Armenia: Azerbaijan has detained a former minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh government, Ruben Vardanyan, while he was attempting to cross the border into Armenia, according to foreign media reports.

Vardanyan previously served as the Minister of State of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic before his dismissal in February 2023.

He had gained prominence in the region, known as Artsakh to many Armenians, and was a well-known figure.

Vardanyan had invested in Russia before relocating to the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in 2022, where he took on the role of minister of state.

His arrest has raised concerns, especially among Armenians, as tensions continue in the region.

His wife, Veronika Zonaband, confirmed his arrest in a statement, noting that he was apprehended by Azerbaijani authorities at the border while thousands of Armenians were fleeing the ongoing conflict.

In an interview with the international media just before his arrest, Ruben Vardanyan expressed his awareness of being a potential target for Azerbaijani forces in the conflict.

He acknowledged the risks, saying, "This is life. If you are ready to die for your country, that's fine. It's bad, but if you're doing something important, you have to be prepared. I knew the story could end badly, and I was prepared for it from day one."

As Azerbaijani forces have advanced into various areas, more than 40 percent of Karabakh's population has been displaced within a short period of 72 hours.

Azerbaijani troops recently captured the town of Martakurt, marking the first major settlement to fall since the offensive began.

It appeared that most of the population had evacuated before the arrival of Azerbaijani soldiers.

Ruben Vardanyan has accused Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev of launching an "ethnic cleansing" campaign against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and has called for sanctions against Azerbaijan in response to the ongoing conflict.

Moscow: After a one-day drop in crude oil prices in the global market, there is a trend of increasing again today (Thursday).

According to the foreign news agency, Brent crude oil rose 77 cents to settle at $97.32 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 32 cents to $94.60 per barrel.

It is pertinent to note that the price of Brent futures, used for three-quarters of the world's oil price, has increased by about 26 percent since Saudi Arabia announced an oil production cut in June.

Saudi Arabia and Russia, both major players in the global market, have extended their output cuts until the end of the year, with Chinese refiners boosting output due to stronger export margins.

Madinah: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-Haq-Kakar embarked on a visit to the Holy Prophet's grave, where he offered prayers and conveyed blessings to the Holy Prophet.

During his visit, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-Haq-Kakar paid his respects at the Holy Prophet (PBUH)'s grave located in Masjid-e-Naqvi. He also performed Nawafl in Riaz Al-Jinnah.

During this sacred occasion, he extended his supplications for the prosperity and development of the nation and the country.

Today, the Caretaker Prime Minister is scheduled to depart for Makkah to perform Umrah.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, he is expected to hold meetings with high-ranking officials.

It is worth noting that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-Haq-Kakar arrived in Saudi Arabia on a private visit yesterday.

The Ambassador of Pakistan, Ahmed Farooq, Consul General Khalid Majeed, and other officials from the Pakistani Embassy and Jeddah Consulate General were also present during his visit.