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TRUMP SAYS 'VERY GOOD CHANCE' OF DEAL WITH IRAN TO SETTLE CURRENT CONFLICT
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Tuesday, 24 March, 2026 | 4 Shawwal, 1447
g IRAN DENIES TRUMP'S CLAIM
Rs 50.00 | Vol XVI No 257 | 40 Pages | Islamabad Edition
g TRUMP CLAIMS THE CONVERSATIONS
THAT TOOK PLACE ON SUNDAY CONTINUED ON MONDAY
BAQER QALIBAF SAYS NO TALKS TOOK PLACE WITH THE UNITED STATES
g INSISTS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
WOULD BE OPEN VERY SOON 'IF THIS WORKS'
PM Shehbaz stresses 'urgent need' for collective de-escalation efforts in call with Iranian president ISLAMABAD
staff report
P
agenCies
RESIDENT Donald Trump on Monday told reporters the United States has held talks with Iran and that the two sides had "major points of agreement". However, Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said no talks have taken place with the United States, reports Reuters. Earlier, a senior Iranian official told Reuters without mentioning any proposed venue that the United States requested a meeting with Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Saturday.
The official, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the Supreme National Security Council had yet to decide on any proposed talks and Iran had yet to respond. Posting on X, Qalibaf said reports of talks were “fake news” aimed at manipulating oil markets. Trump said the conversations that took place on Sunday would continue on Monday and that if the negotiations continued productively, there would be a deal very soon. Trump added that his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner held the talks.
President Zardari directs ministers to prioritise public relief, curb fuel price burden LARKANA
staff report
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday instructed the federal government to make public welfare a top priority, reduce the impact of petroleum prices on citizens, and work towards alleviating the economic pressures faced by the general public. The directives were issued during a high-level meeting held at Bhutto House in Larkana, according to a press release. Key attendees at the meeting The meeting was attended by several senior government officials and political figures, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Faryal Talpur, and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah were also present. Security, economy and energy sector discussed According to officials, the participants conducted a comprehensive review of the country's overall law and order situation, the national economic outlook, and key developments in the energy sector, particularly those related to the pricing of petroleum products. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi provided the president with a briefing on the status of ongoing counterterrorism operations as well as border security measures. Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions and regional security The meeting also took up the matter of strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A detailed overview of broader regional security challenges was discussed by the participants during the session.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian by telephone on Monday, emphasising the "urgent need" for collective efforts aimed at de-escalation in the Middle East and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. The phone call came as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East entered its fourth week. The war began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, which also led to the assassination of then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Gulf tensions and strained ties During the course of the war, Gulf countries have also been targeted by attacks. While Tehran has accepted responsibility for some retaliatory strikes aimed at US bases and assets in the region, it has denied involve-
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan, along with Turkiye and Egypt, is engaged in “active back-channel diplomacy” to “bridge the gap between” the US and Iran, an official confirmed to Dawn on Monday. The official said that through “active back-channel diplomacy”, involving US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt were engaged in “quiet communication” to restore peace. The source said a “strategic synergy” between Ankara, Cairo and Islamabad had established a “vital diplomatic conduit, demonstrating that regional cooperation is the most effective antidote to escalation”. This “mediation effort” was more than just crisis management, the source said, adding that there were reports of tangible progress toward resolving outstanding issues and finding a sustainable end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The development has emerged after US President Donald Trump said he had given or-
ders to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, hours ahead of a deadline that threatened further escalation in the conflict, and claimed Washington and Tehran had held “very good and constructive” talks over the past two days. While Iran has denied holding any talks with the US in the last 24 hours, its foreign ministry has admitted receiving messages from “friendly countries” that it said indicated requests for talks by the US. The ministry maintained that it had not responded to the messages.
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China's Xi expresses readiness to build 'even closer' Pak-China community with shared future irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ment in others. These developments have placed significant strain on relations between Iran and Gulf nations. PM conveys 'serious concern' According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Premier Shehbaz conveyed his "serious concern" to President Pezeshkian over the "dangerous ongoing hostilities in the Gulf region" during Monday's conversation. The prime minister underscored the importance of collective action to bring about de-escalation and urged a shift towards diplomatic engagement to address the escalating crisis in the region. The telephone call between the two leaders reflects Pakistan's continued diplomatic engagement with Iran amid the widening conflict in the Middle East, which has drawn in multiple regional actors and raised concerns about further destabilisation of the Gulf region.
Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye engaged in ‘back-channel diplomacy’ for US-Iran de-escalation: report
For their part, the official said that Pakistan’s efforts are a reaffirmation of its role as a “net regional stabiliser” and Islamabad leveraging its “unique diplomatic position” to shift the focus from confrontation toward meaningful dialogue. The source also referred to reports of progress made in mediatory efforts, adding that diplomatic efforts by Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan offered the world a “roadmap for steering away from conflict and toward a safer future”.
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g IRAN'S PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKER
OF 'MAJOR POINTS OF AGREEMENT' IN TALKS
WASHINGTON
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
BEIJING
staff report
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to President Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion of Pakistan Day, expressing his readiness to work together to build an even closer Sino-Pak community with a shared future in the new era. In his message, President Xi underscored the significance of the year 2025, noting that it marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan as well as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The Chinese president expressed hope that both countries would carry forward their traditional friendship, enhance strategic communication and align their development strategies. He emphasised the importance of both nations moving forward together on their respective paths to modernisation. President Xi lauded the Pakistani government for steadfastly safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity. He also praised Islamabad for overcoming various risks and challenges while advancing national development. The Chinese leader further acknowledged Pakistan's contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. He noted that as a close friend, China is sincerely pleased with Pakistan's achievements in these areas. The congratulatory message from President Xi comes at a time when the two countries are marking threequarters of a century of diplomatic ties, a relationship that has been characterised by close strategic cooperation and mutual support on key issues. The emphasis on building an "even closer" community with a shared future signals Beijing's intent to deepen its already strong partnership with Islamabad, particularly in the context of development strategy alignment and modernisation efforts. Pakistan Day, celebrated on March 23, commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. The day holds significant national importance and is marked with official ceremonies and a military parade in the federal capital.
Pakistan Day marked with gun salutes, unity calls and renewed resolve nationwide ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
The nation celebrated Pakistan Day on Monday with gun salutes, official ceremonies and renewed pledges of unity and progress. The day commemorates the historic Lahore Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, which laid the foundation for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent. The day began with 31-gun salutes in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, symbolising national sovereignty and the professionalism of the armed forces. Special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and development, while patriotic celebrations echoed across the country. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country. Change of guards ceremonies were held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi and Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the National Flag in Lahore to mark the celebrations of Pakistan Day. Last week, the government announced that it would not hold the usual Pakistan Day parade and other ceremonial events on
March 23, in light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the resulting austerity measures unveiled by the government. In their messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the national heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan. In their messages on Pakistan Day, they said undoubtedly, with the blessing of freedom, Pakistan stands as a testament to the wisdom, determination, perseverance, and sacrifices of our ancestors. The President and Prime Minister said the entire nation stands resolute in upholding its proud traditions and remains ever ready to face any challenge. The President in his message said that despite early challenges after independence, Pakistan made significant progress through determination and cooperation, including building strong institutions, enhancing defense capabilities, and combating terrorism. Reaffirming Pakistan's resolve against security threats, he stressed that no group will be allowed to use foreign soil to act against the country. The Prime Minister in his message said the government, has steered Pakistan's economy towards sustainable growth despite numerous
challenges. He said sustainable peace in South Asia is linked to the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue and Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to our brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country. Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid their respects at Mazar-e-Quaid. Members of the Sindh cabinet were also present with the Chief Minister. They laid flowers at the grave of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and offered Fateha. Later, they recorded their impressions in the visitors’ book. A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal on the occasion of Pakistan Day. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force presented an impressive march-past. The Pakistan Air Force took over the security responsibilities of Mazar-e-Iqbal, which were previously handled by the Sutlej Rangers. Air Vice Marshal Shahid Afzal, Air Officer Commanding of PAF Airmen Academy Korangi Creek, was the chief guest on the occasion.
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Pakistan military leadership vows to eliminate all threats to national security ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan's top military leadership has reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending national security and eliminating all threats facing the country, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf collectively expressed their resolve to safeguard the nation against all security challenges. Armed forces reaffirm commitment The armed forces reiterated their commitment to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The military leadership made clear that no threat to national security would be tolerated and
pledged to take all necessary measures to counter such challenges effectively. The statement from the military's media wing underscored the unified stance of all three services — the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, and Pakistan Navy — in addressing security concerns facing the nation. Unified resolve of tri-services leadership The joint resolve expressed by the heads of all three branches of the armed forces signals a coordinated approach to tackling the country's security landscape. Field Marshal Asim Munir, who also holds the position of Chief of Defence Staff, along with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf, presented a united front in their commitment to the defence of Pakistan. The military leadership's vow comes as the armed forces continue operations against various security threats across the country.