Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has indicated that a political understanding between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is now more likely and could have a positive impact on advancing the national agenda. While no final decision has been reached, Asif spoke optimistically based on his political experience. Although the PPP is not currently part of the federal cabinet, it has supported the government on crucial issues, including the budget. The PPP has clarified it is not considering joining the government at this moment but will evaluate any proposal if it arises in the future.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad on July 1 to express solidarity with the Iranian people following recent attacks by Israel and the United States. Leading a high-level delegation, he met with Iran’s ambassador and signed a condolence book honoring the victims. Accompanied by key Pakistani officials, the visit underscores Pakistan’s strong support for Iran amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel in the Middle East.

Pakistan has taken over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July 2025, marking its eighth term and first since 2013. As a non-permanent member elected with overwhelming support, Pakistan will lead discussions on pressing global security issues, including crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized commitment to UN principles amid growing conflicts. Pakistan will chair key high-level meetings, including an open debate on Palestine, highlighting its important diplomatic role during this tenure.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has categorically ruled out the possibility of Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel. He emphasized that such a move would contradict Pakistan’s long-standing policy supporting a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on 1967 borders. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif echoed this stance, asserting that Pakistan will make decisions based on national interest, not U.S. pressure.

At least 45 people, including several children, have died across Pakistan due to heavy monsoon rains and sudden flash floods, according to the country’s disaster management authorities. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alone, flash floods claimed 21 lives. In Punjab, 13 people were killed by rain-related wall collapses, while Sindh and Balochistan reported at least 11 additional fatalities. Just last month, another 32 lives were lost in severe storms. Authorities have issued continued warnings for heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

China has renewed a $3.4 billion loan for Pakistan, enhancing the country's foreign exchange reserves to $14 billion when combined with recent commercial and multilateral loans. Of the total, $2.1 billion was renewed from Pakistan's central bank reserves, where the funds had been held for the past three years. Additionally, Beijing has refinanced a $1.3 billion commercial loan repaid by Islamabad two months ago. Pakistan has also secured another $1 billion from Middle Eastern commercial banks and $500 million from multilateral sources.

Iran’s military chief, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support during Israel’s recent 12-day military campaign. In a phone call with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, Mousavi commended Pakistan's government and people for taking a “brave stance” in condemning unprovoked Israeli attacks.

Mousavi acknowledged Iran’s military losses but insisted that Israeli objectives were not achieved. He also criticized Western nations, particularly the Trump administration, for their full-fledged support of Israel.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan early Saturday morning, with the epicenter located approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Barkhan in Balochistan. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, intensifying its impact. No casualties or significant damage have been reported so far.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has responded cautiously to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s call for political dialogue, stating that discussions can only occur if the government genuinely fosters a conducive environment. Raids and arrests of party members contradict the spirit of dialogue, the party said. PTI leader Asad Qaiser emphasized that no formal decision will be made until internal consultations take place. He also criticized the authorities for denying access to the party's founder, calling the current conditions incompatible with meaningful talks.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, reaffirmed that the Kashmiri people's struggle for freedom is lawful and recognized under international law, contrary to India's portrayal of it as terrorism. He emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris resisting what he termed as India’s illegal occupation and accused India of inflaming regional tensions as Pakistan nears victory over terrorism. He reiterated support for the UN resolutions on Kashmir and urged solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

A suicide car bombing in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region has left at least 13 soldiers dead and 24 others injured. According to security officials, the attacker detonated an explosive device near a vehicle belonging to the bomb disposal unit. A Taliban-aligned militant faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur has claimed responsibility for the attack. Reports indicate that nearly 290 people have died in militant attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since the beginning of this year.

Pakistan has welcomed a supplementary ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, which reinforces that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. Islamabad stated that the ruling makes it clear the arbitration process cannot be bypassed, and that both parties must agree for the treaty to be altered or terminated. A PCA press release reiterated that India cannot place the treaty in abeyance on its own. Pakistan also reaffirmed its willingness to engage in bilateral talks with India on the matter.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that following the Pahalgam attack and last month's intense but brief military standoff with Pakistan, India has lost credibility on the international stage due to a lack of transparency and the dissemination of false information. Speaking on Friday, Bilawal stated, “The global audience has seen and accepted reports from Pakistani media. It is now widely understood that the Indian government is not being truthful. Despite claims of neutral journalism, the Indian media has failed to substantiate its assertions.” He praised Pakistan's leadership for its transparency, noting that while India took a month to acknowledge the downing of its fighter jet, Pakistan revealed it immediately. He also cited a U.S. general’s recent testimony before Congress, calling Pakistan “an exceptional partner in the fight against terrorism.”

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, accused India of being the largest state sponsor of regional terrorism. Speaking at the 52nd Common Training Program, he urged neighboring countries to stay alert against India’s proxy terrorist activities. Munir emphasized Pakistan’s desire for friendly ties with Afghanistan but warned against using Afghan territory for Indian proxies. Recently awarded the Field Marshal title, Munir highlighted India’s internal discrimination against minorities as a root cause of terrorism and assured Pakistan’s full military preparedness.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In a statement, Rubio emphasized that Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to establish lasting peace between Israel and Iran and to maintain regional stability. Notably, Pakistan does not have formal diplomatic ties with Israel.