The Pakistan Telegraph

Pak-China Strategic Cooperation: A Testimony of Threshold Alliance🧵 “PLA and Pakistan Army are brothers in arms & our relationship will continue to contribute towards safeguarding our collective interests.” – Former COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa Despite too much heterogeneity in terms of culture, history, religion, language, race, economic and political systems & ideological berths, the friendship between Pakistan and China has constantly been on an upward trajectory. Pakistan commenced its strategic relationship with China amid the Cold War period, an era of bipolar world order. Three primary factors that brought Pakistan closer to China were: ◘ Pakistan’s support of China in United Nations forums ◘ The country’s fundamental role in facilitating the Sino-US reconciliation, and ◘ Perceived India as a common threat to both states' national security architectures. However, China immensely supported Pakistan during the Cold War period and helped the country to pursue its nuclear program when it faced the American imposed sanctions in 1989.

Chinese historian and writer Jiang Xueqin: There have been rumors for the past 2 years that Israelis have been conducting archaeological excavations beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque. They could carry out destruction and blame it on a missile attack coming from Iran.

#ISPR Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, visited Kurram to spend Eid-ul-Fitr with the troops and officers. The Field Marshal offered Eid prayers, and prayed for the enduring stability and prosperity of Pakistan. During his interaction with troops and officers, the Field Marshal extended warm Eid greetings and commended their unwavering dedication, high morale, and exemplary professionalism in safeguarding the nation. Appreciating the valour and spirit of the Jawans, the Field Marshal lauded their achievements during Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring lasting peace in the border regions. He emphasized that terrorists operating from sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan will not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s security. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, the Field Marshal reiterated that Afghan soil must not be used by hostile elements for activities against Pakistan. Acknowledging the formations’ tireless efforts, the Field Marshal attributed operational successes to the supreme sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs and the unwavering resolve of officers and soldiers dedicated to the greater cause of national security. The Field Marshal expressed pride in the troops’ steadfastness and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unflinching commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Upon his arrival, the Field Marshal was warmly received by the Corps Commander Peshawar.

BREAKING: Iran has introduced a new 10 million‑rial banknote. ~ Financial Times

JUST IN: Jordan said it intercepted and destroyed 222 missiles and drones out of 240 launched from Iran since the start of the war.

Eid Mubarak

How Can Petroleum Prices Be Managed in Pakistan? Shehbaz Sharif has taken a commendable step by not increasing fuel prices, rejecting proposals to raise petrol and diesel rates significantly. This decision was made to ease public burden during Eid ul Fitr. However, key realities must be understood: Temporary relief: Fuel price caps provide short-term relief but are not sustainable amid rising global oil prices. Economic pressure: Daily fuel consumption requires continuous imports at international rates, putting stress on foreign exchange reserves. Inevitable adjustments: If global prices continue to rise, domestic prices may eventually need to align. Shared responsibility: Reducing petroleum consumption is not just a government task it depends largely on public behavior. The Way Forward:
Lower consumption = Lower economic impact.
Responsible usage today can reduce financial strain tomorrow. Conclusion: 
The government aims to minimize the burden on citizens, but long-term stability requires collective discipline. Public cooperation will determine how effectively Pakistan navigates this challenge. The Government and people of Pakistan stand together today and always.

Pakistan’s Forex Reserves Up for 32 Weeks Straight Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves up for the 32nd consecutive week to $21.7bn - up $2.2bn in 32 weeks. On Latest Weekly: State Bank (SBP) reserves: +$13m WoW → $16.35bn. Commercial bank reserves: +$93m WoW → $5.35bn. Strong Build-Up in SBP Reserves: FY26TD (since Jul-25): +$1.85bn (+12.8%). CY26TD (since Jan-26): +$298m (+1.9%). Since Feb-25: +$5.1bn (+45%) (from $11.25bn to $16.35bn). Key Takeaways: Total reserves at a 4-year high. SBP share rising to 75% (Mar-26) vs 70% (Mar-22) - reflects greater liquidity, policy flexibility and improving crisis-response capacity. Import cover improved to 2.6 months (Mar-26), up ~24% from ~2 months (Mar-22).

JUST IN: An Iranian missile equipped with cluster munitions struck Tel Aviv. There are reports of injuries.

BREAKING: Denmark prepared for a potential conflict with the US by planning to blow up key Greenland runways. Blood supplies were flown in from Danish banks to treat possible casualties — DR

BREAKING: Ali Mohammad Naini, spokesperson of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been killed, Iranian state TV reports.

BREAKING: Switzerland has officially suspended exports of US arms and ammunition orders during the Iran war, under its neutrality policy.

BREAKING: Germany has withdrawn its support for Israel at the International Court of Justice in the Gaza genocide case.

BREAKING: Saudi Arabia warns oil prices could surge to as high as $180 per barrel if disruption from the Iran war continues beyond April – WSJ

BREAKING: Oil tanker company paid Iran $2 million fee for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, FT reports

BREAKING: Iran's attack has wiped out 17% of Qatar's liquified natural gas capacity for up to 5 years, causing around $20 billion in lost annual revenue – Reuters

BREAKING: Power outage has been reported across multiple areas of Haifa, Israel following direct Iranian missile strike on the Haifa refinery. Fears are rising over a possible leak of hazardous materials at the Haifa refinery. Haifa refinery supplies 60% of the country's fuel.

BREAKING: A US F-35 was hit by a suspected Iranian missile during bombing Iran, forcing an emergency landing with the pilot reported in stable condition – CNN This would mark the first time a country has successfully struck an F-35 stealth fighter jet.

BREAKING: FIFA has officially refused to suspend Israel's football association despite calls for a ban over Gaza and the West Bank.

Arnab Goswami’s interview with Israeli officials is an attempt to shape a narrative against Pakistan, portraying it as a rogue nuclear state. Pakistan, however, maintains that its stance is rooted in regional stability and support for the Muslim Ummah. Pakistan has made it clear it will not be swayed by external narratives or pressure. It remains committed to defending its sovereignty and responding firmly to any threats.

The Economist highlighted that in 2026 Pakistan launched operations against Afghanistan after repeated TTP attacks that took over 2,000 Pakistani lives in 2024 alone. Despite Pakistan’s repeated requests to act against these killers, the Afghan Taliban have turned a blind eye, allowing militants to operate freely. Pakistan has always defended its borders and people, but Afghanistan’s refusal to cooperate has forced Islamabad to remain vigilant and respond decisively to protect its citizens.