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PAKISTAN, CHINA PUSH FIVE-POINT ROADMAP FOR PEACE AS IRAN WAR THREATENS GLOBAL STABILITY Wednesday, 1 April, 2026 | 12 Shawwal, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 6 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
g BOTH COUNTRIES CALL FOR RESTRAINT TO
g URGE DIPLOMACY WITH EMPHASIS
g STRESS FOR IMPLEMENTING
g CALL FOR UN-LED FRAMEWORKS
PREVENT REGIONAL ESCALATION AND HUMANITARIAN CRISES
ON SOVEREIGNTY, MUTUAL CONSENT, AND DIALOGUE
HUMANITARIAN LAW AND SAFE GLOBAL SHIPPING ROUTES
I
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO ENSURE LASTING PEACE
ISLAMABAD mian abrar
N a significant diplomatic move amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan and China have jointly unveiled a detailed five-point initiative aimed at halting the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran and restoring peace and stability across the Gulf region. The initiative was formalised during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s high-level visit to Beijing, where he held extensive talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions focused on the deteriorating regional security environment and the urgent need for coordinated international action to prevent further escalation. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, both sides expressed deep alarm over the widening scope of the conflict, warning that continued hostilities could destabilise not only the Middle East but also global economic and energy systems. At the core of the five-point plan is a call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Pakistan and China urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could expand the conflict into a broader regional war. They emphasised that preventing spillover into neighbouring countries was essential to maintaining international peace and security. The two countries stressed that military escalation would only deepen hu-
manitarian suffering and complicate future peace efforts, urging global powers to act responsibly in line with international norms. A central pillar of the initiative is the urgent commencement of peace talks. Both Islamabad and Beijing underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path forward, calling on all stakeholders to engage in “meaningful and sincere” negotiations. They reiterated that any resolution must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national independence of all states, including Iran and Gulf countries, and must be based on mutual consent rather than coercion. Highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the conflict, Pakistan and China
Pakistan, allies condemn Israel over curbs on worship in Jerusalem's holy sites ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
Pakistan, along with seven other countries, has strongly condemned Israel for imposing restrictions on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem, calling the measures a clear violation of international law and religious rights. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the joint condemnation was made alongside the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar amid growing concerns over access to religious sites in the city. Since the escalation of hostilities following the US-Israel war on Iran that began on February 28, Israeli authorities have tightened security measures and restricted access to key holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians. These measures have significantly limited the ability of worshippers to perform religious rituals, particularly during important occasions such as Ramazan and Palm Sunday. The joint statement expressed “strong rejection” of these actions, noting that Muslim worshippers were barred from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Haram Al-Sharif, while Christian religious leaders, including the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to conduct Palm Sunday prayers. Describing the restrictions as “illegal and unjustified,” the ministers said such actions constituted a “flagrant violation of international law” and an infringement on the fundamental right to freedom of religion. They stressed that these measures undermine the long-standing legal and historical status quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites. The statement further emphasised that Israel, as an occupying power, does not possess sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem and is bound by international obligations to ensure access to religious sites for all communities.
called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law. They urged all sides to immediately halt attacks on civilian populations and non-military infrastructure, including energy facilities, desalination plants, and nuclear installations. The statement warned that targeting such infrastructure could lead to catastrophic consequences, including environmental disasters and long-term disruption of essential services for millions of people. The initiative places special emphasis on ensuring the security of maritime trade, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Pakistan and China called for the
protection of commercial vessels and crew operating in and around the strait, urging all parties to guarantee safe passage and avoid any actions that could disrupt international shipping. They stressed that any prolonged blockage or instability in this corridor could trigger a global energy crisis and severely impact international markets. The final component of the fivepoint plan focuses on reinforcing multilateral cooperation under the framework of the United Nations. Both countries called for renewed global efforts to establish a comprehensive peace framework grounded in the UN Charter and international law. They emphasised the need to uphold the principles of collective security, dialogue, and cooperation, warning against unilateral actions that undermine international institutions and norms. During the visit, China reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic coordination with Pakistan, describing the bilateral relationship as an “allweather strategic cooperative partnership.” Both sides agreed to maintain close communication on the Iran situation and work jointly to advance peace initiatives. The diplomatic push comes at a time when Pakistan has taken on an increasingly prominent role as a mediator in the conflict. Officials have confirmed that indirect communication between Washington and Tehran is ongoing, facilitated through structured message exchanges and supported by regional partners.
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Provinces agree to share oil subsidy burden, govt shelves smart lockdown plan PROFIT
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Provinces have agreed to share the financial burden of oil subsidies under the National Finance Commission framework, while the federal government decided to shelve the proposal for a nationwide smart lockdown, according to discussions held at a high-level meeting, chaired by Asif Ali Zardari and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, provincial chief ministers, and senior officials. The meeting reviewed fuel supply conditions, economic pressures, and policy responses amid global energy market disruptions. Participants agreed that provinces would contribute to
the oil subsidy in proportion to their share under the NFC Award. Earlier, provincial governments had expressed reservations over contributing around Rs200 billion, with some suggesting that global price increases be passed on to consumers instead. The proposal to impose a nationwide smart lockdown to reduce fuel consumption was discussed but set aside, with the option remaining under consideration for future review. The meeting was informed that fuel supplies remain stable despite global disruptions linked to regional conflict. Authorities said sufficient stocks are available, with arrangements in place to meet future demand and avoid
supply interruptions. Officials also noted that proposals to increase petroleum prices had been rejected, with the government opting to provide relief through subsidy measures and expenditure controls. Austerity steps include reductions in development spending and the grounding of 60 percent of official vehicles. The leadership directed that efforts continue to protect consumers from rising costs, particularly for essential goods and services. Emphasis was placed on coordinated policy action across federal and provincial governments, covering economic management, energy planning, and supply chain stability.
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Aurangzeb assures KP CM of full support as centre-province financial issues persist ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday assured Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of his “full support” in resolving the province’s legitimate financial concerns, as efforts continue to ease tensions between the federal government and provincial leadership over fiscal matters. The assurance came during a meeting held at the Finance Division, according to a statement shared by the finance ministry on social media. The interaction followed a high-level moot chaired a day earlier by President Asif Ali Zardari, which was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and chief ministers from all provinces, including Afridi. Afridi’s participation in the presidential meeting was viewed as particularly noteworthy given the political differences between his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf (PTI), and the ruling coalition at the Centre. Observers see the back-to-back engagements as part of a broader attempt to rebuild institutional coordination amid mounting economic pressures. During Tuesday’s meeting, held in what officials described as a “cordial and constructive atmosphere,” the KP chief minister briefed the finance minister on a range of economic and fiscal challenges facing the province. These included concerns over delayed federal transfers, development financing gaps, and resource constraints affecting governance and service delivery. Aurangzeb, in response, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting provincial administrations and pledged to facilitate solutions to outstanding issues through dialogue and coordination. He emphasised that resolving intergovernmental financial concerns was essential for maintaining economic stability and ensuring equitable development across the country. The meeting comes against the backdrop of persistent grievances raised by the KP government regarding the release of funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework, particularly allocations meant for the province’s merged tribal districts. Since assuming office in October last year, Afridi has repeatedly alleged that the Centre has delayed or withheld constitutionally mandated funds, affecting development initiatives and administrative functioning in the region. Last week, the KP government formally urged the federal authorities to revisit the NFC resource distribution formula, proposing interim discretionary grants for provinces until a consensus could be reached on revising the mechanism. The call reflects growing concerns among smaller provinces about fiscal imbalances and the need for a more responsive revenue-sharing model. Earlier engagements between Afridi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have also highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism, with both sides acknowledging the need for better coordination on financial matters. In a letter sent in January, the KP chief minister had pressed for the “full and unconditional” release of outstanding dues, terming delays a violation of constitutional commitments. Tuesday’s meeting signals a possible thaw in centreprovince relations, with both sides indicating willingness to engage constructively.
Oil price surges as Pakistan's economy shows resilience ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
Pakistan’s short-term economic outlook remains cautiously optimistic, but rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing United States-Israel war on Iran could pose serious long-term risks to the country’s macroeconomic stability, the finance ministry warned on Tuesday. In its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook, the Ministry of Finance
highlighted that increasing oil prices and potential supply chain disruptions may drive up industrial input costs, putting pressure on key sectors of the economy. Inflation for March 2026 is projected to remain between 7.5 and 8.5 per cent. Despite these concerns, the ministry noted improving momentum in the industrial sector, supported by increased imports of textile machinery, transport equipment, and construction-related materials. These trends are expected to
translate into higher domestic production and economic activity in the coming months. To counter external pressures, the government is pursuing prudent economic measures, including maintaining adequate petroleum reserves, managing energy demand efficiently and enforcing fiscal austerity to safeguard economic stability. On the external front, strong remittance inflows — particularly due to Eid-
related transfers — are expected to support foreign exchange reserves, although their sustainability will depend on economic conditions in host countries. At the same time, growing information technology exports are providing an additional boost to foreign earnings. The ministry said the current account deficit is likely to remain manageable, though it cautioned that persistently high oil prices could significantly inflate the import bill.
PM orders strict fuel oversight, eyes further relief for public ISLAMABAD
Saleem Jadoon
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reviewed ongoing austerity and conservation measures in the context of the evolving regional situation, directing authorities to finalize proposals for further relief to low-income segments while ordering strict action against petroleum smuggling and illegal hoarding to ensure market stability and consumer protection, state media reported. Chairing a high-level meeting on the petroleum products supply chain, the prime minister instructed relevant ministries to submit final, province-backed recommendations to strengthen supply management and sustain public relief amid global uncertainties, according to a statement issued by the
Prime Minister’s Office. Emphasizing strict enforcement, the prime minister directed authorities to intensify crackdowns on petroleum smuggling and illegal stockpiling, warning that such practices would not be tolerated. He noted that the government had already taken significant steps over the past three weeks to support vulnerable segments and reaffirmed its commitment to shielding the poor from mounting economic pressures, the PMO said. Highlighting relief measures, the prime minister said that through cuts in the development budget and implementation of austerity and savings initiatives, the federal government had provided relief amounting to Rs129 billion by preventing an increase in petroleum prices. He added that timely decisions had ensured sufficient availability of petroleum
products to meet domestic demand. “Our foremost priority is to provide relief to the people,” the prime minister reiterated. During the briefing, participants were informed that austerity measures were being implemented steadily, while the demand and supply of petroleum products across the country were being closely monitored through a digital dashboard to ensure transparency and uninterrupted availability within the supply chain, the PMO statement said. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad
Khan Leghari, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar
Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, and senior officials from relevant departments.