The US House Foreign Affairs Committee has strongly criticised The New York Times for its coverage of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The panel condemned the NYT for calling the attack by Pakistan-based group The Resistance Front- an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba a “militant” incident rather than a terrorist act. The committee posted on social media, stating, “This was a terrorist attack, plain and simple,” accusing the NYT of being “removed from reality” when reporting on terrorism in India and Israel. Analysts also highlighted the West’s double standards, pointing out how global media often misrepresents acts of terror in South Asia through diluted language.
INDIA ORDERS DEPORTATION OF PAKISTANIS
Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including tourists and a newly-wed Navy officer, Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all states to identify and deport Pakistani nationals. India has also cancelled all Pakistani visas effective April 27, except medical visas valid for 48 more hours. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-based terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has led to India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and intensifying diplomatic action. Pakistan has retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and closing its airspace. Prime Minister Modi vowed to punish the perpetrators and those sheltering them.
PAK DEFENCE MINISTER ADMITS TERROR ROLE
In a striking admission, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja M Asif confessed during an interview with Sky News that Islamabad supported and funded terrorist groups to serve Western interests. He referred to this support as “dirty work” for the US and UK during the Soviet-Afghan war and post-9/11. Asif called it a “mistake,” adding that Pakistan suffered because of it. The revelation follows the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India, allegedly executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. Critics argue Pakistan continues to provide safe havens for terror groups, fueling unrest in the region. The admission has triggered global concern and diplomatic scrutiny.
TRUMP ASSERTS RUSSIA’S CRIMEA OWNERSHIP
In a bold interview, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Crimea “will stay with Russia,” urging Ukraine to accept territorial loss to end the ongoing war. Trump blamed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for prolonging the conflict and delaying peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia escalated attacks, including a deadly drone strike in Pavlohrad, killing civilians. Trump’s envoy is in Moscow for further talks with Putin. The crisis deepens amid rising casualties, intensified Russian offensives, and a bombing in Moscow killing a senior Russian officer. Ukraine remains firm on reclaiming Crimea, despite U.S. pressure for concessions.
CHINA DEMANDS TARIFFS BE REMOVED BEFORE TRADE TALKS
China has firmly stated that trade negotiations with the US can only begin if all unilateral tariffs are lifted. Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong rejected reports of ongoing talks, emphasizing that Washington must show “sincerity and respect.” Despite President Trump’s recent openness to reducing the current 145% tariff on Chinese goods, Beijing remains unmoved. It seeks clear US positions on sanctions and Taiwan, a dedicated contact for negotiations, and more consistency. Meanwhile, China is working to strengthen ties with the EU and Japan resists being pulled into an anti-China bloc, prioritizing its economic ties with Beijing over US pressure.
