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PAKISTAN STANDS ‘READY, HONOURED’ TO HOST TALKS TO DE-ESCALATE MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS: PM Wednesday, 25 March, 2026 | 5 Shawwal, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 258 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
g PREMIER SHEHBAZ OFFERS ISLAMABAD AS NEUTRAL
g BACK-CHANNEL DIPLOMACY BY
g FT REPORTS ISLAMABAD EMERGING AS CENTRAL
g INDIRECT COMMUNICATIONS
VENUE FOR US-IRAN TALKS, SAYING PAKISTAN FULLY BACKS EFFORTS TO END MIDDLE EAST WAR
PLAYER TO BROKER CEASEFIRE, PREVENT FURTHER REGIONAL DESTABILISATION
P
PAKISTAN, TURKIYE, AND EGYPT SECURES PAUSE ON US STRIKES
FOCUS ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ, BROADER SETTLEMENT
g FO URGES MEDIA TO AWAIT OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS AMID SENSITIVE DIPLOMACY ISLAMABAD
german, turkiye leaders slam uS-israeli war on iran as breach of intl law, ‘netanyahu’s war’
saleem jadoon
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that, subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” for a “comprehensive settlement” of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Persian Gulf, state media reported. “Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the premier wrote in a post on the social media platform X. He added, “Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.” Later, US President trump shared PM Shehbaz’s statement on his Truth Social platform. PM Shehbaz’s statement comes amid Pakistan’s stepped-up diplomatic engagement, as reported by the Financial Times, which noted “Islamabad has emerged as a key diplomatic player” seeking to broker a ceasefire and prevent further regional destabili-
BERLIN/ANKARA agencies
sation as the US-Israel-Iran conflict enters its fourth week. According to the report, Pakistan is positioning itself as “a potential venue for talks between the Trump administration and Tehran.” FO urges media to refrain from speculation, await official announcements Meanwhile, the Foreign Office (FO) urged the media to refrain from speculation and await official announcements regarding Pakistan as a possible venue for talks. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said: “Pakistan, consistent with its longstanding policy, remains committed to the resolution of the ongoing con-
National CERT warns of supply chain cyber threats to power, banking, defence systems ISLAMABAD
staff report
The National CERT on Tuesday issued a stark cybersecurity advisory, warning that hostile actors could exploit supply chains to infiltrate Pakistan’s critical infrastructure, including power, banking, and defence sectors. The alert cautioned that even minor lapses in the delivery of hardware or software could trigger widespread system failures, underscoring growing global concerns over vulnerabilities in supply chains increasingly targeted by state-sponsored cyber espionage. According to the advisory, all incoming hardware should be treated as a potential security risk and subjected to rigorous inspection. It also warned that unverified software updates could introduce concealed backdoors, posing long-term threats to national digital infrastructure. The CERT flagged vendors with unclear ownership structures as a major risk, urging institutions to ensure transparency and conduct strict due diligence during procurement. It further highlighted the dangers of relying on a single supplier, noting that a breach in one entity could disrupt entire sectors such as the national grid or banking networks. Institutions have been directed to implement tamper-proof transport mechanisms and tracking systems for sensitive equipment, while also reporting suspicious network activity and unusual software behaviour without delay. The advisory stressed adopting a zero-trust security model, ensuring all devices are verified before connecting to networks, and warned that negligence in supply chain security could lead to complete paralysis of critical national systems. The warning comes amid a recent wave of cyberattacks targeting Pakistani media outlets and digital platforms, including disruptions linked to the country’s state-owned satellite, Pak-Sat. Earlier, the National Assembly of Pakistan was informed about the need for a national firewall to strengthen cyber defences.
flict in the Middle East/Persian Gulf through diplomatic means and engagements. Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion.” Several international outlets, including Reuters and Axios, reported that Islamabad could serve as a venue for direct or indirect talks between US and Iranian representatives in the coming days. The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth week, began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, which also resulted in the assassination of then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday warned of a “deep rift” with traditional ally the United States, calling the ongoing USIsraeli war on Iran a “breach of international law,” while Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan characterized the conflict as Israel’s war, stating, “The past 25 days have shown that it is [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s war for survival, but eight billion people are bearing the cost.” In unusually strong remarks, Steinmeier drew a parallel between the current Middle East crisis and Russia’s 2022 fullscale invasion of Ukraine, saying: “Just as there was no going back from Ukraine, there will be no going back to before January 20, 2025, when US President Donald Trump assumed office for a second term.” “The rift is too deep, and trust in American power politics has been lost—not only among our allies but worldwide,” he added during an event marking the 75th anniversary of the German Foreign Ministry.
Continued on page 03
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dar, uae FM confer on regional tensions as diplomacy ramps up to ease conflict ISLAMABAD
saleem jadoon
Amid intensifying diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with UAE Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, exchanging views on the evolving regional situation, the Foreign Office said. During the call, Dar underscored the imperative of peace and stability, calling for “immediate de-escalation” and stressing that “dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward,” according to a Foreign Office spokesperson. Since the outbreak of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Pakistan’s leadership has remained actively engaged in diplomatic outreach to help ease tensions. Dar has held a series of telephonic contacts with counterparts from Gulf states and other countries, consistently emphasising the need for restraint and adherence to dialogue and diplomacy in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter. In a post on X, the Foreign Office reiterated Dar’s call for de-escalation and peaceful resolution, highlighting that diplomacy remains central to Pakistan’s approach. The deputy prime minister
– engages uK, China envoys for support on Middle east peace ISLAMABAD
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday continued his diplomatic overtures and held separate meeting with the ambassadors of China and the United Kingdom to discuss the regional situation and muster support for efforts to resolve the conflict between Iran and the United States, according to the Foreign Office. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on DPM/FM Ishaq Dar on Tuesday and discussed the evolving regional situation. “During the discussion, FM Dar underscored that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path forward, emphasizing the urgent need for early resolution of the conflict,” the statement said. Pakistan’s leadership has
also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, including three Pakistani nationals, in Iran’s attacks on the UAE, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with
stepped up diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East since the start of the war between the US, Israel, and Iran. Dar has held telephonic conversations with his counterparts from several Gulf states and other countries, stressing the importance of de-escalation and emphasising the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Later, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also met Dar, where discussions focused on unfolding regional and global developments. “Dar underscored the urgent need to promote deescalation in the Middle East and the wider region through dialogue and diplomacy,” it added. The ministry further said that both sides reiterated the AllWeather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
the Emirati leadership and people. Both leaders also exchanged Eid greetings and agreed to remain in close contact.
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25 injured as Karachi-bound Tezgam Express derails near Lodhran: officials LODHRAN/LAHORE staff report
At least 25 passengers were injured, including one in critical condition, after the Karachi-bound Tezgam Express, traveling from Rawalpindi, derailed near Lodhran on Tuesday, railways and rescue officials confirmed. The accident occurred around 9:00pm near Adam Wahan railway station, located between Lodhran and Bahawalpur, when four coaches overturned and three others derailed, disrupting both up and down rail traffic, said Lodhran Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with 17 injured passengers receiving first aid at the site and eight others shifted to the Lodhran District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. One critically injured passenger was later referred to Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital for further treatment. Additional Deputy Commissioner Liaquat Gilani oversaw medical arrangements at the DHQ Hospital, ensuring all injured passengers received timely care. Officials have identified some of the injured as Khalid, Abdul Majeed, Ibad Ali, Abid, Jameel, Azizur Rehman, Sardar Hadi, and Farzana. Deputy Commissioner Ashraf said the rescue operation had been completed, with temporary accommodations arranged for stranded passengers at a nearby girls’ school and the Circuit House. Food and alternative transport were also provided for those continuing their journeys. According to Station Master Ahad Hussain, the train split into two sections after a coupling rod broke. The four overturned coaches included one business class coach, a dining car, and two economy class coaches. Railway officials said the remaining five coaches of Tezgam Express were later dispatched towards Karachi, while track restoration is expected to begin following the arrival of a relief train. A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways confirmed that 8 down Tezgam Express met an accident near Lodhran, adding that Rescue 1122 and Railway Medical Teams were immediately deployed. Relief trains and trucks arrived from Multan, and authorities said the affected track will be restored soon. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has taken notice of the incident and ordered a high-level inquiry to determine its cause. Eyewitnesses reported that seven coaches attached to the engine moved ahead, while the rear coaches derailed, with several overturning. This incident comes just over a week after a collision involving the Lahore-bound Shalimar Express near Lakha Road Station in Sindh’s Nowshehro Feroz, which killed one person and injured 12 others.
Pakistan ranked most polluted country in 2025, data shows ISLAMABAD reuters
Pakistan was ranked the world's smoggiest country in 2025, with concentrations of hazardous small particles known as PM2.5 up to 13 times higher than the recommended World Health Organisation level, research showed on Tuesday. These particles, arising from combustion, industrial emissions, and wildfires, penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to cardiac and respiratory diseases, as well as premature deaths. Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir said in its annual report that 13 countries and territories kept average PM2.5 levels at the WHO standard of less than 5 micrograms per cubic metre last year, up from seven in 2024. Karachi recorded dangerously high levels of PM2.5, with an AQI over 100, classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups" on September 29, 2025. Cities like Hyderabad and Lahore are also facing similar air quality concerns.
Fuel supplies for March, april secured despite global crisis, assures aurangzeb ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan’s fuel supply remains stable with sufficient reserves and secured imports, officials were told during a high-level review meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Finance Pakistan, petrol cargoes for March and April have largely been secured, with additional shipments planned to further strengthen supply buffers amid global market uncertainty. The meeting of the committee monitoring petroleum prices reviewed stock availability across the energy chain, noting that inventories of crude oil and refined products remain at “comfortable levels," supported by steady imports and ongoing domestic production. Officials said supply lines — from import terminals to refineries, storage facilities and
retail outlets — are functioning smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide. Refineries are also operating at normal production levels, maintaining optimal throughput to meet demand. The committee conducted a forwardlooking assessment of global oil and gas markets, evaluating price trends and their potential impact on domestic rates. Authorities are actively examining the gap between international and local prices to guide timely policy decisions. The meeting also highlighted efforts to strengthen energy security through diversified sourcing strategies and government-togovernment engagements with key partner countries, aimed at enhancing storage capacity, logistics, and procurement flexibility. Aurangzeb emphasised that proactive planning and coordination had helped Pakistan maintain supply stability despite global
volatility, directing authorities to continue close monitoring of international developments and supply chain dynamics. He reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability remains the government’s top priority, stressing the need for continued vigilance and strategic planning. The review comes against the backdrop of a global oil crisis triggered by escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Earlier this month, the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre, alongside austerity measures such as reduced fuel allowances, a four-day work week, and increased remote working in the public sector. Last week, authorities also urged citizens to conserve fuel to avoid potential supply disruptions, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a Rs200 per litre levy increase on high-octane fuel used primarily in luxury vehicles.