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PAKISTAN URGES DIALOGUE IN A BID TO HELP DEFUSE IRAN-US TENSIONS
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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 | Karachi 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
Tarar confirms Imran Khan underwent eye procedure at PIMS; PTI alleges secrecy, rights violations ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday confirmed that incarcerated PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan underwent a brief medical procedure for an eye ailment last week at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Speaking to a TV channel, Tarar said Imran, who is imprisoned at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, was taken to PIMS late on January 24 on the recommendation of eye specialists. He said doctors first examined the former premier inside the jail before advising a “small medical procedure” at the hospital. “After further examination at PIMS and with his written consent, a 20-minute medical procedure was carried out,” Tarar said, adding that Imran was returned to Adiala jail the same night with medical instructions. “His vitals remained stable throughout and he is absolutely healthy.” The minister maintained that all prisoners were entitled to medical care under jail rules and dismissed concerns regarding Imran’s health, reiterating that the procedure was carried out solely on doctors’ advice. Earlier this week, the PTI claimed Imran had been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, warning that the condition could lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. The party also filed a fresh petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking permission for its MNAs to meet the former premier. A senior Pims doctor said Imran was brought to the hospital under strict security late Saturday night and remained there for several hours before being taken back to jail early Sunday. He claimed there was “extraordinary movement” at the hospital, with operation theatres and the anaesthesia area cordoned off ahead of Imran’s arrival. PTI condemns ‘secret transfer’ Responding to Tarar’s remarks, the PTI strongly criticised what it termed Imran’s “secret transfer” to PIMS, alleging that his family, lawyers and personal physicians were deliberately kept uninformed.
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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Pakistan Army embracing tech revolution to shape future warfare: COAS BAHAWALPUR staff report
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday said the Pakistan Armed Forces were undergoing a major transformation across multiple domains, with rapid technological advancement reshaping the future character of warfare. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief said the nature of war had evolved significantly, requiring a profound mental shift at all levels. He noted that future conflicts would be driven more by technological manoeuvres than physical ones, fundamentally altering how offensive and defensive operations are conducted. “Pakistan Armed Forces are
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. Advisor for Privatization Muhammad Ali explained the salient features of the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He said people of Pakistan would be beneficiary of the transaction as services of PIA would improve.
PM to address country’s major exporters, business figures ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
embracing and absorbing technology at a rapid pace. In this process, innovation, indigenisation and adaptation shall remain fundamental,” he said. The remarks were made during
Field Marshal Munir’s visit to Bahawalpur Garrison, where he was briefed on the Corps’ operational, training and administrative matters, with a particular focus on preparedness for multi-domain warfare.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will meet and address the country’s major exporters and business figures Friday. He will discuss the economic situation and government measures with exporters and industrialists. The prime minister will also give awards to exporters who have played a prominent role in the national economy. In the speech, the Prime Minister will present his vision for boosting the country’s industry, trade and exports. The business community will be told how the country was brought out of default and stabilized. The prime minister will present a future roadmap to take the economy from stability to growth. Government measures related to facilitating investment and business will also be discussed. The prime minister will also express his views on reforms, economic discipline and restoring the confidence of industrialists.
FO dismisses judge’s ‘terrorist states’ remark, defends Pakistan’s Board of Peace role ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan does not “subscribe to the opinion” expressed by a trial court judge regarding the designation of certain countries as “terrorist states,” the Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday, stressing that no such classification exists under the United Nations or international law. Responding to a question during his weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the observa-
tion made by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka reflected the judge’s personal view. “Pakistan, of course, does not subscribe to this opinion. Frankly, this kind of designation does not exist either under the United Nations or under international law,” he said. In his verdict convicting lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hari and her spouse, Hadi Ali Chattha, Judge Majoka had stated that four countries—Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Korea, Iran, and
Syria—were currently designated as terrorist states, while noting that Pakistan was not included in such a list. The UN, however, does not maintain any list of “terrorist states,” though the UN Security Council does keep a consolidated sanctions list of individuals and entities. Imaan and Hadi were sentenced on January 24 under sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including glorification of an offense, cyberterrorism, and dissemination of false information. They were handed a cumu-
lative 17-year prison term and fined Rs36 million. Asked about concerns raised by the European Union over the convictions, Andrabi said the matter was a domestic issue. “The trial and conviction took place under our local laws through a judicial process. The individuals concerned have the right to appeal and judicial recourse,” he said, adding that while Pakistan remained engaged with the EU, it distinguished between dialogue and internal affairs.
Saim Ayub stars as Pakistan ends seven-year T20I drought against Australia LAHORE
staff Correspondent
Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20 International at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, recording its first T20I victory against the Aussies in more than seven years. Middle-order batter and all-rounder Saim Ayub stole the show with a quickfire 40-run knock and two crucial wickets, earning the Player of the Match award. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan scored 168 for eight. Despite an early duck from Sahibzada Farhan, Saim and skipper Salman Ali Agha stitched a 74-run
partnership to stabilize the innings. Returning from a challenging Big Bash League season, Babar Azam contributed 24 before spinner Adam Zampa claimed his wicket. Pakistan’s decision to field four spinners paid off handsomely. Saim removed Travis Head and Matthew Short, while Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shadab Khan shared four more wickets between them. Australia was restricted to 146 for eight in their 20 overs, with Cameron Green (36) and Xavier Bartlett (34) top-scoring amid two run-outs. Speaking after the match, Saim highlighted the plan to dominate early and maintain consistent lengths, while cap-
tain Salman Ali Agha praised the “outstanding” bowling effort, especially against spin. He said 170 was a competitive total and lauded Abrar Ahmed’s contributions since the Asia Cup. Australian captain Travis Head acknowledged the challenge posed by Pakistan’s spinners, noting positives and areas to improve ahead of the T20 World Cup. The Australian side arrived in Lahore on Wednesday for a T20 tri-series, with all three matches scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31, and February 1. Both sides are using the series as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Pakistan looking to build momentum on home soil.