
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that sustainable peace and normalization of relations between Pakistan and India are impossible without resolving the Kashmir dispute. Addressing an Overseas Pakistanis Convention in London, the premier stated that any belief that bilateral relations can be established without addressing the Kashmir issue constitutes living in a "fool's paradise." He emphasized that Pakistan seeks dialogue with India on the basis of equality, noting that the two countries have spent billions of dollars on wars that could have been invested in public welfare and development.
Sharif criticized New Delhi's approach and urged India to behave as a cooperative neighbor rather than a combative one. "Pakistan and India are neighbors we must learn to live together. But let me be clear: there can be no normalization of ties without resolving Kashmir," he added. The prime minister's comments come amid heightened tensions following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed by militants.
The prime minister also addressed the Pahalgam incident, recalling that he had announced the formation of an international committee and clarifying that Pakistan had no connection with it. He said Pakistan had repeatedly offered India a transparent investigation into the matter. Regarding the events of May 6, Sharif stated that when Pakistan decided to respond to India, the military leadership did not look back, claiming that in a decisive response, six Indian planes were destroyed.
During his speech, Sharif praised overseas Pakistanis as the "true ambassadors" of the country, acknowledging their hard work and immense contribution to Pakistan's economy. He revealed that overseas Pakistanis remitted $48.5 billion this year alone, calling these remittances a lifeline for the nation. The prime minister assured the government's commitment to protecting their rights and representing their concerns internationally, saluting them for defending Pakistan's image abroad.
Police in Newry are investigating a violent altercation that occurred outside the Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Francis Street on Saturday evening. The incident, which involved a group of young males, took place at approximately 5:40 pm on October 18, prompting emergency services to respond to the scene.
Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the disturbance, including two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrests were made on suspicion of multiple offenses, including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Two of the detained males, aged 16 and 17, have been released on bail pending further police inquiries, while the other 17-year-old was released unconditionally. The Police Service of Northern Ireland continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation that began at the shopping center and continued onto the adjacent street.
Authorities are particularly concerned about a male youth believed to have been assaulted during the incident who left the scene before officers arrived. Inspector Ritchie stated that police have concerns for the individual's wellbeing and are urging him to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage are asked to contact Ardmore police station quoting reference number 1120 of 18/10/25.