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The May war

A YEAR since India launched unprovoked attacks against Pakistan using the Pahalgam tragedy as an excuse, and this country defended itself with full vigour, the stalemate in South Asia continues. The principal reason for this remains India’s obduracy and its unwillingness for a peaceful settlement with Pakistan. As conflict engulfs the rest of the region, New Delhi should be thinking of ways to bring down the temperature bilaterally. But unfortunately, the Indian leadership remains wedded to bellicosity, with senior figures in the BJP-led government continuing to threaten Pakistan. Last May’s brief Pakistan-India war brought several truths to the fore, and offered lessons for those willing to learn. For one, Pakistan retained the moral high ground by only hitting military targets in India. New Delhi’s forces, on the other hand, had no compunctions about hitting mosques, madressahs and civilian water projects in Pakistan. Moreover, Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly the PAF, rep...
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Players would boycott French Open over prize money dispute, says Sabalenka

Players would ​boycott the French Open if their prize money at the claycourt Grand Slam is not increased, women’s world number ‌one Aryna Sabalenka said on Tuesday, with Coco Gauff also voicing support for the drastic step. The threat deepens a dispute between players and Roland Garros organisers over prize money distribution, even though this year’s tournament offers a 9.5 per cent increase to 61.7 million euros ($72.19 million). Several top players released a statement on Monday saying they were set to receive prize money ​that would likely still be less than 15pc of tournament revenue, well short of the 22pc they demanded to match the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) ​and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) combined 1000 events. When asked how far players might push their demands, Sabalenka told reporters at the ⁠Italian Open: “I think at some point we will boycott it (the tournament), yeah. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to ​fight for our rights. “Let’s see h...
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Ukraine and Russia declare separate truces

Russia on Monday declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine between May 8-9, when Moscow marks its annual World War II Victory Day commemorations, and threatened a “massive missile strike” on Kyiv if Ukraine violated it. Ukraine responded by declaring a truce of its own between May 5-6, saying it was “not serious” to expect it to observe a ceasefire during a Russian military holiday. The quarrelling between the two sides comes with a lull in US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war, as Washington shifts its focus to conflict in the Middle East . Russian strikes killed nine people across Ukraine on Monday, according to Ukrainian officials, while a Ukrainian drone crashed into a high-rise building in an upscale Moscow neighbourhood overnight. “In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8–9, 2026… We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit,” the Russian defence ministry sai...
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Support among American Jews for US-led war on Iran declines: survey

WASHINGTON: Public opinion within parts of the American-Jewish community on the US-led war against Iran has shown a noticeable shift, with support easing and opposition rising over time, according to a recent survey. While different polls focus on different segments of the community, both point to growing reservations about the campaign as it has progressed. The Jewish People Policy Institute’s “Voice of the Jewish People Index” survey, which tracks attitudes among a more connected segment of American Jews engaged with organised communal life, records a steady decline in support over the course of the conflict. Backing fell from 68 per cent in the war’s first week to 62pc in the third week, and further to 60pc in the week following the ceasefire, while opposition rose from 26pc to 34pc over the same period, the survey shows. A separate nationwide survey conducted by GBAO Strategies for the advocacy group J Street, which reflects a broader sample of American Jewish voters, suggests...
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A gas sector gaslighting itself

Pakistan’s gas sector has an allocation problem, not a supply problem. The country already produces and imports enough gas to serve the existing network more intelligently. Pakistan’s energy ladder runs in cruel reverse. The poorest households, those in places where clean-fuel access remains thin and where firewood, dung, crop residue, or cylinders remain the default, pay the most for energy. Around 40 per cent of Pakistani households still use wood or sticks for cooking, while only 38pc have access to clean fuel for cooking, lighting, and heating. In Balochistan, that clean-fuel figure is only about one in four households. The household outside the pipe is the majority experience, not an exception. LPG, one rung up the income ladder, is also expensive once converted into useful heat. At official notified consumer prices, LPG is roughly Rs4,900 per metric million British thermal unit (MMBtu) on a gross energy basis. After accounting for burner losses, cylinder handling, retail margin...
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In pictures: Glimpses of the star-studded HBL PSL 11 closing ceremony in Lahore

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The final match of the 11th HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition was preceded by a star-studded closing ceremony of the tournament, featuring fireworks and performances by popular singers, including Aima Baig, Arif Lohar and Atif Aslam. Scores of spectators arrived at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on a hot Sunday to witness the gala event that was followed by the final clash between Peshawar Zalmi and debutant Hyderabad Kingsmen. Here are some glimpses of the closing ceremony. Spectators witness fireworks at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ahead of HBL PSL 11 final match on May 3, 2026. — White Star Dancing groups representing different franchises perform at the closing ceremony of the HBL PSL 11 on May 3, 2026. — White Star Singers perform at the closing ceremony of the HBL PSL 11 on May 3, 2026. — White Star Singer Arif Lohar performs at the closing ceremony of the HBL PSL 11 on May 3...
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Germany takes US troop drawdown in stride but deterrence gaps remain

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US President Donald Trump has called for a reduced military presence in Germany and urged Europe to take responsibility for its defence.—Reuters • German minister says move should spur Europeans as Pentagon announces withdrawal of 5,000 troops • Two top US Republican lawmakers ​express ‘concern’ over decision • Nato says it’s working with US to understand details of plan • Transatlantic tensions simmer over Iran and tariffs BERLIN: A planned drawdown of 5,000 US troops from Germany should spur Europeans to strengthen their own defences, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday, as the continent scrambles to boost deterrence against Russia. However, two top US Republican lawmakers expressed concern, saying the troops should not leave Europe. The Pentagon announced the drawdown from Germany, its largest European base, on Friday, as a rift over the Iran war and tariff tensions place further strain on relations between the US and Europe. As ...
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