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PAKISTAN, 11 ISLAMIC COUNTRIES URGE IRAN TO HALT ATTACKS, CALL FOR SWIFT MIDDLE EAST PEACE
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Friday, 20 March, 2026 | 30 Ramazan, 1447
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RIYADH CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF FOREIGN MINISTERS STRESSES DIPLOMACY, DE-ESCALATION
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 255 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
ISLAMIC STATES FMS FLAY IRANIAN MISSILE AND DRONE STRIKES ON GULF STATES, DENOUNCING ATTACKS ON CIVILIAN AREAS, OIL FACILITIES, AIRPORTS AS UNJUSTIFIABLE
JOINTS STATEMENT CITES UN RESOLUTION g AFFIRMS ‘RIGHT OF STATES’ TO DEFEND THEMSELVES IN 2817, DEMANDING HALT TO ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 51 OF UN CHARTER, UNDERLINING PROVOCATIVE ACTS AND MILITIA SUPPORT MARITIME SECURITY OF STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND BAB AL-MANDAB COMMITMENT REAFFIRMED TO LEBANON’S SOVEREIGNTY, SECURITY, AND STABILITY WITH PAKISTAN ADVOCATING SWIFT END TO CONFLICT
Dar urges ‘swift end’ to Middle East conflict, calls for ‘unity of Muslim Ummah’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
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RIYADH/ISLAMABAD saleeM jadoon
AKISTAN, alongside 11 other Islamic countries, on Thursday urged Iran to “immediately halt attacks” on “member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and regional allies,” following a Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh aimed at “seeking a swift end” to the Middle East conflict. According to a joint statement released by the Saudi Press Agency, ministers from Azer-
baijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates condemned Iran’s deliberate missile and drone attacks targeting residential areas, civilian infrastructure—including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic premises. The statement stressed that “such attacks could not be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever” and affirmed “the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”
PM Shehbaz hails 5G spectrum sale as 'wonderful beginning' for Pakistan
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday underscored the importance of “preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah” and called for “a swift end” to the ongoing conflict in the region, reaffirming Pakistan’s “commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and readiness to support de-escalation,” according to the Foreign Office (FO). Addressing the consultative ministerial meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh, Deputy Prime Minister Dar reiterated Pakistan’s “full support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly nations” in the region. He emphasised the urgent need to halt all attacks on their territories, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO). Dar highlighted the importance of addressing the “root causes of the ongoing crisis” affecting the wider region and condemned, in the strongest terms, Israel’s continued aggression and provocations against regional countries. He also strongly denounced attacks on
civilians, as well as assaults on energy and critical infrastructure, calling for an immediate cessation of such hostile actions. Stressing the wider implications, Dar urged all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine regional energy security and further exacerbate global economic challenges. During his address, the deputy prime minister updated participants on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and reaffirmed the country’s desire to continue playing a constructive role in promoting regional security and stability. On the sidelines of the meeting, Dar conveyed a message of strong solidarity and unwavering support to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan. He also participated in a quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. In coordination with 11 other Islamic countries, Pakistan issued a joint statement urging Iran to immediately halt attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and regional allies.
pM, turkiye president discuss afghanistan, exchange eid greetings in phone call China welcomes pak-afghan ceasefire, condemns killing of iranian leaders
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday celebrated the successful conclusion of Pakistan's 5G spectrum auction, describing it as a "wonderful beginning" for the country after 480 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum were sold for $507 million. The government had completed the spectrum auction in the federal capital last week, with three telecom operators — Zong, Jazz and Ufone — participating as bidders. The competition was particularly intense for the 2,600MHz band, which is considered a key frequency range for 5G services. Spectrum allocation breakdown According to the auction results, Jazz emerged as the largest acquirer with 190MHz of spectrum, followed by Ufone with 180MHz and Zong with 110MHz. PM calls auction a 'milestone' Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad where the spectrum licences were formally awarded, the prime minister termed the acquisition of 5G spectrum a "milestone" for Pakistan in terms of industry, agriculture and technology. PM Shehbaz emphasised that the entire programme had been conducted "very transparently." He noted that legal challenges had posed the largest obstacle to the auction process, as had been the case in the past. In this regard, the premier thanked Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar for making the "utmost effort to end these legal challenges" and for ensuring full transparency in the process. Significance of the 5G rollout The successful auction and licence distribution mark a significant step in Pakistan's journey towards deploying next-generation 5G telecommunications services. The three major telecom companies that secured spectrum in the auction are now positioned to begin rolling out 5G infrastructure across the country. The $507 million generated from the sale of 480MHz of spectrum represents a substantial financial outcome for the government, while the competitive bidding among the three operators for the 2,600MHz band underscored the commercial importance of 5G-compatible frequencies in the Pakistani market.
BEIJING
Mian abrar
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a telephone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which they exchanged views on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and underscored Turkiye’s constructive role in promoting peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to state media. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the call focused on regional stability and the recently announced temporary ceasefire over the Eid days. “The prime minister acknowledged Turkiye’s constructive role in promoting peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially in the recently announced temporary ceasefire during Eid,” the statement said. The development comes a day after Pakistan decided on a “temporary pause” in Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq against the
Afghan Taliban on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, “at the request of brotherly Islamic countries,” including Turkiye. During the conversation, PM Shehbaz reiterated his strong condemnation of the ongoing escalation in the region, particularly the missile attacks on Turkiye. “The entire Pakistani nation stands in solidarity with their Turkish brothers and sisters in these challenging times,” the prime minister was quoted as saying. Both leaders urged the international community, particularly regional actors, to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Shehbaz also recalled Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan in February 2025, as well as his own visits to Turkiye in April and May 2025. He highlighted that both brotherly countries are working closely to strengthen bilateral ties across all spheres of mutual interest. The statement added that both leaders agreed to maintain close engagement to
China on Thursday welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan while strongly condemning the killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilians, according to statements from Chinese official sources. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing hopes both countries will “stay calm, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible” and achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire while resolving disputes through dialogue. He noted that China has been actively mediating through its own diplomatic channels and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions, highlighting recent shuttle diplomacy by Beijing’s special envoy between Islamabad and Kabul.
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promote peace, prosperity, and economic growth, both bilaterally and regionally. The prime minister also conveyed Eidul Fitr greetings to President Erdogan, his family, and the people of Turkiye.
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Govt warns of possible fuel shortage, urges nationwide conservation ISLAMABAD
staff report
The government on Thursday urged citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures to avoid potential supply disruptions, as it reviewed the country’s petroleum situation amid escalating regional tensions. The appeal came after a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where officials assessed fuel reserves, consumption, and incoming cargoes. While authorities said current stocks are sufficient, concerns remain over possible disruptions due to instability in the Middle East. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was informed that arrangements are underway to secure additional supplies, but further conservation steps may be required if the situation worsens. The government has already rolled out austerity measures in response to the global oil crisis triggered by the ongoing US-IsraelIran conflict. These include a 50 per cent cut in fuel allowances for official vehicles, a four-day work week, and partial workfrom-home policies for public sector employees. The premier directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy with provinces to tackle any emergency scenario while stressing strict implementation of austerity measures. The Intelligence Bureau has been tasked with auditing compliance and monitoring the situation. Officials also urged the public—particularly affluent segments—to lead by example by conserving fuel, encouraging practices such as carpooling and avoiding unnecessary travel. Senior officials, including Asim Munir and Asim Malik, attended the meeting, underscoring the seriousness of the evolving energy situation.
Violence in pakistan over incidents in other countries will not be tolerated, says CdF asim Munir RAWALPINDI
staff report
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir has stated that violence within Pakistan triggered by incidents occurring in other countries will not be tolerated, warning against any attempts to destabilise the nation on such pretexts. The remarks came during a meeting between CDF Asim Munir and religious scholars (ulema) belonging to the Ahl-e-Tasheeh community, held in Rawalpindi on Thursday, March 19, 2026, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). National security matters discussed During the interaction, matters pertaining to national security were discussed between the CDF and the religious scholars.
Field Marshal Munir made it clear that any acts of violence on Pakistani soil sparked by developments in foreign countries would not be accepted or tolerated by the state. The meeting underscored the importance of dialogue between the military leadership and religious figures from the Ahl-e-Tasheeh community, with the CDF engaging directly with the ulema on issues of security and stability. CDF's engagement with ulema Field Marshal Asim Munir was photographed interacting with a religious scholar during the session, as released by the ISPR. The meeting in Rawalpindi highlighted the military's outreach to religious communities as part of broader efforts to address national security concerns. The CDF's firm stance against domestic violence stemming from international
incidents signals the military leadership's resolve to maintain law and order regardless of external provocations. The message conveyed during the meeting was unambiguous — Pakistan's internal peace cannot be compromised due to events unfolding beyond its borders. The gathering of ulema from the Ahl-eTasheeh community with the country's top defence official reflects the significance attached to maintaining sectarian harmony and ensuring that religious leaders remain engaged partners in preserving national stability. Field Marshal Munir's interaction with the religious scholars in Rawalpindi comes as part of the ongoing engagement between Pakistan's military leadership and various segments of society on matters related to the country's security landscape.