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IRAN REJECTS US PROPOSAL FOR CEASEFIRE, DEMANDS PERMANENT END TO WAR Tuesday, 7 April, 2026 | 18 Shawwal, 1447
g CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL FACES
AIRMEN, DISMISSES WAR CRIME CONCERNS
g US-ISRAELI ATTACKS HIT IRANIAN ENERGY
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON
AND INTELLIGENCE FACILITIES
FO declines comment on reported ‘Islamabad Accord,’ says peace process is ongoing
agencies
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to coordinate the proposal. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with further strikes on energy and transport infrastructure if the Strait is not reopened by his set deadline. Brent crude futures fell slightly amid market speculation over the ceasefire prospects. The conflict has seen intensified US-Israeli attacks on Iranian energy and infrastructure. Iranian state media reported the death of Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence chief Majid Khademi, claimed by Israel, alongside damage to petrochemical complexes and data centres critical for AI and other services. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of further attacks on Iran’s infrastruc-
ture and leadership. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei condemned the US and Israeli strikes on bridges, power plants, schools, and other civilian sites, describing them as crimes against humanity and a reckless attempt to push Iran “back to the Stone Age.” Analysts note that while such attacks could constitute war crimes under international law, the International Criminal Court lacks jurisdiction as the countries involved are non-members. The escalating violence has already caused widespread damage to Iran’s energy sector, with targeted attacks on the South Pars gas field and several petrochemical complexes, heightening fears of a broader regional destabilization.
The Foreign Office on Monday declined to comment on reports that Pakistan had shared a ceasefire framework aimed at ending hostilities in the US-Israel war on Iran, while saying that the peace process was continuing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, ‘We do not comment on these individual, specific incidents,’ and added that the peace process was ongoing. The statement came after reports suggested that Islamabad had conveyed a framework to the United States and Iran to help end the conflict. According to the reports, the arrangement could come into effect on Monday and could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to sources cited in the source report, the framework was exchanged with Iran and the United States overnight and set out a two-stage approach, beginning with an immediate ceasefire and followed by a broader agreement. However, Reuters reported that Iran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in return for a temporary ceasefire. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran believed Washington was not prepared for a permanent ceasefire. The same Iranian official said Iran had received Pakistan’s ceasefire proposal and was examining it, while stressing that Tehran would not accept pressure to meet deadlines or make a decision.
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PM Shehbaz calls for wider use of electric vehicles to reduce fuel costs ISLAMABAD
staff report
Govt using all resources to manage current crisis, says Finance Minister ISLAMABAD
staff report
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday told the National Assembly that the government is deploying all available resources to effectively manage the ongoing crisis. He said the government acted swiftly in response to the emerging regional situation by forming a high-level committee over the weekend, chaired by Shehbaz Sharif, to proactively handle any critical developments in the country. The committee includes key cabinet members, such as the ministers for petroleum, commerce, maritime affairs, national food security, as well as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. Aurangzeb highlighted the pivotal role of the Petroleum Minister in coordinating efforts to ensure supply stability. He noted that daily stock-taking meetings have been held since early March to assess availability, pricing patterns, logistical challenges, and evolving global market conditions. The finance minister added that diplomatic efforts have also been intensified, with state-level engagements aimed at ensuring smooth supply management and maintaining market stability. “Daily reviews have been ongoing for five consecutive weeks, with both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister personally overseeing the process through dedicated committees,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to proactive crisis management.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed the need to introduce environment-friendly electric vehicles across the country, saying the move would help conserve foreign exchange reserves amid the recent regional situation and rising global petroleum prices. He was speaking at a ceremony held for the provision of eco-smart electric vehicles to the Islamabad Traffic Police. The prime minister said such energyefficient measures should be adopted by all law enforcement agencies as well as the provinces. Shehbaz said 15 electric vehicles had been provided by the interior ministry and noted that these vehicles operate on batteries without using petrol or oil. He
added that another batch of vehicles would also be inducted soon. Describing the step as important, the prime minister said such initiatives would have a positive effect on the country’s foreign reserves. He also congratulated Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his team for launching the initiative. Federal ministers, senior Islamabad police officials and other relevant authorities attended the ceremony. Earlier, Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi briefed the prime minister on the initiative. He was informed that each vehicle staff would include a captain, a male responder, one responder and a driver, all of whom would wear a special uniform. The briefing stated that the vehicles would be deployed on key avenues of the capital to help maintain smooth traffic flow.
Operational details shared at ceremony According to the briefing, each vehicle can travel between 350 kilometres and 400 kilometres after a full charge. Fast charging takes 60 to 90 minutes, while regular charging requires between six and eight hours. The prime minister was also informed that, compared to petrol-powered vehicles, each electric vehicle would save up to Rs0.55 million per month. Officials further told him that the expenditure incurred on procuring these electric vehicles would be recovered within 13 to 14 months. The ceremony focused on the use of electric vehicles as a costsaving and energy-efficient option for public service, particularly in traffic management in the federal capital.
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THREATENS STRIKES ON IRANIAN INFRASTRUCTURE
g TRUMP DETAILS RESCUE OF DOWNED
I
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
g US PRESIDENT TRUMP SETS TODAY'S DEADLINE,
CHALLENGES AMID RISING TENSIONS
RAN has formally conveyed its response to the United States’ proposal for ending the ongoing conflict, rejecting a temporary ceasefire and emphasizing the necessity of a permanent resolution, the official IRNA news agency reported on Monday. The move comes as US President Donald Trump set a hard deadline for Iran to reach a deal by Tuesday (today) to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Tehran’s response consists of 10 clauses, including an end to regional conflicts, safe passage protocols through the Strait, lifting of sanctions, and post-war reconstruction. Iranian officials stressed that earlier US demands, such as the 15-point plan, were deemed excessive and rejected. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran’s clear articulation of its legitimate demands reflects confidence in defending its positions, not a willingness to compromise. Iran also made clear that it would not reopen the Strait as part of a temporary ceasefire, nor would it accept externally imposed deadlines or pressure. The peace plan proposed an immediate ceasefire followed by broader peace talks to be concluded within 15–20 days. According to sources, Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Asim Munir maintained overnight contacts with US Vice President JD
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Pakistan, Turkiye sign MoU to strengthen judicial cooperation ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkiye’s Constitutional Court aimed at expanding cooperation between the two judicial institutions. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the Supreme Court in Islamabad attended by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Kadir Özkaya, president of Turkiye’s Constitutional Court. A day earlier, the Supreme Court had said it would host a high-level delegation from Turkiye’s Constitutional Court from April 6 to 9, led by Özkaya, for the signing of the MoU. Speaking before the signing ceremony, Chief Justice Afridi said he hoped the agreement would ‘provide a forward-looking framework for collaboration between the two judiciaries’. He said the arrangement would emphasise ‘the exchange of judicial knowledge and best practices, the promotion of comparative constitutional jurisprudence, strengthening of institutional linkages and the advancement of capacity building through joint programmes, research, and judicial exchanges’. The chief justice said a joint working group made up of judges from the Federal Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court would be established under the MoU, adding that it ‘will ensure our cooperation remains active rather than remaining symbolic’. Justice Afridi said the Turkish delegation’s visit reflected the ‘enduring, historic, fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye — one that transcends formal diplomacy’. He said the agreement was not merely a procedural arrangement between courts, but represented a shared commitment to reinforce constitutional governance, uphold the rule of law, safeguard judicial independence and protect fundamental rights. The chief justice also said judicial institutions could not work in isolation, noting that ‘common challenges such as rapid technological change, evolving understanding of rights, and complex constitutional questions require us to engage in global judicial conversation’. He said that through such agreements, ‘courts learn from each other and strengthen their collective capacity to deliver justice’. Concluding his remarks, Justice Afridi expressed the hope that the MoU would ‘pave the way for deeper understanding, meaningful exchanges, and a lasting partnership between our two judiciaries’. According to the Supreme Court’s statement issued on Sunday, one of the central elements of the proposed cooperation is the professional development of the judiciary, particularly at the district level, through joint training programmes, academic exchanges and exposure to comparative judicial practices. The statement added that the collaboration is also expected to support the use of modern technologies in judicial processes to improve efficiency, transparency and access to justice. It further said the visiting delegation is expected to take part in high-level institutional interactions during its stay, along with engagements involving key stakeholders in the justice sector.
Dar engages UK, Japan officials on regional tensions, peace efforts ISLAMABAD
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday held separate engagements with senior officials from the United Kingdom and Japan, focusing on the evolving regional situation and efforts to promote peace and stability. In a telephone conversation, Dar spoke with Hamish Falconer, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. The two lead-
ers discussed recent regional developments, with Falconer appreciating Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy to ensure stability. Both sides reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-UK relations and agreed to remain in close contact. Separately, Dar received a call from Toshimitsu Motegi, during which they exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and the broader region. The two leaders underscored the need for urgent de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Motegi commended Pakistan’s constructive and facilitative role in advancing diplomatic efforts for regional peace. In response, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and achieving lasting stability. Both interactions highlighted Pakistan’s active diplomatic outreach and its continued engagement with key international partners on regional peace efforts, with all sides agreeing to maintain close coordination.
PM Shehbaz orders early market closures nationwide to save energy ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of measures related to petroleum pricing, energy conservation and austerity, approving sweeping steps to curb energy consumption across the country. The meeting decided that bazaars, markets and shopping malls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will close at 8pm, effective April 7. However, divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to keep markets open until 9pm in consultation with the provincial government.
Under the new directives, shops dealing in essential items and departmental stores will also shut at 8pm, while restaurants, bakeries, tandoors and other food outlets will close at 10pm. Marriage halls, marquees and other wedding venues will not be allowed to operate beyond 10pm, and a ban has been imposed on holding wedding ceremonies after that time even in private homes. Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from the restrictions to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services. Officials briefed the meeting that efforts are underway to shift petroleum subsidies to a targeted system through digital wallets, with around 100,000 transactions already completed. The move is aimed at ensuring transparency and directing relief to deserv-
ing segments while reducing fiscal burden. The prime minister appreciated the cooperation of provincial governments in reaching a consensus on energy-saving measures, describing the steps as vital for national economic stability. He expressed hope that the Sindh government, currently consulting stakeholders, would soon align with the decision. As part of relief measures, the government also announced free intercity public transport for one month in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, with expenses to be borne by the federal government. The meeting was attended by Ishaq Dar, Ahad Khan Cheema and other senior officials, who reviewed progress on austerity measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and stabilising the economy.