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PAKISTAN URGES DIALOGUE IN A BID TO HELP DEFUSE IRAN-US TENSIONS Friday, 30 January, 2026 | 10 Sha’ban, 1447
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PM SPEAKS TO IRANIAN PRESIDENT, STRESSES DIALOGUE AMID REGIONAL TENSIONS
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THE TWO LEADERS REAFFIRM PAKISTAN–IRAN’S COMMITMENT TO PEACE THROUGH DIPLOMACY
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 206 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
DAR AND ARAGHCHI ALSO CONFER AND AGREE TO STAY IN CLOSE CONTACT
PAKISTAN BACKS IRAN AT UNHRC, VOTES AGAINST MANDATE EXTENSION: PM
PM SHEHBAZ REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EU TRADE TIES, GSP+ COOPERATION ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
N a bid to help defuse tensions between Iran and US, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday spoke with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, with both leaders exchanging views on the evolving regional situation and underscoring the need for sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement to ensure peace and stability. According to a statement issued by
the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of continuous diplomatic efforts for promoting peace, security and development in the region. Reflecting the “close and fraternal ties” between Pakistan and Iran — rooted in shared history, culture and faith — the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular high-level engagements and consultations through established bilateral mechanisms to strengthen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. In a post on X, the prime minister
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the European Union, particularly in trade and investment, with a special focus on maximising benefits under the GSP+ scheme. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier made these remarks during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis, who called on him in Islamabad. PM Shehbaz welcomed the envoy and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen collaboration with the EU across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, development, security, migration and climate change. The prime minister underlined the critical role of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in
said both sides agreed that dialogue and diplomacy were vital for regional peace and reiterated their resolve to further
boosting bilateral trade, saying Pakistan was keen to work closely with the bloc on mutually beneficial trade enhancement initiatives through the scheme. He also expressed satisfaction over the seventh round of the PakistanEU Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels in November last year, terming it an important step in further consolidating relations. EU signals continued engagement with Pakistan Ambassador Karoblis thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and conveyed good wishes from the EU leadership. He assured PM Shehbaz of his commitment to strengthening Pakistan-EU relations across all spheres. The ambassador said the EU would continue to engage closely with Pakistan to enhance trade under the GSP+ framework, as well as through initiatives such as the first-ever EUPakistan Business Forum, scheduled to be held in April.
deepen Pakistan–Iran relations through institutional cooperation.
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PIA to gain new heights under Arif Habib Consortium: PM ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would gain new heights under the leadership of Arif Habib Consortium as the airline would improve its performance, punctuality, cabin service and professional standards. He was speaking at a ceremony for signing of transaction documents between the government and Arif Habib Consortium regarding privatization of PIA. The Prime Minister congratulated the nation on the signing ceremony for PIA privatization. He said Arif Habib and his team were distinguished business ambassadors of Pakistan and they made a valuable contribution to the country’s progress. He said the first priority of the new owners of PIA would be comfortable journey of passengers and their safety. He recalled that in the 1960s, PIA was at its peak, with the airline being a prominent and recognizable name in cities across Pakistan and in world capitals. He congratulated the federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their commitment to the national interest. He also appreciated Advisor for Privatization Muhammad Ali for the successful privatization of PIA. The Prime Minister said the privatization process of PIA was telecast live and conducted in a transparent manner. He said bidding was closed at the price of Rs 180 billion, out of which the consortium will spend Rs 135 billion on improvement of PIA while the government would get Rs 55 billion. PM Shehbaz Sharif said through untiring efforts and innovation, new PIA owners would regain past glory of PIA. The nation was expecting that it would get best travel services and name of Pakistan would gain new recognition, he added. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and federal ministers attended the ceremony.