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ARMY TOP BRASS CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON SAUDI ENERGY SITES, CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AMID REGIONAL TENSIONS
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Wednesday, 8 April, 2026 | 19 Shawwal, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 13 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
g CORPS COMMANDERS TERM STRIKES 'UNNECESSARY
g MILITARY BACKS GOVERNMENT DIPLOMACY, URGES
g ARMED FORCES VOW RELENTLESS ACTION AGAINST
g CONCERNS RAISED OVER INDIAN ILLEGALLY OCCUPIED
ESCALATION,' UNDERMINING PEACE EFFORTS
DIALOGUE IN MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
TERROR PROXIES AND EXTERNAL SPONSORS
T
JAMMU AND KASHMIR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Pakistan condemns Iranian strikes on Saudi energy facilities ISLAMABAD
staff report
RAWALPINDI mian abrar
HE Pakistan Army’s top leadership on Tuesday strongly condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, describing them as an “unnecessary escalation” amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, according to the military’s media wing. The remarks came during the 274th Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, as stated by the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR). The forum lauded the government’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, stressing the importance of restraint, dialogue, and peaceful resolution. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive en-
gagement and its role as a responsible regional stakeholder working towards stability. Military leadership expressed serious concern over the attacks targeting Saudi petrochemical facilities, warning that such actions risk derailing ongoing diplomatic initiatives. The forum noted that Riyadh’s measured response despite “grave provocations” had created space for mediation, cautioning that continued aggression could jeopardize these efforts. Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office also condemned the strikes, terming them a dangerous escalation that threatens regional peace. The development comes in the backdrop of a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year, under which any attack on either country is considered an act of aggression against both. The conference also conducted
a comprehensive review of the internal and external security environment. It reiterated a firm resolve to eliminate terrorist proxies allegedly backed by India and other external actors, along with their facilitators. The military leadership emphasized that ongoing operations against militants would continue with full intensity, including efforts to dismantle safe havens and prevent the use of Afghanistan’s soil for attacks against Pakistan. The forum further rejected what it described as persistent disinformation and “false flag” narratives attributed to India, asserting that such claims have been widely discredited internationally. It also raised concern over alleged human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including reports of extrajudicial killings.
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Dar blames Israeli strikes for 'derailing' Pakistan's US-Iran peace efforts ISLAMABAD
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday accused Israel of undermining Pakistan’s efforts to broker dialogue between the United States and Iran, saying recent strikes on Tehran came just as both sides were nearing formal talks. Addressing the Senate, Dar said Islamabad had made significant progress in facilitating negotiations, with Washington and Tehran agreeing in principle to hold talks in Pakistan. “We were very optimistic before Monday night,” he said, noting that both countries had accepted Islamabad’s role as a mediator. According to the foreign minister, Pakistan had already played a key diplomatic role by conveying a 15-point set of conditions from the US to Iran, while also delivering Tehran’s fivepoint proposals to Washington in an effort to bridge differences. However, he lamented that the momentum toward dialogue was disrupted by fresh Israeli strikes on Iran, which he said had complicated an already fragile situation. “Pakistan tried until the last moment to create space for a pause and meaningful engagement,” he added. Dar revealed that the United Nations secretary-general had contacted him to acknowledge Pakistan’s peace efforts and offer support, but recent devel-
opments had reversed progress and heightened tensions across the region. He warned that escalating hostilities — including Israeli attacks on Iranian fuel facilities and Iran’s retaliatory strike on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical infrastructure — had made the situation increasingly volatile. The foreign minister cautioned that a prolonged conflict could have far-reaching global consequences, particularly through rising oil prices and economic strain, including for Pakistan. Despite setbacks, he expressed hope that sustained diplomatic engagement could still lead to a “dignified resolution”. Recalling earlier developments, Dar said he was in Madina attending an OIC meeting when the initial attack on Iran occurred. He immediately directed the Foreign Office to issue a strong condemnation and reached out to his Iranian counterpart to convey Pak-
istan’s solidarity. Since then, Pakistan has remained in close contact with key international partners, including China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada and several European countries, urging restraint and de-escalation. Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Dar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Foreign Office had remained fully engaged throughout the process. He also referred to a March 19 meeting in Riyadh hosted by Saudi Arabia, where representatives from 12 countries issued a joint statement — with Pakistan’s input — condemning Israeli actions. Additionally, a quadrilateral forum involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan sought to advance peace efforts, with follow-up discussions held in Islamabad on March 29. Dar further noted that Pakistan had engaged China at a high level, including discussions on a five-point peace initiative during his visit on March 31. Separately, the foreign minister held telephone conversations with his counterparts from Bahrain and Norway. In both discussions, leaders reviewed the regional situation, stressed the importance of stability, and agreed to remain in close contact as diplomatic efforts continue.
Pakistan on Tuesday voiced deep concern over Iranian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, describing the incident as a serious escalation with implications for regional peace and stability. In a statement, the Foreign Office said the government had expressed deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the missile and drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran the previous night against energy facilities in the Eastern Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Office said Pakistan was also mourning the loss of life caused by the attacks and strongly deplored the damage to critical infrastructure. It added that Pakistan had conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and was standing in solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia during what it called a difficult time. “The government of Pakistan expresses its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the missile and drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran last night against energy facilities in the Eastern Region of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, the statement read. Pakistan regarded the attacks as a grave breach of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It further described the strikes as a dangerous escalation that undermined peace and stability in the region. “The government of Pakistan considers these attacks a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional peace and stability,” the FO said”, the statement added.
PM reaffirms Pakistan’s solidarity in phone call with Saudi crown prince amid escalating hostilities ISLAMABAD
saleem jadoon
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering and unflinching” support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) following the recent attacks on its industrial facilities, strongly condemning the strike on the Al Jubail oil complex, state media reported. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, PM Shehbaz held a telephone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the escalating hostilities in the Middle East. The call came after Iran launched an attack on a petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail industrial city in the Eastern Province, raising regional tensions.
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PM urges US President to extend deadline as mediation efforts progressing ‘steadily, strongly’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called on US President Donald Trump to extend his looming deadline for two weeks to allow diplomatic efforts for the Middle East conflict to run their course, describing Pakistan’s mediation as “progressing steadily, strongly, and powerfully.” In a post on X, PM Shehbaz wrote: “Diplomatic efforts for the peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly, and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in the near future.” The appeal comes amid President Trump’s stark warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if a deal is not reached within hours, and follows reports citing security sources that Pakistan’s facilitation of US-Iran talks is entering a “critical, sensitive stage” as US strikes on Iran intensified. “To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” PM Shehbaz added. “Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve a conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.” Tensions and Negotiations at a Critical Stage Two Pakistani sources with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Tuesday that negotiations
are ongoing, but regional tensions remain high. A senior security official warned that Iran’s overnight strike on Saudi Arabia’s industrial facilities linked to US firms threatened to derail the talks. Any Saudi retaliation, the source said, could end the negotiations and potentially draw Pakistan into the conflict under its defence pact with Riyadh. Another source cautioned that Iran was “walking on thin ice,” adding that the next three to four hours would be critical for the future of dialogue. Pakistan at the Centre of Mediation Islamabad has served as the primary intermediary in recent weeks, relaying proposals between Washington and Tehran. While no breakthrough has yet occurred, the Pakistani security source said, “We are in touch with Iranians. They have lately shown flexibility that they could join the talks, but they are at the same time taking hard lines as a prerequisite for any negotiations.” Pakistan
continues to urge Tehran to enter discussions without preconditions. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Monday that messages were still being exchanged via mediators. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran had rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire, insisting that talks on lasting peace could only begin after US and Israeli strikes cease, guarantees are provided that they will not resume, and compensation is offered for damages. Pakistan’s mediation ‘approaching sensitive stage’ Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said Pakistan’s facilitation of US-Iran talks to end the Middle East conflict is approaching a” critical, sensitive stage.” Iran conveyed its position on ending the war through Pakistan after two weeks of high-level deliberations, rejecting a temporary ceasefire and calling for a permanent resolution.
Russia, China veto UNSC resolution on Hormuz reopening as Pakistan abstains WASHINGTON agencies
Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Pakistan chose to abstain. The resolution, tabled by Bahrain after multiple revisions to bridge differences among council members, secured 11 votes in favour but was blocked by vetoes from Moscow and Beijing. Two countries—Pakistan and Colombia—abstained. Countries backing the draft included Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Panama, Somalia, the United King-
dom and the United States. Drafted in coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan, the proposal called on nations using the key shipping route to coordinate defensive measures, including escorting commercial vessels, to ensure safe navigation. It also demanded that Iran immediately halt attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure such as oil, gas, and water facilities. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, has been effectively closed by Iran following the escalation of the US-Israel war on Iran, raising concerns over global oil supplies and maritime security. Earlier drafts of the resolution report-
edly included references to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which could have authorised the use of force. However, objections from Russia, China, and several non-permanent members led to its removal in a bid to secure broader support. Despite these changes, Moscow and Beijing opposed the final text, arguing it failed to adequately address the broader regional context. The revised resolution emphasised defensive coordination in line with international law and included provisions requiring the UN Secretary-General to report to the council within seven days and, subsequently, every 30 days on developments affecting commercial shipping in the region.