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In a provocative move, North Korea fired over 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday, as the US and South Korean forces conducted joint military drills. The launch, which was detected by South Korea’s military, took place near the capital Pyongyang, around 1:20 pm towards the sea off the country’s east coast. This development has significant implications for global security, particularly in the context of rising tensions between North Korea and its neighbors. Japan’s coast guard also reported detecting a ballistic missile that fell into the sea, outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The US and South Korean militaries have been conducting annual major drills in South Korea, which they claim are purely defensive, aimed at testing readiness against military threats from North Korea. However, North Korea has consistently displayed its anger at such exercises, labeling them as ‘dress rehearsals’ for armed aggression. The situation is further complicated by the fact that North Korea has been under multiple UN Security Council sanctions since 2006, yet remains defiant in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The US military has approximately 28,500 troops and squadrons of fighter jets stationed in South Korea. In a recent meeting, South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and US President Donald Trump discussed ways to reopen dialogue with North Korea, with Trump expressing eagerness to sit down with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The international community, including Pakistan, must be vigilant in addressing this escalating threat to global security. As a responsible member of the global community, Pakistan must continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions and support international efforts to mitigate the risks posed by North Korea’s nuclear program. The situation demands urgent attention and cooperation from all stakeholders to prevent a catastrophic conflict in the region.
