President Donald Trump playfully considered dismissing his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. He stated that he would keep her despite receiving overwhelmingly negative press coverage. Trump believes the public does not trust the media. Leavitt has a history of confronting reporters
April 2026: 5 simple ways to attract positive energy and clarityThis is not a month to rush or force clarity. Instead, it is a time to slow down, stabilise your energy, and let things fall into place naturally. Published on: Apr 01, 2026 10:29 AM IST Edited by Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link
Overall conditions in Delhi are expected to remain variable, with a mix of brief cooling, rising temperatures and intermittent rainfall. No extreme weather is forecast yet. Today’s Weather: Delhi-NCR witnessed unseasonal rain on Tuesday, leading to a drop in daytime temperatures
‘We are deeply disturbed’: Raqesh Bapat’s family slams Vishal Kotian over personal remarks, clash on Bigg Boss Marathi 6Raqesh Bapat landed in a heated controversy on Bigg Boss Marathi 6 as his clash with Vishal Kotian escalated from a verbal spat to a physical altercation. Apr 1, 2026
Petrol & Diesel Price Hike: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased the prices of premium fuels in Delhi, even as volatility in global energy markets continues amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The price of IndianOil’s XP100 petrol, India’s first 100-octane premium fuel
Fifty years apart, Yom Kippur war of 1973 and ongoing Gaza conflict shape Saudi Arabia-Pakistan relations
Fifty years apart, Yom Kippur war of 1973 and ongoing Gaza conflict shape Saudi Arabia-Pakistan relations
Two conflicts separated by half a century — the 1973 Yom Kippur War and the 2023 Gaza conflict — have shaped Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. Following the setback to Israel in the Yom Kippur War the global and regional dynamics in South Asia prompted Pakistan to reach out to Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, the unfolding Gulf scenario since the beginning of the October 7, 2023 Gaza conflict has brought the two sides closer once again. Official sources in New Delhi on Friday (September 19, 2025) said that this time, Israeli bombing of Qatar probably prompted Saudi Arabia to reach out to Pakistan but they said that the two sides have a partnership that stretches back at least half a century.
Opinion | The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy
The oil embargo imposed by the Arab countries, mainly at the urging of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, jolted the West in 1973. Pakistan, despite being a strong ally of the U.S. since the early Cold War years and despite having served as a trusted courier for the U.S. in its 1971 historic outreach to China, sided with the Arab countries in this phase.
Pakistan's former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shahid M. Amin, has written in his autobiography, Reminiscences of a Pakistani Diplomat (2009),that the first hint of a possible military alliance between Arab countries came after Syria employed several Pakistani air force pilots in its air force that fought Israel in 1973.
Earlier, Zia-ul-Haq, the future military ruler of Pakistan, had served as a military advisor to King Hussein of Jordan, where in 1970 he helped the Jordanian government to deal with the Black September rebellion by the Palestinian rebels. Amin has said that during dogfights with the Israeli air force in 1973, the Pakistani pilots in the Syrian Air Force managed to shoot down “a couple of Israeli jets”, which made a “deep impression” among the Arab countries, leading to the rise of “Pakistani military deputationists” in several Arab capitals.
As a sense of solidarity emerged among the Arab and Muslim-majority countries after the 1973 war with Israel, the Secretary General of the OIC Tengku Abdul Rahman of Malaysia, suggested that an emergency summit should be held to assess the prevailing situation in West Asia.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto seized the opportunity and offered to host the summit in Lahore. The Islamic Summit in Lahore was attended by most of the major leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority countries, starting with Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, Yasser Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and, most importantly, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of newly independent Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan), who travelled to Lahore to attend the summit.
In a sign of reconciliation, Mujib and Bhutto embraced each other at a public rally, indicating a closure of the bitter phase of 1971. The pro-U.S. Shah of Iran stayed away, as he was having a war of words with Gaddafi at that time.
Editorial | Shifting sands: On the defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan
With the successful holding of the Lahore Islamic Summit in 1974, a new realisation dawned in the Arab Desk of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, where Amin was in charge. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had been friends since the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947 and in 1967 the two sides had signed a defence agreement, but keeping the recent surge of petrodollars from the Gulf sheikhdoms in mind, Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto came up with the idea of an outreach with his Foreign Minister Aziz Ahmed, as the leader of the team.
The idea was to appeal for assistance from the petrodollar — rich United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The team first landed in UAE where they had the task of impressing President Sheikh Zayed, who was the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the main oil producer among the seven constituent Emirates of the UAE. Amin has written that Sheikh Zayed spoke about his love for Pakistan and politely heard Mr. Ahmed's request for financial assistance to Pakistan and offered $100 million.
Taking forward Bhutto's petrodollar diplomacy, the Pakistani team reached Saudi Arabia next and was hosted here by King Faisal. The Saudi government discreetly asked the Pakistani team about the amount that Abu Dhabi had offered and on hearing the amount, the Saudis offered $300 million and flew the Pakistani team home in a Lockheed Jetstar aircraft.
King Faisal was assassinated in 1975 by one of his nephews in a mysterious situation and his successor was King Khaled. In September 1975, Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited the summer capital of Saudi Arabia in Taif, a mountainous area near Mecca.
Apart from Bhutto, the Pakistani delegation had Aziz Ahmed, Shahid M. Amin, who headed the Arab Desk in MoFA, and Foreign Secretary Agha Shahi. During a break in the talks where Bhutto sought Saudi assistance to purchase fighter aircraft necessary to counter India's regional dominance, Saudi Ambassador Riad al-Khateeb asked Amin about how much assistance Pakistanis expected from the Saudi government.
Amin refused to give a firm response, saying what al-Khateeb thought would be the reasonable amount. In response, Riad al-Khateeb said King Khaled and Crown Prince Fahad planned to extend a grant of $1-2 billion. “The figure mentioned by Riad al-Khateeb was much more than what we had in mind and encouraged Pakistan to widen its expectations,” wrote Shahid M. Amin, giving a hint of the vital assistance that the Saudis provided to Pakistan to help it recover from the blow of 1971 that ultimately assisted it in becoming a nuclear power.
Published - September 20, 2025 03:47 am IST
Israel-Palestine Conflict / Pakistan / Saudi Arabia
Source: The Hindu
Related Posts: Zeishan Quadri Compares Bigg Boss 19 Conflicts To Indian equities have proven resilient despite major conflicts in 15 years Why Lori Loughlin-Mossimo Giannulli separated after 28 years Punch the monkey to be separated from stuffed toy Govt working to minimise impact of global conflicts on people Bar and Bench cannot be separated in justice delivery system Kane Williamson returns to test action with a half century for New Zealand against West Indies How the Commonwealth War Graves Commission aims to correct some historical wrongs of World War II How much money US burnt through weapons in first two days of Iran war Two Australian States Roll Out Free Transport As Iran War Pushes Fuel Prices Higher
A group of retired civil servants and former diplomats on Tuesday expressed concerns about a recent order issued by Assam’s special chief secretary for environment deploying about 1,600 personnel of the state’s forest protection force for duties related to the upcoming Assembly elections
6 hours ago
Nita Ambani wows in minimal look for Mumbai Indians team dinner; her pink diamond earrings are anything but simpleNita Ambani hosted the Mumbai Indians team at the Ambani residence, Antilia. She wore a simple floral look for the occasion, styled with diamond jewels. Updated on: Apr 01
6 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Frustrated with slow tablets? These top 5 reliable tablets fix that, picks from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, moreThese tablets come with newer and faster processors and adequate storage
6 hours ago
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed their decision on Fakhar Zaman on Tuesday following the ball tampering incident in Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings fixture held on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Fakhar Zaman has received a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
6 hours ago
Does your house have a concrete roof or a thatched one? What is your main cereal? Do you have internet access - or just a basic mobile phone? And how many married couples live under your roof? These are among the 33 questions that more than a billion Indians will be asked as the country launches
6 hours ago
Divorced couples in Japan are now allowed to share custody of their children, after a landmark revision to Japan's Civil Code took effect on Wednesday. Before the amendment was approved by parliament in 2024, Japan was the only G7 country that did not recognise the legal concept of joint custody
6 hours ago
Dubai, Apr 1 (AP) US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that the responsibility for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open should belong with countries that rely on it, rather than the US. He said there’s “no reason for us to do this." Trump expressed frustration earlier Tuesday with
6 hours ago
The buzz around the rebranded Lucknow Super Giants team is high ahead of the new Indian Premier League season. The Shaheed Path highway here, which leads into the city from the airport, is dotted with flags and cutouts of the host side’s players on the eve of their campaign opener against Delhi
6 hours ago
Miss India Nikita Porwal brings celestial beauty to fashion awards, fans call her a goddess: 'Miss World right there'Miss India Nikita Porwal shines on the red carpet in a stunning gown adorned with shimmering pearls and crystals that caught the light with every movement. Published on: Apr 01
6 hours ago
April Full Moon 2026: Tarot guidance and rituals for each zodiac signPink Moon 2026: Even if you do not believe in tarot or moon rituals, taking a few quiet moments for yourself can still feel calming and helpful. Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 9:30 AM IST By Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link The Full
6 hours ago
In a first for the country, the Ministry of Mines informed on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that thirty mineral blocks have been made operational in a single financial year, that is, FY 2025-26. Essential to note, most of the blocks that have been made operational are that of limestone
6 hours ago
Having risen steadily over time, the share of Indian households who use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as their primary source of fuel for cooking is now at 60% as of 2024. Another 33% of households still used firewood. This data comes from India's Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys
6 hours ago
Reliance Jio is known for its innovative offerings, whether it’s free internet or budget-friendly recharge plans. Now, the company is venturing into the electric bike market with an upcoming e-bike that promises to feature remarkable specifications
6 hours ago
Italy shattered as distraught players left in tears after missing World Cup for third straight time - See Photos Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 10:35 AM IST Written by Aditya Maheshwari Share via Copy link Italy's Marco Palestra, left, and Leonardo Spinazzola console each other after losing a penalty
6 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Struggling with calls on the go? These 5 premium earphones feature crystal clear callingWireless earphones designed for clear calling focus on strong microphones
6 hours ago
KEAM Admit Card 2026 releasing today at cee.kerala.gov.in, here's how to download Published on: Apr 01, 2026 9:06 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala
6 hours ago
The new financial year FY 2025-2026 has kicked in from today. Check key financial and regulatory changes. New Delhi: India will see a slew of financial and regulatory changes with the beginning of the new fiscal year on April 1, 2026, affecting taxes, fuel, banking and rail travel
6 hours ago
Your IPL plans are officially sorted! From electric rooftop screenings to laid-back dine-ins, here’s where you should be catching every six, wicket, and last-over thriller with your gang. For all the craft beer lovers, this one’s a no-brainer. Expect great brews, live match energy
6 hours ago
Malayalam filmmaker and screenwriter Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested after a sexual assault complaint filed by a young female actor. Ernakulam: Prominent Malayalam director-producer Ranjith was arrested following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed against him by a young actress
6 hours ago
Observing that the legality, validity and propriety of transfer orders issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) have not caused any public injury, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the transfer of administrative and
6 hours ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage prodigy's explosive knock helped RR chase down CSK’s modest total with ease on Sunday, securing an eight-wicket victory and etching his name among the fastest fifty-makers in IPL history. In a sensational start to the IPL 2026 season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
6 hours ago
Unlike the F-35 Lightning II, the AMCA is designed for full operational control and allows the country to integrate its own sensors, AI and weapons without outside approval. New Delhi: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has introduced a new level of capability for the Indian Air Force (IAF)
6 hours ago
Actor Vicky Kaushal has finally reacted to Dhurandhar: The Revenge, praising director Aditya Dhar and the team behind the film. Taking to Instagram, Vicky wrote, “I’m so shook, so proud and in absolute awe of the craft, hard work and sincerety with which you have made this film
6 hours ago
Celebrate April Fool’s Day 2026 with over 50 easy, simple, and funny pranks for friends, family, home, school, and office. Discover harmless ideas that guarantee laughs and fun for everyone! April Fool’s Day is just around the corner! On April 1, 2026
6 hours ago
'Ranbir Kapoor reminded of Arun Govil': Fan praises actor's Lord Rama turn in Ramayana, gifts Ram Mandir-inspired vestThe first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was unveiled to a select audience in Los Angeles a few days ago. Apr 1, 2026
6 hours ago
Vande Bharat passenger claims food gave her allergy, IRCTC says ‘lunch was satisfactory’A Vande Bharat passenger claimed that eating the food served on the train gave her a severe allergic reaction, while her two-year-old son developed diarrhoea Updated on: Apr 01
6 hours ago
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) Aviation stocks were in high demand in morning trade on Wednesday, with InterGlobe Aviation climbing over 9 per cent, despite jet fuel price hike. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent firm of IndiGo, after starting the trade on a positive note further jumped 9.41 per cent to Rs 4
6 hours ago
