PAKISTAN HOSTS PIVOTAL ‘QUAD FM TALKS’ AS PUSH FOR IRAN WAR DE-ESCAL ATION INTENSIFIES
PK I S TA N will host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt for two-day “quadrilateral talks starting Sunday (March 29) aimed at holding in-depth discussions on the Middle East conflict and efforts to de-escalate rising tensions amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Saturday
In a statement the FO announced that at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty will visit Islamabad from March 29 to 30
“Pakistan is set to host a quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia Turkiye and Egypt to discuss in-
depth the evolving regional situation and efforts to de-escalate tensions amid the US-Israeli war on Iran the FO said During the visit the ministers will engage in comprehensive discussions on a wide range of regional and international issues, with a particular focus on promoting peace and reducing tensions The visiting dignitaries are also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan highly values its relations with the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, the FO underscored, adding that the visit will further strengthen cooperation and coordination across multiple areas of mutual interest Meanwhile FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in a post on X that the distinguished leaders will engage in comprehensive discussions focusing on efforts to promote peace and de-escalation A day earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the meeting would aim to
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f r e p o r t Pakistan on Saturday rejected remarks by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressing “concern” over the treatment of Pakistan s Shia community describing the statements as cynical and diversionary an exercise in deflection masquerading as concern, the Foreign Office (FO) said In a statement FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said India s comments cannot mask its own record of systemic discrimination and violence against Muslims, Christians, and other marginalized communities,” citing curbs on “worship, mob vigilantism ” and attacks on homes and livelihoods
These patterns are well-documented he added The statement came a day after the Indian Ministry of External Affairs commented on remarks it attributed to Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces General Asim Munir During an interaction with Shia clerics in Rawalpindi earlier this month, CDF Field Marshal Munir allegedly told participants that agitators responding violently to events in Iran should go to Iran Later in a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) rebutted the misinformation clarifying that the purpose of the
meeting was to discuss national security and the role of ulema in promoting societal harmony ” The ISPR emphasized that General Munir stressed religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence in Pakistan On Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, citing Indian news agency ANI claimed that these remarks reflected Pakistan s systemic victimization of minorities
Responding the FO highlighted the ongoing violence against Muslims in India, saying: The escalating wave of mob lynchings targeting Muslims is deeply abhorrent and underscores a climate of unchecked brutality In 2025 more than 55 Muslims were reportedly lynched in
PM Shehbaz holds hour-long conversation with President Pezeshkian
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister ’s Office the two leaders held extensive discussions on the evolving regional situation and efforts aimed at restoring peace During the call, PM Shehbaz outlined Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach led by himself, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir These efforts he said involve engagement with the United States, Gulf nations, and other Islamic
establish a mechanism for de-escalation
“We will discuss where negotiations in this war are heading how these four countries
India and since January 2026 over 19 Muslims have been killed by violent mobs
The FO further noted: Extremist groups have unlawfully sought the destruction of 11 mosques Perpetrators of crimes against Muslims often act with impunity enabled by state patronage and are seldom held accountable Pakistan urges India to address these serious and well-documented concerns within its own borders, ensure the protection of Muslims, Christians and other communities in accordance with its constitutional and international obligations and refrain from making unfounded politically motivated statements about others, the FO concluded Earlier this week, following Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar ’s expletive-laden remarks over Islamabad s mediation in indirect Iran-US peace talks the FO had described the language as undiplomatic and reflective of frustration Jaishankar had used a derogatory South Asian term implying ‘brothel keeper ’ dismissing concerns about Pakistan s emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East crisis
Responding to those remarks, FO spokesperson Andrabi said the language “betrays a deeper sense of frustration” and underscores India’s sensitivity to Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role
countries to help create a conducive environment for dialogue He also highlighted the strong international backing Pakistan’s peace initiative has received expressing optimism that a collective approach could pave the way for ending hostilities The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of ongoing Israeli attacks on Iran, particularly recent strikes targeting civilian infrastructure He reaffirmed Islamabad s solidarity with the Iranian people and offered condolences over the loss of more than 1,900 lives while praying for the recovery of the injured and displaced President Pezeshkian, in response, appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and emphasised the importance of trust-building to advance mediation efforts He commended Islamabad s constructive role in promoting peace amid the crisis PM Shehbaz thanked the Iranian leader and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continuing its efforts for regional stability
assess the situation, and what can be done, he told broadcaster A Haber on Friday
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called on citizens across Pakistan to join the global ‘Earth Hour by switching off non-essential lights for one hour emphasizing that collective action is crucial to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for generations to come In his message, PM Sharif urged the nation to turn off unnecessary lights or limit their use between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm highlighting that Earth Hour serves as a global reminder of shared responsibility for the planet Earth Hour is not just a symbolic movement, but a global moment of reflection that provides an opportunity for renewed commitment to a sustainable and resilient environmental future he said The cumulative effect of such conscious actions can drive major social change The decisions we make today to address climate change and environmental degradation will determine the future of generations
WAR PREMIUM BITES: SBP YIELDS JUMP UP TO 225BPS AS GOVERNMENT PAYS MORE TO BORROW
HProvinces push back against fuel subsidy burden, urge
Ali Shah attended personally while other provinces were represented by ministers or secretaries The meeting also explored contingency measures for a prolonged Middle East crisis, including fuel rationing, lockdowns, extended holidays, and reduced working days Khyber Pakhtunkhwa opposed lockdowns warning they would harm daily wage
earners and private sector workers Officials agreed in principle to a targeted subsidy for motorcyclists, capped at 20 litres per month, with higher-use consumers paying market rates The programme will be administered through a mobile application linking quotas to CNICs and vehicle registration numbers The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has floated an EOI to procure 24,000 smartphones for use at 12,000 petrol stations to support the system Provincial representatives emphasised fiscal pressures: Punjab highlighted over Rs100 billion spent on flood relief, while Sindh stressed the
Government moves to roll out targeted fuel subsidy using technology-based deliver y system
g the debut of express 24/7 comes as english-language television continues to struggle commercially in pakistan, reviving questions about why multiple new channels are emerging despite a history of financial failures in the segment
provincial governments, the Pakistan Banks Association, and other stakeholders to improve access to credit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Pakistan The announcement came during a high-level meeting on SME financing chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan SMEDA CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth emphasized that promoting access to finance remains a cornerstone of SMEDA s business strategy and pledged to accelerate efforts to strengthen the SME finance ecosystem Highlighting the need for a coordinated national approach Haroon Akhtar Khan called on federal and provincial authorities financial institutions and development part-
Punjab wheat output set to surpass 22 5m tons as cotton expansion gains momentum
Punjab is poised to produce more than 22 5 million
ners to work together in enhancing SME financing He instructed SMEDA to lead initiatives that build partnerships and streamline credit access, particularly in Balochistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu & Kashmir
The authority must actively engage stakeholders and facilitate linkages that help entrepreneurs secure financing and grow their businesses ” he said urging the formation of a working group to coordinate training and connectivity efforts
The Punjab government s Asaan Karobar finance scheme was highlighted as a model of success A presentation by the Punjab Small Industries Corporation revealed that under the scheme implemented through the Bank of Punjab, Rs100 billion has been disbursed to over 110,000 entrepreneurs in under a year, with nearly half of borrowers coming from low-income groups Haroon Akhtar encouraged other provinces
to replicate this initiative to expand the reach of SME financing Officials from the State Bank of Pakistan reviewed the country’s SME financing landscape, noting regional progress but stressing gaps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Sindh Bank reportedly manages a portfolio of Rs10 billion in SME loans, whereas KP and Balochistan currently lack significant schemes
The meeting also featured contributions from Bank of Punjab senior officer Asif Riaz who suggested SMEDA participate in the SME Forum for enhanced collaboration, and representatives from provincial governments, HBL, Bank of Khyber, National Bank of Pakistan Sindh Bank and other key stakeholders
Participants concluded the session with a joint commitment to fast-track initiatives, strengthen institutional coordination, and create a more inclusive and accessible financing ecosystem for SMEs across Pakistan
Pakistan hosts pivotal ‘quad FM talks ’ as push for Iran war de - esc alation intensifies
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The four countries have been actively engaged in mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran since the outbreak of the war on February 28 and all face heightened vulnerability to disruptions in energy supplies and trade routes
Pakistan has already conveyed a US proposal to Tehran for ending the conflict and has offered to host talks with Iranian officials indicating that any negotiations could take place in Pakistan or Turkiye
Originally planned in Turkiye, the quadrilateral meeting was shifted to Islamabad in view of Pakistan’s growing role in the Iran-US diplomatic track and the possibility that it may host those negotiations as well
The venue change reflects Islamabad s deepening involvement in ongoing mediation efforts and has intensified speculation that a direct or indirect Iran-US engagement could take place in the capital in the coming days
Earlier this week Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally proposed Islamabad as a potential venue for negotiations between Iranian and US officials “subject to concurrence by the US and Iran
The four-country mechanism was formed on March 19 on the sidelines of a gathering of 10 Arab and Muslim countries in Riyadh While initial discussions focused on defence cooperation officials say the current diplomatic initiative has since evolved into a broader de-escalation effort
Following the Riyadh meeting, Egyptian intelligence opened communication channels with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(IRGC) after which Pakistan assumed a central role in the emerging diplomatic process
Addressing a conference in Istanbul on Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the emerging “polycentric” global order required urgent solutions to safeguard critical energy and trade routes He added that the ongoing high-level dialogue aimed to outline actionable steps to end the war before further damage to the region and global economy
Underscoring Pakistan s intensified diplomatic outreach Ishaq Dar on Saturday held a telephone conversation with Qatar s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani
According to the FO the two leaders discussed regional and international developments and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation
The Qatari leadership appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy Both sides reaffirmed their close ties and agreed to remain in contact
Separately, Dar also spoke with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, with both sides reviewing regional developments and bilateral cooperation while reaffirming strong fraternal relations
On Friday Dar held separate telephonic conversations with his Egyptian and Turkish counterparts, during which all sides emphasised dialogue and collective efforts to restore peace the FO said He also spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres who extended full support for Pakistan s ongoing diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability
a k i s t a n ’ s H u m a n C r o s s r o a d s H o l d i n g o n
The government is absorbing the fuel price increase, but for how long?
Protecting Health and a Sustainable Future
AC C O R D I N G to the Health Effects Institute’s State of Global Air report toxic air pollution shortens average life expectancy by approximately 20 months globally Air pollution is one of the vital environmental challenges today It is faced by almost every major city in the world The large cities have been specially polluted Dirty air is choking people all over the world
According to
It can be said that cycling may be a viable option for daily commuting The wide use of cycles also reduces maintenance costs while providing health and environmental benefits For long er travels, electric bikes can be introduced. Reducing car traffic will help lower air pollution Strategic planning and community engag ement are a must to achieve this. Only Government effor ts to curb emissions are not enough Active par ticipation from communities and proper regulator y enforcement are key to many problems we face concerning water scarcity and air pollution
Iment; it is the mismatch between skills and markets Pakistan produces hundreds of thousands of graduates annually, yet employers frequently report difficulty finding candidates with industry-ready skills This paradox exposes a systemic disconnect between educational institutions and economic planning Universities continue to emphasize theoretical instruction while labour markets demand technical competence, digital literacy, and adaptability Without reform, the country risks producing credentialed youth who remain economically marginal a condition far more destabilizing than simple illiteracy because it breeds resentment rather than resignation Youth frustration when politicized becomes a force multiplier Across the world unemployed or underemployed young populations have historically served as catalysts for protest movements, ideological mobilization, and anti-establishment sentiment Pakistan is not immune to this pattern Social media has lowered the barriers to political organization enabling grievances to spread rapidly and coalesce into collective action In such an environment, economic policy is no longer just fiscal strategy; it is political stabilization Employment is not only a development goal; it is a governance imperative Yet the narrative need not be pessimistic Pakistan s demographic moment can still become its defining advantage if approached strategically The ingredients for transformation exist: a large English-speaking workforce, competitive wage levels, geographic proximity to major markets, and a diaspora capable of facilitating investment and knowledge transfer What is required is not invention but alignment aligning education with industry fiscal policy with job creation and governance with long-term planning rather than short-term political survival
The global economy is also shifting in ways that could favour countries able to mobilize youthful labor forces As aging populations shrink workforces in developed states and automation reshapes production models nations with abundant young workers may become attractive hubs for manufacturing, services, and digital outsourcing But this advantage will materialize only for states that can provide stability, infrastructure and policy consistency Investors do not merely look for labour; they look for predictability Thus macroeconomic discipline and institutional credibility become as important as demographic strength There is also a psychological dimension to the youth question that policymakers often overlook Employment is not only about income; it is about dignity identity and belonging A young citizen who feels economically useful is more likely to feel politically invested Conversely, a generation that feels excluded from opportunity may withdraw from civic participation or turn toward disruptive alternatives In this sense, youth employment policy is inseparable from nation-building It shapes how citizens perceive the legitimacy of the state and their place within it The stakes therefore are generational If Pakistan succeeds in converting its youth into productive human capital, it could experience a period of accelerated growth that reshapes its global standing If it fails, the same demographic force could deepen polarization strain institutions and erode public trust Demography itself will not determine which path prevails; policy will The difference between dividend and disaster lies in whether leaders treat youth not as a statistic to be celebrated but as a constituency to be empowered In 2026, Pakistan does not face a demographic crisis; it faces a governance test The numbers are already in its favor What remains uncertain is whether its institutions policies and political imagination can match the scale of its human potential Nations rarely receive a second chance at a demographic window Pakistan is open now and history will judge whether it used that moment to build human capital or allowed it to harden into human frustration
The writer is a civil servant He can be reached at khaliqlakk1@gmail com
Stop camel cruelt y
Khaliq DaD laK
Ghazala
for the men on the ground necessary for any coup to succeed was likely the second step However, that second step never materialized What materialized was the reaction of the people holding the Nezam dear to their hearts and the so-called silent majority of disgruntled Iranians was nowhere to be seen; taking control of the streets the way their parents did in the
final days leading to the Islamic Revolution in February 1979 when they neutralized a US-backed government s curfew orders on 11 February 1979 War correspondents familiar with the happenings on 9 April 2003 in Iraq can vouch that as soon as the man on the street sensed that Saddam had vanished into the crowd and the Baath Party too had called it a day they without fear took to streets holding pictures of divine religious figures as well as a prominent religious figure linked with the Sadr movement in Iraq Precisely nothing of that sort happened As things stand for the Iranian leadership and the US and Israeli civil and military leadership regime change is the thing of the past The reasons being that the socalled advantage the intervening powers might have had, like in the 1953 coup against Mossadeq, was not there Instead of the people opposed to the Supreme Leader filling the streets, the streets were filled up by those people who were concerned about his well-being Once the morning after his passing away was confirmed the same crowd opted to sit in a sort of vigil to what they might have foreseen, to safeguard the system they held close to their heart Fast forward to what has been accrued by the powers which started the offensive As we observe the gradual capitulation of the Muslim world to the Abraham Accords had been going on when the incumbent US President was first elected He initiated events, where most of the Persian Gulf states opted to be part of the Accord and consequently they gave access to the Jewish state as well as the USA to their economies and societies It may be pointed out that many of the states having not much to offer in terms of knowledge economy and human resource offered themselves as a secondary hub of world financial markets; as happened in the case of Bahrain and UAE; and a few cultivated themselves as safe military canton-
ments for the USA practically planning from those days in the 1980s for the wars not knowing that they would be caught in the crossfire
The Udaid airbase, the US fleet HQ in Bahrain and the other installations related to electronic warfare, are in fact part of the paradigm, where the Gulf states allowed the space for the market economy linked to the capitalist world and the Pentagon allowed setting up of the basis of the security umbrella
In the backdrop of these developments, it has been only Saudi Arabia, which apparently stayed away from the Abraham Accord and Turkey which had similar reasons to be tight-lipped in the context of the Accord It has been Iran which led a resistance crescent which was not sold on the idea of the Abraham Accord, which was nothing but a complete surrender to the Zionist entity in the eyes of the resistance leadership Now imagine the scene, when there is supposed to be utter confusion in the Iranian capital; the regime as per the intelligence estimates is about to fall However what follows is to the contrary Barrages of drones and warheads of multiple configurations start raining down on either the Israeli mainland and also to the infrastructure erected by the USA in these gulf states with a simulated scenario that Iran or for that matter any entity opposed to the Abraham accords will fall into the lap like a ripe apple Regretfully for the USA and Israel,
One email from a Meta employee said “targetting [sic] 11 year olds feels like tobacco companies a couple
civilian oilworkers) who would need to be contained in their homes or evacuated; the Iranians may have planted sophisticated booby traps; Iran could successfully strike one of the big amphibious ships (as the Argentines did to the British in the Falklands War in 1982) US casualties would almost certainly rise quickly from the thirteen who have so far been killed during Operation Epic Fury Stavridis doesn’t mention that any US troops deployed to the island would be on a relatively small piece of land that’s packed with tens of millions of barrels of oil a substance that famously bursts into flame with ease It gets even more questionable when the mission turns to extracting Iran’s enriched uranium, all 440 kilograms (roughly 970 pounds) of it Not only is this a massive quantity of material that is enormously difficult to access in the first place given that it is stored in tunnels deep underground But moving nuclear material around is an enormously logistically complicated process even at the best of times in other words, when there’s peace and the government responsible for the material is trying to help you get rid of it let alone in the middle of a warzone
It would almost certainly require an immense amount of time, as well as a large invasion force and a semi-permanent occupation simply to allow the delicate process of safely extracting and transporting the uranium to take place Even then the US presence at these sites would still serve as one big stationary target for any Iranian insurgency Now think about every other aim this administration had when it first started the war and how miserably it has failed to achieve them
The politics of dead US service members are pretty straightforward There is a reason why every president since George W Bush has bent over backward to try and avoid putting American boots on the ground and instead try to wage war exclusively from the air with the use of drones or by using proxies: because as former commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan Stanley McChrystal recently put it, once you deploy ground troops, “you’re the same height as your potential opponent ” The weak efforts by some hawks to treat a deployment to Kharg Island as some kind
of clever loophole that, as Rep Pete Sessions mused on CNN, if it s not inside Iran in the cities,” then it doesn’t really count as boots on the ground will not magically stop this political blowback from happening If dozens of young Americans start coming home in flag-draped coffins it won t matter to their loved ones that they were killed in an inferno on Kharg Island instead of the streets of Tehran In fact, all indicators suggest Iranian leadership wants Trump to send
IRANIAN PRESIDENT URGES COUNTRIES NOT
Nepal's former PM K P Sharma Oli arrested over deaths during Gen Z protests
R e u t e R s Nepal s former prime minister, K
Oli, was arrested on Saturday as police investigate whether he was negligent in failing to prevent dozens of deaths in
crackdown on
Z-led anti-corruption protests
September officials said Oli s arrest which his lawyer said was illegal and sparked protests by supporters who clashed with police, followed rapperturned-politician Balendra Shah's swearing in as prime minister on Friday and a recommendation by a panel investigating violence during the protests that he should be prosecuted for negligence His former home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, was also arrested Seventy-six people were killed last September during a police crackdown on protesters demanding an end to corruption more jobs and cleaner politics, leading to Oli s resignation After his arrest on Saturday, supporters staged protest rallies and clashed with police who tried to stop them burning tyres near the prime minister s office Police lobbed a teargas shell and used batons to break up the protests, injuring one person, witnesses said Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) called his arrest illegal and said it was an act of revenge It demanded his immediate release and
said more protests were planned for Sunday Home Minister Sudan Gurung dismissed the criticism saying: “It is the beginning of justice The country will take a new direction now Election defeat
Oli was prime minister four times between 2015 and 2025 but never served a full five-year term In 2020 he published a new political map including in it a small stretch of disputed land controlled by India giving him a popularity boost in Nepal His popularity did not last, and he was beaten by Shah in his home constituency in an election this month, his second defeat since the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990 Anger over the deaths in September s protests helped Shah s Rastriya Swatantra Party win the election by a landslide
issue remains China s internal matter Both sides also reviewed broader regional dynamics speaking positively about cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations They acknowledged that the current regional environment remains complex and evolving, requiring closer coordination to maintain peace and stability The two countries agreed to strengthen communication channels advance East Asian cooperation frameworks and work jointly to safeguard regional development signalling a cautious but notable effort to reset ties through dialogue and diplomacy Philippines reaffirms adherence to oneChina policy: Chinese FM China and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to advancing dialogue and stabilizing bilateral relations as Manila reit-
erated its adherence to the one-China policy and stated that it does not recognize Taiwan as a “sovereign state ” according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday after a new round of diplomatic consultations On Saturday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong co-chaired the 24th ChinaPhilippines Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) with Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Maria Theresa P Lazaro in Quanzhou East China s Fujian Province which marks the first such consultation in three years, following the 23rd
The panel investigating last September ’s violence held Oli and Lekhak responsible for not taking any action to stop hours of firing on the protesters by police Police spokesperson Om Adhikari said Oli and Lekhak would be brought to court on Sunday Oli, 74, who has had two kidney transplants, has been transferred to a hospital from the police office where he was first taken witnesses said His lawyer Tikaram Bhattarai told Reuters that the arrest was unwarranted and would be challenged in the Supreme Court
“They have said it (the arrest) is for investigation It is illegal and improper because there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning he said Lekhak and his lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment
everything it stands for This has not been an easy decision Pakistan Idol is more than a television programme It is a celebration of this nation s extraordinary voice its people and the boundless hope that lives in every young Pakistani who dares to dream To extend this pause is to delay something we hold deeply and personally dear
Tarar visits Riz wan Razi to offer condolence on mother’s demise
LAHORE s ta f f r
r t Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday visited the residence of senior journalist Rizwan ur Rehman, (Rizwan Razi), to condole the death of his mother The minister expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and offered Fateha for the departed soul He said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Razi s mother noting that the loss of a mother is a profound tragedy and leaves behind a void that can
Waraich was also present during the visit alongside the Federal Minister
PUNJAB CM’S GOVERNANCE MODEL EARNS GLOBAL RECOGNITION FROM
Tajik envoy, communic ations minister emphasize deeper bilateral engagement
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Saturday visited the Embassy of Tajikistan and held a meeting with Tajikistan s Ambassador in Pakistan Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir
During the meeting both sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations trade cooperation and the current regional situation said a press release On this occasion, Federal Minister for Communications and President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy longstanding friendly and brotherly relations based upon shared religious and cultural values He appreciated the services of the Tajik Ambassador, noting that H E Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir has played a commendable and pivotal role in bringing the two countries closer He further stated that Pakistan is keen to enhance bilateral trade relations with Tajikistan and should benefit from the vast opportunities for cooperation across various sectors Referring to his recent visit to Tajik-
istan Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that it is imperative to expedite the implementation of agreements between the two countries, promote trade and benefit from mutual religious and cultural ties
Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir warmly welcomed Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and stated that Tajikistan particularly under current circumstances, is interested in making maximum use of Pakistan’s trade corridors He appreciated Pakistan’s responsible and constructive role in the region and expressed optimism
that positive outcomes will soon emerge During the meeting both sides stressed the importance of enhancing Pak–Tajik trade links, promoting regional cooperation and strengthening trade corridors among Central Asian States They also exchanged views on the current global situation and the prevailing tensions in South Asia It is noteworthy that upon the arrival of Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan at the Embassy of Tajikistan special tunes of national songs were played adding to the pleasant atmosphere of the event
Religious harmony vital for national progress: Governor Kundi
iterated that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees complete religious and personal freedom to all minorities terming it essential for a peaceful and progressive society He was addressing a conference on religious freedom in the Constitution of Pakistan held at the Governor House under the auspices of the Implementation Minority Rights Forum, where he attended as chief guest The conference was attended by Professor Dr Qibla Ayaz minority MNA James Iqbal Chairman Implementation Minority Rights Forum Samuel Payara, President Bishop
Church of Pakistan Archbishop Dr Azad Marshall, Federal Shariat Court Judge Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar Chief Khateeb Maulana Tayyab Qureshi and others In his welcome address Chairman Samuel Payara highlighted the objectives of the conference and welcomed participants Speakers shed light on the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and protection of minority rights in Pakistan paying tribute to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and other leaders for their role in safeguarding minority rights
Addressing the gathering, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized that such conferences play a vital role in promoting dialogue mutual understanding and bridging gaps among different segments of society
He said that religious freedom is not only a constitutional obligation but also a cornerstone of a peaceful and progressive society When individuals feel secure in their beliefs and identity they contribute more effectively to national development, he added
The Governor said that Pakistan, as a responsible member of the international community is striving to align its institutional framework with fundamental principles of rights and inclusion
He remarked that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has historically been a land of coexistence enriched by cultural and religious diversity
Reaffirming his commitment the Governor said he would continue to work for the protection of rights of all citizens without discrimination
GILGIT
s ta f f r e p o r t
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam held a meeting with prominent religious scholars and community elders in Skardu to discuss the prevailing law and order situation and measures for sustainable peace in the region During the meeting the federal minister expressed deep sorrow over the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and offered prayers for the elevation of his ranks He also conveyed his grief over the recent unfortunate incidents that resulted in loss of life and property acknowledging the historic sacrifices and patriotic spirit of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam emphasized that GilgitBaltistan has long been a symbol of peace in Pakistan describing it
g IPSOS LAUDS CM MARYAM NAWAZ ’S RAMADAN RELIEF DRIVE, MILLIONS BENEFIT FROM PUNJAB BAZAARS
against terrorism emanating from Afghan soil The upcoming jirga is being viewed as a renewed effort to steer both sides back toward dialogue and de-escalation
Iran allows 20 more Pakistani ships through Strait of Hormuz: Dar
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday announced that the government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz with two vessels crossing daily, state media reported
In a post on X, FM Dar said: "I am pleased to share that Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to transit the Strait of Hormuz; two ships will cross daily This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation It is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidencebuilding measures are the only way forward " Egyptian and Turkish FMs arrive in Islamabad Meanwhile Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Islamabad on official visits at the invitation of FM Dar to attend a quadrilateral meeting on the evolving regional situation scheduled for March 29–30
During the visit the foreign ministers will hold consultations on regional developments and
meet Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif The delegation s visit reflects Pakistan s close and brotherly ties with Egypt and Turkiye and continued coordination on regional and international issues
Additional Foreign Secretary Syed Ahmed Maroof received the Egyptian Foreign Minister at the airport while Additional Foreign Secretary Afghanistan and West Asia Syed Ali Asad Gilani received the Turkish Foreign Minister Pakistani ships transit the Strait of Hormuz
Earlier sources in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed that Iran had permitted two Pakistani cargo ships Multan and P-Akili, to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz a key global oil supply route
The vessels previously held after Iranian forces assumed control of the strait have now crossed
and are en route to Karachi expected to dock at Karachi Port on March 31 Multan is a general cargo ship while P-Akili is carrying over 80 million litres of crude oil Iranian authorities provided an escort until the vessels cleared the strait’s flashpoint line
This move comes amid ongoing mediation efforts by Pakistan in coordination with Turkiye and Egypt, to curb the escalating conflict in the Middle East It marks the second Pakistani ship transit since the conflict began on February 28 following a previous oil tanker that crossed the strait on March 16
The Middle East remains on high alert following the joint USIsrael offensive on Iran, which began on February 28 and has reportedly caused over 1 900 deaths including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Heads roll as ac tion taken af ter video of C-sec tion procedure of Lahore Hospital goes viral
LAHORE
s ta f f r e p o r t
The Punjab government has widened disciplinary action in the alleged recording and circulation of a patient s video during a C-section surgical procedure suspending senior administrative and medical staff after the incident surfaced through the Chief Minister s Complaint Cell The latest action includes the suspension of the Medical Superintendent and Head of Department along with a woman medical officer five postgraduate resident doctors two nurses, and a hospital staff member
All have been directed to report to their respective departments
Earlier four lady doctors had also been suspended in connection with the same case indicating an expanding probe into the breach
According to official sources, the video was allegedly recorded during a C-section procedure and
later circulated constituting a grave violation of patient privacy and medical ethics
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government has taken swift and stringent measures to ensure accountability reiterating a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that compromises patient dignity and professional standards in healthcare institutions
In a statement, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique stressed that violations of hospital standard operating procedures (SOPs) would not be tolerated under any circumstances
Secretary of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Azmat Mahmood also condemned the incident, calling it a blatant violation of medical ethics an affront to patient dignity and a breach of professional standards
Separate notifications issued by the department cited ineffi-
ciency and misconduct” as grounds for the suspensions ordering all concerned officials to report back to the department Even nonmedical staff, including two charge nurses and a hospital cook, were suspended as part of the widening probe The incident occurred at Lady Willingdon Hospital where the alleged video was recorded during a C-section operation and subsequently surfaced on social media, triggering serious concern
On the directions of the competent authority, four lady doctors were initially suspended while a show-cause notice was issued to the Head of Department of Gynecology Unit-I The notice stated that recording videos during medical procedures is a clear breach of medical ethics, undermining patient privacy and dignity It further noted that such actions are inconsistent with established standards of patient safety and risk eroding public trust in healthcare professionals
The
Moriani
