Shemrez Nauman Afzal

Senior Associate @midstonecentre • Contributor @TFT_ @nayadaurpk • Optimizing #OSINT #SOCMINT inputs for #publicpolicy #humansecurity • RTs mostly aggregation

[Shemrez Nauman Afzal @shemrez]

For #Pakistan, #OperationGhazabLilHaq is a defensive necessity, not an offensive war of choice. And despite the #Eid-ul-Fitr “pause”, it should not be misconstrued as a #counterinsurgency spillover: Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq has become a low-intensity interstate #conflict which still has serious escalation potential.

Read my latest analysis at @TFT_: https://t.co/crMgCesdYE

#operation_ghazab_lil_haqq #Afghanistan #Taliban

[Zafar Khan @zafarwafa1977]

“Weak Theory Triggers Wrong Empirical Evidence”

The common wisdom is that a state should acquire nuclear weapons in response to its acute rival, a security-oriented theoretical lens that this article seeks to challenge by offering an alternative, albeit confusing, theoretical lens that lacks strong empirical support.

1. The US was the first to acquire nuclear weapons with weak conventional forces. It did not react to any nuclear rival in the system. It was rather the Soviet Union, with strong conventional forces, that felt threatened by the US acquisition of nuclear weapons, thereby reacting and testing its own nuclear weapons in 1949.

2. Because of the increasing conventional asymmetry between the US and the Soviet Union, the US opted for the First Use nuclear option to offset the Soviets’ growing conventional and nuclear forces.

3. When the article has a weak theoretical foundation, it will suffer from weak and/ or twisted empirical evidence.

4. This article, with a weak theoretical foundation, thereby supplies wrong empirical evidence by arguing that India acquired nuclear weapons in the 1980s. In fact, India has a strong foundation with the realist scientist Homi J. Bhabha trying to convince the Indian leadership in the 1950s and 1960s to develop nuclear weapons, even long before the Chinese could develop and test their nuclear weapons in 1964.

5. India eventually tested its nuclear weapon in 1974, calling it a Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE). Historically, it remained a nuclear weapon test. Therefore, India becomes the first country to nuclearize South Asia.

6. Pakistan, in reaction, acquired its nuclear capability in the late 1980s, and eventually tested for defensive purposes against India in 1998 when India tested against in May 1998. Pakistan had to follow suit. This is a classic security case, both supported by the theoretical and strong empirical evidence.

7. Calling China and Pakistan as nuclear threats to India cannot theoretically and empirically be justified, as this article tries to do so. Rather, India‘s long-standing pursuit of nuclear weapons and being the first to nuclearize South Asia becomes a security threat to China and Pakistan.

In other words, India threatened Pakistan with its acquisition of nuclear weapons. Pakistan, in response to this longstanding security threat, followed suit to create a strategic balance.

8. Pakistan follows Full Spectrum Deterrence, within the broader ambit of Credible Minimum Deterrence, while encompassing multi-domain security imperatives, including conventional deterrence, and deters India at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.

Thus, it provides no space for India to wage a limited war in South Asia.

9. I argue that this article deviates from a correct theoretical framework. Once the theory remains weak and non-explanatory, then it may deviate from the correct empirical evidence as well.

@clary_co @rohan_mukh
#India #China #Pakistan #nuclear #conflict #threat #theory #evidence

[Carl Zha @CarlZha]

New York Times in 1985:

“far more than China today, India is an economic miracle waiting to happen.”

[Khalil Hashmi @KhalilHashmi]

Delighted to visit Tencent HQ in Shenzhen along with my fellow Ambassadors this week, one of China's leading technology giants and the developer of WeChat, the pioneering "super app" used by over a billion people for communication, payments, commerce, transportation, healthcare, public services, and much more.

Tencent's pathbreaking work in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital ecosystems, fintech, healthcare technologies, and industrial digitalization is truly remarkable. Particularly impressive is Tencent's ability to translate innovation into practical solutions at scale and thereby connecting people, businesses, and services through a seamless digital ecosystem that has become an integral part of daily life for millions.

Equally noteworthy are Tencent's contributions to digital healthcare such as AI-enabled medical imaging, smart healthcare platforms, and digital tools that support hospitals, healthcare professionals, and patients. It was was fascinating to learn how immersive digital technologies are being used to create virtual, real-time experiences of archaeological sites, historical ruins, museums, and cultural landmarks and in that fashion enabling wider public access to cultural heritage while supporting its preservation and appreciation.

Tencent's commitment to sustainable development specially its carbon neutrality goals and efforts to harness technology in support of green growth is commendable.

Tencent's journey is a powerful illustration of how innovation and a long-term vision can contribute to economic transformation, cultural preservation, and societal progress. Way to go, Tencent!

@ForeignOfficePk @PakinChina_ @PkPublicDiplo @ShazaFK

很高兴本周与其他大使一道参观位于深圳的腾讯总部。腾讯是中国领先的科技巨头之一，也是微信的开发者。微信作为开创性的“超级应用”，拥有超过十亿用户，广泛应用于通信、支付、电商、交通、医疗、公共服务等众多领域。
腾讯在人工智能、云计算、数字生态系统、金融科技、医疗科技以及产业数字化等方面所取得的开创性成就令人赞叹。尤其令人印象深刻的是，腾讯能够将创新转化为大规模落地的实际解决方案，通过无缝衔接的数字生态系统连接个人、企业和各类服务，而这一生态系统已成为数百万用户日常生活中不可或缺的一部分。
同样值得称道的是，腾讯在数字医疗领域所作出的贡献，例如基于人工智能的医学影像技术、智慧医疗平台，以及支持医院、医护人员和患者的数字化工具。尤其令人着迷的是，了解到沉浸式数字技术正被用于打造考古遗址、历史遗迹、博物馆和文化地标的实时虚拟体验，以这种方式让更多公众能够接触和了解文化遗产，同时促进其保护与传承。
腾讯对可持续发展的承诺同样值得赞赏，特别是在实现碳中和目标以及利用科技推动绿色增长方面所付出的努力。
腾讯的发展历程生动诠释了创新精神与长期愿景如何推动经济转型、促进文化遗产保护，并助力社会进步。
继续加油，腾讯！

[Global Times @globaltimesnews]

#Opinion:
As #India’s biggest defense procurement plan in history, the landmark deal to purchase 114 Rafale jets from #France for 3.25 trillion rupees ($33.9 billion) lays bare New Delhi’s strategic calculus amid intensifying major-power competition and its anxieties over achieving indigenous defense self-reliance.
https://t.co/l4n2awfr6k

[Anas Mallick @AnasMallick]

Pakistan’s @ForeignOfficePk “categorically REJECTS India’s baseless remarks regarding the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. As a global leader in propagating fake narratives and tendentious propaganda, India’s outlandish claims are part of a familiar and carefully choreographed attempt to conflate fact with fiction”

[Iftikhar Firdous @IftikharFirdous]

The number of targeted killings in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan against pro-government tribals, their immediate families and law enforcement personnel is continuing unabated. These don’t make headlines or even make it to the alerts of news channels. The numbers are now in hundreds, eroding the state support, of whatever little remains in these areas.

[Radio Muft Baluchistan @DerArschloch]

This is why Indian charade of dehyphenation fell flat. They spent better part of two decades to dehyphenate from Pakistan. Americans loved it. They could see India rising as a bulwark against China, they poured money and weapons inside India. But everyone realizes now, Indians can never dehyphenate themselves from Pakistan. They're mentally obsessed. And too cowardly to stand up to China anyways. It doesn't matter who the Indian is, where he is, what his job is, they're all forever obsessed with Pakistan. Whereas Pakistan never looks to it's east. The interest in India is purely national security and Kashmir related. Nothing else.

[DG ISPR @OfficialDGISPR]

On 3/4 Jun 2026, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Panjgur District of Balochistan, on reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan.

During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged multiple terrorist locations, and after intense fire exchanges, six Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell.

Weapons, ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices and vehicle have also been recovered from killed Indian sponsored terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area. Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

[Behram Khan @behram_91khan]

Pakistani security forces have released footage of the Panjgur operation.

During the operation, terrorists were engaged using Cobra helicopters, followed by the deployment of the Special Services Group (SSG) on the ground.

Six terrorists, reportedly affiliated with the BLA, were neutralized in this successful operation.

#Pakistan #Panjgur #Balochistan

[Markhor Pakistan @AabparaX]

Bulbul, Balochistan, 2 June 26: Decisive Security Forces Operation Foils Major Terrorist Plot

In the early hours of 2 June 26, security forces executed a swift, intelligence-led and tactically calibrated counter-terrorism operation in Balbal village, Balochistan, decisively disrupting a major terrorist design before it could mature into a high-casualty attack. Displaying battlefield initiative, operational composure, and exceptional combat resolve, the troops moved with speed, precision, and fire discipline to intercept hostile elements, neutralize the immediate threat, and shield innocent civilians from grave harm.

At the centre of this mission stood the Counter-IED team of an excellent infantry regiment, whose courage, technical mastery, and mission focus proved decisive. Operating in a hostile environment under evolving threat conditions, the team carried out route sanitization, threat identification, explosive hazard mitigation, and combat clearance with remarkable professionalism. Their timely action led to the detection and successful defusing of an improvised explosive device placed on a route leading to a nearby post, preventing a possible mass-casualty incident and denying terrorists their intended operational effect.

During the evacuation phase, the security convoy came under aggressive small-arms and grenade fire from positions in the nearby village. In the face of this treacherous contact, troops maintained tactical cohesion, established fire superiority, protected the evacuation column, and continued the mission with unwavering resolve. In this intense engagement, one brave son of the soil embraced shahadat in the line of duty, sealing the operation with the highest tradition of sacrifice, courage, and national service.

As the situation escalated, additional troops and aerial support were immediately inducted into the area of operations. Army aviation provided aerial overwatch and precision support, suppressing hostile fire, shaping the battlespace, and enabling ground elements to regain tactical momentum. The synchronized application of ground manoeuvre, aviation support, counter-IED capability, and disciplined fire control reflected superior operational readiness, command responsiveness, and battlefield professionalism.

By the evening, security forces had successfully cleared the area, neutralized hostile elements, restored full operational control, and denied terrorists the psychological and tactical success they sought. The Balbal operation stands as a powerful demonstration of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism resilience and the armed forces’ unbreakable commitment to defend the people, protect the state, and secure every inch of the motherland. A detailed investigation is now underway to identify the facilitators, handlers, and support network behind the attack, with the objective of dismantling the entire hostile architecture.

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan @ForeignOfficePk]

🇵🇰 Youm-e-Takbeer 28 May, is more than a date, it’s a declaration written in the courage of a nation. A declaration that our sovereignty is non-negotiable. That our unity cannot be broken. That our commitment to peace, for our region and beyond will never waver.

Today, we stand together as one people, honoring the past and building toward a future worthy of every sacrifice made.

Long Live Pakistan 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰

#PakistanZindabad #YoumeTakbeer

[Chinese Emb Pakistan @CathayPak]

We strongly condemn the terrorist attack near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, extend our deep condolences to the deceased victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, and wish for the early recovery of the injured. We firmly oppose any form of terrorism and will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism and protecting the safety of the people. We stand firmly with our Pakistani brothers and sisters at this moment.
ہم کوئٹہ کے قریب چمن پھاٹک میں ہونے والے دہشت گرد حملے کی شدید مذمت کرتے ہیں، جاں بحق ہونے والے افراد کے لیے گہرے دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار کرتے ہیں، سوگوار خاندانوں سے دلی ہمدردی کا اظہار کرتے ہیں، اور زخمیوں کی جلد صحت یابی کے لیے دعاگو ہیں۔ ہم ہر قسم کی دہشت گردی کی سختی سے مخالفت کرتے ہیں اور ہمیشہ کی طرح پاکستان کی دہشت گردی کے خلاف جدوجہد اور عوام کے تحفظ کے لیے بھرپور حمایت جاری رکھیں گے۔ اس مشکل گھڑی میں ہم اپنے پاکستانی بھائیوں اور بہنوں کے ساتھ مضبوطی سے کھڑے ہیں۔

[Nawaz Sharif @NawazSharifMNS]

On the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China, sincere congratulations and best wishes are extended to the leadership and people of both nations.

Our partnership remains a cornerstone of progress, development, and strategic cooperation.

Our iron-clad brotherhood with China is built on a foundation of mutual trust, shared vision, and deep-rooted friendship. This partnership will continue to pave the way for economic prosperity and regional stability for generations to come.

This all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to peace and development, has achieved significant milestones in economic cooperation, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.

We are pleased to sign today the landmark MoU between Pakistan Muslim League-N (PMLN) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) for enhancement of cooperation between two political parties .
Long live Pak-China friendship!🇵🇰🤝🇨🇳

#75YearsOfPakChinaFriendship #PMLN #CPC

[Shen Shiwei 沈诗伟 @shen_shiwei]

Welcome to Beijing!🇵🇰Pakistani Prime Minister @CMShehbaz!
🇨🇳Chinese PLA Guard of Honor stationed at the airport.

🇨🇳Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang will hold meetings with Sharif during his visit.

Tomorrow, I will attend the reception commemorating 75th anniversary of China-#Pakistan diplomatic relations!

[DG ISPR @OfficialDGISPR]

In continuation of series of intelligence based operations, in last forty eight hours Security Forces engaged multiple Khwarijs’ locations in general area Datta Khel, North Waziristan District.

Following intense and fierce exchanges of fire, eleven khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij were effectively neutralized.

Weapons and ammunition have also been recovered from killed Indian sponsored Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

Sanitization operations continue to eliminate holed up khwarij from these areas, as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

[Embassy of Russia in Pakistan @RusEmbPakistan]

❗️The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan strongly condemns the May 24 terrorist attack in the vicinity of a railway station in Quetta, Balochistan province.

We hope that those who organized this attack will be identified and brought to justice.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish all those injured a speedy recovery.

[Reuters @Reuters]

A bomb blast hit a shuttle train carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families in the southwestern province of Balochistan in the ‌latest major attack claimed by separatist militants https://t.co/WBcZiewamG

[Türkiye in Pakistan @TC_IslamabadBE]

At a time when Pakistan is making determined efforts for peace and dialogue in the region, the heinous terrorist attack in Quetta stands beyond condemnation.

May Allah grant His mercy upon those who lost their lives, and may He give strength and patience to their families and to the brotherly people of Pakistan.

Türkiye stands shoulder to shoulder with brotherly Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.

🇹🇷🇵🇰🇹🇷🇵🇰🇹🇷🇵🇰

Pakistan’ın bölgede barış ve diyaloğun tesisi yönündeki kararlı çabalarını sürdürdüğü bir dönemde, Quetta’da gerçekleştirilen menfur terör saldırısını en güçlü şekilde kınıyoruz.

Hayatını kaybedenlere Allah’tan rahmet; ailelerine ve kardeş Pakistan halkına ise metanet ve sabır diliyoruz.

Türkiye, terörle mücadelesinde kardeş Pakistan ile dayanışma içinde olmaya devam edecektir.

[Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz]

I strongly condemn the heinous bomb explosion near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many others injured.

Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Balochistan in this hour of grief.

[Bloomberg @business]

An explosion on a railway track in the Pakistani city of Quetta has left at least 16 people dead, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan https://t.co/VMxDQLTiz8