seeking to mediate between the United States and Iran and has proposed Islamabad as a venue for peace talks, but the absence of Washington and Tehran from recent regional discussions has limited progress. Islamabad's initiative reflects both its ambition to regain diplomatic influence and its urgent economic, security and sectarian concerns, including dependence on Gulf energy, its border with Iran and instability in Balochistan.

Parents in Minab describe rushing to Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school after an attack on 28 February 2026, finding the girls’ classrooms flattened and helping search the rubble. Zahra Behroozi, Sobhan and Hanieh Ahmadi, and Arya Bahadori were among the children killed. Families and evidence cited in the report attribute the strike to a US missile during the US-Israeli attack on Iran, while the US military says it is investigating and Donald Trump denies responsibility. One month later, no one had been held accountable, and the families were demanding an international investigation and justice.