US–IRAN ‘FACE-TO-FACE TALKS’ ENTER EXPERT LEVEL AS HOPES RISE FOR BREAKTHROUGH
g THREE-WAY ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES UNDER PAKISTAN ’S MEDIATION LATE NIGHT IN RARE ISLAMABAD DIPLOMATIC BREAKTHROUGH
g TWO ROUNDS COMPLETED AFTER MORE THAN FIVE HOURS OF TALKS, WITH EXPERTS EXCHANGE WRITTEN PROPOSALS
g WHITE HOUSE CONFIRMS TRILATERAL US–PAKISTAN–IRAN FORMAT TALKS, CHARACTERIZING IT A S ‘ THREE-WAY AND FACE-TO-FACE’
g STRAIT OF HORMUZ EMERGES
POINT
NEGOTIATIONS A S TECHNICAL COMMITTEES REVIEW ECONOMIC, NUCLEAR, LEGAL AND MILITARY ISSUES
ISLAMABAD
work the Saudi Defence Ministry said on Saturday In a statement the ministry confirmed that Pakistani fighter jets and support aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have arrived at the air base in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province It said the Pakistani contingent comprises fighter and support aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force aimed at strengthening joint military coordination between the two countries The deployment, it added, would enhance operational readiness of the armed forces and contribute to regional and international security and stability In September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” under which “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman The latest deployment comes amid ongoing instability in the Middle East following conflict in-
volving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has disrupted energy supplies and heightened concerns of broader regional escalation Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long history of defence cooperation, with Islamabad providing military training and advisory support to the Kingdom, while Riyadh has extended financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic stress
The development came a day after Saudi Arabia assured Pakistan of full financial support to address challenges arising from the regional conflict, during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ’s meeting with Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan on Friday
PUNJAB FOOD AUTHORIT Y STEPS UP ENFORCEMENT,
FOOD UNITS
The initiative is being implemented under the leadership of Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab on AI Ali Dar, who said the collaboration is intended to advance practical applications of artificial intelligence across public and financial systems
at Nawaz Sharif IT City forming the core infrastructure for data-driven governance and AI-enabled financial services in the province
Officials said the project is part of a broader strategy to position Punjab as the largest AI-enabled province in South Asia by 2029 with ambitions to develop a regional AI hub supported by a unified digital ecosystem As part of the framework AI-based financial tools will be introduced to improve access to credit for farmers, small businesses, the housing sector, and underserved communities The system is expected to streamline lending processes and expand financial inclusion through data-driven decision-making
The partnership also includes plans to collaborate with startups, universities, and global technology firms to support research innovation and the development of AI applications in key economic sectors Authorities
the
aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam
to transform the province into a fully digital and AI-integrated governance model Officials further stated that the programme is expected to contribute to the creation of more than 100,000 jobs, particularly in the technology and digital services sectors while expanding employment opportunities for youth
They added that the development of a robust data ecosystem will enhance credit access for SMEs and the agriculture sector and strengthen overall economic efficiency through AI-enabled financial systems
of APIs recording a median price drop of 11% year-on-year between January and October 2025 At the company level AGP Highnoon Laboratories and The Searle Company reported the highest gross margins of 60% 55% and 55% respectively Finance costs for the sector fell sharply by 49% year-on-year to Rs4 2 billion in 2025 reflecting both declining interest rates and reduced leverage Quarterly finance costs also declined 52% to Rs902 million The sector s effective tax rate remained broadly stable at 39 9% in 2025 compared to 40 3%
routes have been sealed security forces heavily deployed and surveillance heightened with the talks being held at a secure, undisclosed location Pakistan has played an increasingly central role in de-escalating tensions in the Middle East Following recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation Islamabad intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation In recent weeks Pakistan hosted a quadrilateral meeting involving foreign ministers from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which was widely welcomed internationally Additionally Pakistan and China jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East
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Strict security checks were enforced across the capital with vehicles and pedestrians screened at multiple checkpoints The venue hosting the talks was converted into a fortified zone, with special units deployed in and around a private hotel accommodating the delegations Surveillance was intensified through CCTV cameras and drone monitoring to detect any suspicious activity Security officials revealed that over 10,000 personnel had been deployed across both cities, supported by quick re-
H
s i n g a f f o r d a b i l i t y p r e se n t s a n a d d i t i o n a l c h a l l e n g e T h e s u r v e y s h o w s 2 2 % o f r u r a l h o u s e h o l d s s p e n d m o r e t h a n 4 0 % o f t h e i r i n c o m e o n h o u s i n g c o m p a r e d t o 1 7 % i n u r b a n a r e a s D a t a f r o m i n t e r n a t i o n a l i n s t i t ut i o n s h i g h l i g h t s a b r o a d e r s t r u ct u r a l g a p T h e Wo r l d B a n k a n d t h e I nt e r n a t i o n a l F i n a n c e C o r p o r a t i o n e s t i m a t e P a k i s t a n ’s h o u s i n g d e f i c i t a t o v e r 1 0 m i l l i o n u n i
sponse forces on high alert Bomb disposal squads were stationed at sensitive locations, while search operations were carried out in vulnerable areas As part of precautionary steps authorities also partially suspended mobile services and slowed internet speeds In Rawalpindi a near-complete lockdown was enforced Major commercial areas, including Raja Bazaar, Saddar, Committee Chowk, and Murree Road, remained closed with minimal traffic visible Residents were advised to limit movement while access to several localities was restricted
commitment to facilitating both sides in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict Vice President Vance arrived in Islamabad as part of a US delegation to participate in the negotiations, termed the “Islamabad Talks 2026 ” aimed at addressing the ongoing US-Iran conflict Upon arrival the delegation was received by Ishaq Dar Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and Mohsin Naqvi, along with US Chargé d Affaires Natalie Baker Dar welcomed the US delegation and
commended Washington s commitment to regional and global peace, expressing optimism that the parties would engage constructively He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue facilitating efforts toward a durable settlement
talks, stating that the United States was
while emphasising that progress would depend on Iran’s willingness to engage in good faith
The negotiations come in the wake of a six-week conflict that has caused wide-
Public transport services were severely disrupted, with the Metro Bus service between the twin cities suspended along with Islamabad’s electric buses and Rawalpindi’s green bus network The closure of stations left thousands of commuters struggling to find alternative travel options Authorities in Rawalpindi established additional checkpoints and intensified patrols by police and elite units, while security around sensitive installations was further tightened Educational institutions and offices remained closed due to a public holiday though emergency services continued to function Officials stated that the extraordinary measures were necessitated by the presence of senior US and Iranian delegations, warning that any lapse in security could have far-reaching consequences for both Pakistan and the broader region Intelligence agencies remained on high alert, closely monitoring the situation Analysts noted that such extensive security arrangements are typically reserved for highly sensitive international events highlighting the significance of the ongoing talks as the twin cities temporarily came to a standstill
spread casualties, disrupted energy markets, and strained the global economy Delegations from both the United States and Iran, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf have gathered in Islamabad for the highstakes talks As Pakistan hosts what is being viewed as a critical diplomatic effort, Islamabad has been placed under heightened security with
retaliatory strikes on regional targets In response Islamabad intensified diplomatic outreach to de-escalate tensions Earlier, Pakistan hosted a quadrilateral meeting involving Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which was widely praised Additionally Pakistan and China jointly proposed a five-point
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The White House described the ongoing talks in Pakistan as “three-way and face-toface ” In a statement attributed to a White House official and sent to reporters it said:
The US Pakistan and Iran are holding a trilateral face-to-face meeting today Iranian state television reported that two rounds of talks have already taken place, with a third round likely “tonight or tomorrow ” “According to information provided to the state TV correspondent by a person close to the negotiating team another round of negotiations will likely be held tonight or tomorrow, state broadcaster IRIB said
An Iranian state TV correspondent also noted there were “plans for a third round of talks ” adding: “We are waiting to see whether this (the third round) will happen or not according to AFP
Earlier the Iranian government said in a post on X that the talks had reached the expert-level stage, with economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees participating “Negotiations continue at the Serena Hotel to finalise technical details ” it added
According to the latest reports a third round of talks is currently underway
The negotiations are taking place during a two-week ceasefire in the US–Israeli war against Iran, which began with coordinated strikes on February 28 The conflict, which
spread across the Middle East and disrupted global markets paused after Pakistan brokered a temporary ceasefire on April 8 Following the truce, the current talks were scheduled in Islamabad, with delegations from both countries arriving in the capital The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance accompanied by Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff
The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other senior officials
In a post on X, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s delegation remained fully committed to safeguarding the country s interests He expressed hope that the team would negotiate courageously adding that regardless of the outcome, the government would stand by its people Earlier, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the first phase of talks had concluded with both sides exchanging written drafts outlining positions and possible areas of agreement Technical teams are now working to formalise key points after hours of deliberations
A senior White House official confirmed that high-level in-person trilateral talks involving the United States Iran and host Pakistan were ongoing late Saturday adding that discussions were continuing Reuters reported that an earlier key
meeting brought together Vice President JD Vance Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Iran s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Reuters Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was also present Sources described the meeting dynamics as fluctuating with the tone shifting between tense and relatively flexible The initial session lasted around two hours before a break One of the most contentious issues remains the Strait of Hormuz, described by Tasnim as a point of “serious disagreement” among negotiators The strategic waterway carries a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in peacetime P M
Prior to the talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with delegations from the United States and Iran
PM Shehbaz held a meeting with the Iranian delegation at the Islamabad Talks today, the Prime Minister s Office (PMO) said in a statement Appreciating Iran s engagement in the Islamabad Talks, the prime minister affirmed Pakistan’s sincere resolve to continue playing its role as a mediator to help build momentum towards achieving meaningful results in the interest of regional and global peace and stability, PMO stated
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi attended the meeting from the Pakistani side The PMO shared a video from the exchange showing PM Shehbaz greeting Ghalibaf and Araghchi by hugging them and shaking hands
COMMENT
Fuel prices cut
O il prices will begin to go back to normal
TH E weekly fixing of the petrol price has already begun to reflect the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz though the Sindh government’s notification of the closure of all markets and malls by 9 pm might seem to be coming too late The big cut came in the diesel price reflecting the fact that the petroleum levy on it had been restored Petrol had had its levy already removed so the reduction was only Rs 11 83 Still, that means that the subsidy for its price is not going to have to be forked over by the government any more So much thus depends on whether the US-Iran talks succeed or not The world is watching at the moment, whether or not it will have to deal with another closure of the Hormuz Strait; therefore much depends on what transpires in Islamabad between the USA and Iran
Even if the present fall in prices is not permanent, it will still leave behind the question of what to do about austerity measures First come the austerity measures for the public like closing markets early That is a salutary measure and should not be relaxed when fuel availability goes back to normal Educational institutions will probably have to go back to normal Then there were government measures such as reducing the amounts of fuel available for official vehicles
Or cutting salaries should not be retained fully but there must be some belt-tightening As a matter of fact, many citizens are wondering why it wasn’t done before It should be understood that austerity measures are not a magic bullet that will compensate for the Strait closure, or pull the country out of the debt trap, but every little bit helps
The lack of certainty is another incentive towards distinguishing essential from non-essential expenditure It is too early to assume the emergency is over Indeed, all it has shown us is that the emergency is ongoing, and the need to conserve resources was always there, and there should be no extravagance even when it becomes clear that the Strait has been reopened Pakistan is one of several countries which has very many lessons big and small to learn from the US-Israel attack on Iran It must make sure that it learns the right lessons and that it acts on them
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
HI S TO RY offers an uncompromising truth:
a state is not measured by the ease of its calm, but by the character of its response to crisis When violence attempts to erode public order, the assault is not confined to geography; it strikes at the very legitimacy of governance Each fallen officer is not simply a statistic of conflict but a solemn reminder of the enduring contest between law and lawlessness between constitutional authority and destructive anarchy Nations withstand such ordeals not through speeches or symbolism, but through steadfast resolve, institutional reform, and an unshakable unity of purpose, The recent wave of militant violence across KP Punjab and Balochistan is a sobering reminder that the threat remains fluid adaptive and capable of shifting across geography and method From Kohat to Bhakkar to Bajur, and Naushki to Wana, the geographical spread of attacks underscores that militancy is neither confined to one province nor restricted to one operational pattern The burden borne by uniformed personnel whether in the police paramilitary formations or armed forces reflects the intensity of this confrontation Yet among them police officers often stand as the first and most exposed line of defence Unlike military units deployed for specific operations, the police function as permanent guardians within communities They man checkpoints patrol markets escort public gatherings and respond to intelligence alerts at the most localised level Their duties demand both vigilance and visibility a combination that unfortunately makes them vulnerable The high casualty rate among law enforcers in recent incidents illustrates that militant networks deliberately target those symbols of state presence that are most accessible In this evolving environment the conversation must move beyond immediate condemnation toward structural reform The sacrifices of security personnel demand not only homage but also introspection Are our police forces adequately equipped with modern surveillance systems, protective gear, and mobility assets? Are they trained in counterinsurgency methodologies suited to hybrid warfare environments
where traditional crime-fighting overlaps with ideological militancy? Are intelligence units seamlessly integrated across provincial and federal lines? Pakistan s counterterrorism architecture has undergone transformation since the launch of the National Action Plan in 2014 Significant gains were made in dismantling organised militant infrastructure However the resurgence of violence suggests that the ecosystem of extremism has not been entirely neutralised Militancy has mutated relying on smaller cells cross-border sanctuaries digital propaganda and sporadic high-impact attacks designed to generate fear disproportionate to their numerical strength A revised national counterterrorism framework is therefore imperative Such a strategy must be intelligence-led technologically supported and politically insulated Intelligence fusion centres connecting KP Punjab Balochistan and federal agencies should operate in real time not through bureaucratic relay Data analytics, financial tracking, and cyber-monitoring capabilities need sustained investment The police, often operating with limited budgets compared to military formations require priority allocation for training in urban warfare explosive ordnance recognition and crisis response Equally important is inter-provincial political maturity Strained relations between administrations create operational silos Militants thrive in these gaps Joint task forces, coordinated patrol grids in bordering districts and synchronised intelligence operations can deny violent actors the room to exploit jurisdictional divides Security cannot be held hostage to political rivalries The threat is shared; the response must be collective Yet the battle is not solely kinetic Militancy feeds on narratives of alienation, grievance, and ideological distortion Counterterrorism policy must therefore integrate community
The men and women who guard our streets cannot fight a 21stcentury insurgency with 20th-century tools. Nor can fragmented administrations defeat a networked threat The answer lies not in despair but in disciplined reform. If the state responds with unity, foresight, and technological sophistication, the sacrifices of its defenders will not be a ledger of loss but a foundation for stability In the long arc of history, nations that adapt endure
The Coordinated Face of Terrorism
TH E recent attack on security forces in Bara, Khyber, followed by multiple terrorist groups claiming responsibility has once again exposed an uncomfortable but undeniable reality: many militant organizations operating in the region are essentially different faces of the same violent network When groups such as Lashkar-eIslam, Majlis-e-Karwan, and the FAK movement simultaneously claim credit for the same attack it is not merely a matter of propaganda rivalry Instead it reflects deeper operational overlaps shared ideology and coordinated messaging that underscores a broader and more dangerous pattern of extremist collaboration At their core, these organizations are driven by the same extremist worldview that glorifies violence and disregards the sanctity of human life Despite presenting themselves under different names banners or leadership structures their actions reveal identical motivations and methods Their campaigns revolve around terror, intimidation, and bloodshed, targeting security forces as well as innocent civilians Such tactics expose the fundamental nature of these groups: they are not rational actors pursuing legitimate political objectives but extremist movements that thrive on chaos fear and destruction T
sion Their misuse of religion is not only a distortion of faith but also a deliberate strategy to manipulate vulnerable recruits and create an illusion of moral justification for acts of terror Evidence of coordination among these groups is not limited to attacks within Pakistan Reports of gatherings involving militants in Afghanistan highlight the depth of their collaboration For instance, the reported Eid gathering in Yaka Khaji in Faryab province brought together fighters associated with ISIS-Khorasan Province (ISKP) and the FAK movement Such events are significant because they demonstrate that these organizations are not isolated actors but participants in a broader militant ecosystem
The presence of high-value militants at this gathering further underscores the seriousness of the threat Individuals such as Umar al-Khorasani Luqman al-Khorasani Muhammad Abu Hamza Turkistani and Abu Yasir reportedly attended the event Their participation indicates that these meetings are not merely symbolic celebrations but opportunities for coordination, networking, and strategic planning among different militant factions When viewed together with the Bara attack claims the pattern becomes even clearer
Groups such as Lashkar-e-Islam Majlis-e-Karwan and FAK are not operating in isolation Instead, they appear to function within a networked environment where resources, fighters, and operational strategies intersect The same groups that celebrate together and coordinate across borders also collaborate in carrying out attacks and amplifying propaganda This operational unity magnifies the threat they pose to regional stability
Another dimension of this issue involves the use of Afghan territory as a sanctuary by various militant groups For years, concerns have been raised that extremist organizations exploit the porous border and remote terrain to regroup train and coordinate cross-border attacks When militants can move organize and communicate from safe havens beyond Pakistan s borders, it significantly complicates counterterrorism efforts
Such sanctuaries provide these groups with the strategic depth they require to sustain prolonged campaigns of violence From these bases, they can plan attacks, recruit fighters, and spread propaganda without facing immediate pressure from security forces The result is a persistent cycle of cross-border militancy that continues to threaten innocent Pakistani citizens and security personnel alike
Yet despite these challenges, Pakistan s response to terrorism has remained firm and consistent Over the past two decades, the country has developed extensive counterterrorism capabilities combining military operations intelligence coordination and law enforcement reforms These efforts have significantly weakened many militant networks and disrupted numerous planned attacks
Pakistan’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism remains a central pillar of its national security strategy While militant groups may attempt to reorganize under new names or forge alliances across borders the state has repeatedly demonstrated its resolve to identify and neutralize such threats Each attack serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, intelligence sharing, and sustained counterterrorism operations
Ultimately the lesson from the Bara incident and similar events is clear: the fragmentation of militant groups is often an illusion Behind the different labels and organizational structures lies a shared ideology, overlapping leadership networks, and coordinated operational planning Recognizing this reality is essential for effectively countering the threat they pose Pakistan s resilience in the face of terrorism is not merely a matter of military strength but also of national unity and determination While extremist groups continue to seek domination through fear and violence, their efforts will ultimately fail in the face of a society committed to peace stability and the protection of human life The continued exposure of their networks and collaboration is a crucial step toward ensuring that their destructive agenda is defeated once and for all
The writer is a freelance columnist
PakistanÊs resilience in the face of terrorism is not merely a matter of military strength but also of national unity and determination While extremist groups continue to seek domination through fear and violence, their efforts will ultimately fail in the face of a society committed to peace, stability, and the protection of human life The continued exposure of their networks and collaboration is a crucial step toward ensuring that their destructive agenda is defeated once and for all
Afghanistan’s Political Situation After US Withdrawal
Easy access to drugs among teenagers and within educational institutions
TRUMP SAYS US WILL HAVE STRAIT OF HORMUZ 'OPEN FAIRLY SOON'
A temporary truce between Russia
several commercial ships damaged in attacks by Yemen's Houthi militants have docked in the country Victory for the 78-year-old Guelleh who was handpicked in 1999 to succeed his uncle Hassan Gouled Aptidon and whose party dominates national institutions was never in doubt Last October parliament voted to remove the 75-year age limit for presidential candidates and also scrapped a referendum previously required to approve a new constitution Two main opposition parties boycotted election In Friday's vote Guelleh faced a lone opposition candidate Mohamed Farah Samatar from a small party with no representation in parliament Two of the main opposition parties have boycotted elections since 2016 accusing election authorities of lacking impartiality Data from state-owned media showed that there was voter turnout of 80 4% In the last election in 2021, Guelleh won with over 97% of the vote In contrast to several other Horn of Africa nations, Djibouti has been relatively stable in recent years and Guelleh's government has invested heavily in port infrastructure to become the main gateway to landlocked Ethiopia
CM MARYAM ORDERS STRICT MONITORING OF PDP PROJECTS, SEEKS WEEKLY
Punjab to ensure
exceptional hospitality for Sikh yatrees: A zma Bokhari
Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has extended a warm welcome to Sikh pilgrims arriving in Punjab from across the world, particularly from across the border, on the occasion of Vaisakhi She stated that Vaisakhi is a beautiful traditional and historic festival of Punjab whose vibrant colors represent the true identity of the region She emphasized that the Government of Punjab, while upholding its long-standing traditions, will celebrate the festival this year with full enthusiasm and spirit Referring to past celebrations she noted that last year Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally inaugurated the festivities by harvesting wheat at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, reflecting deep-rooted affection and connection with the Sikh community
The provincial minister assured that the Punjab government has made excellent arrangements for accommodation meals and transportation for Sikh pilgrims A comprehensive and foolproof security plan has also been put in place to ensure that pilgrims can perform their religious rituals in complete
Muqam hails price reduction in petroleum products as public relief
ISLAMABAD staff report
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, GilgitBaltistan, and SAFRON, Engr Amir Muqam, on Saturday said that the announcement of a reduction in petroleum product prices is not only commendable but would also have a positive impact on the economy In a statement issued here Muqam described the significant reduction in petroleum prices announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as an important step toward providing relief to the public The Minister further emphasized that the government has ensured that the benefit of declining oil prices in the global market is directly passed on to the people Muqam remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the federal government has once again demonstrated its commitment to taking serious measures to alleviate the burden of inflation on the public
and
She
added that Sikh pilgrims have always appreciated Punjab’s hospitality and this year too no effort will be spared in serving them Pilgrims arriving from across the border are honored guests and hosting them is a matter of great pride and pleasure for the people of Punjab
4.5 magnitude ear thquake jolts par ts of Balochistan
Barkhan, a district in
IGP Islamabad directed traffic police officers to provide timely information to citizens about alternative routes and to avoid unnecessary obstructions Additional officers should be deployed to reduce traffic congestion, and special monitoring should be ensured in crowded areas He appealed to citizens to fully cooperate with security agencies, follow the issued instructions and immediately report any suspicious activity to “Pukar 15 ”In conclusion the IGP Islamabad reaffirmed his commitment that Islamabad Police will utilize all available resources to provide the best and most foolproof security to foreign delegations, while ensuring all possible measures to uphold national dignity, security, and a positive image
Pakistan emerges as key hub of global diplomacy: Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday lauded the national leadership for achieving a “remarkable diplomatic successes,” saying that Pakistan has once again positioned itself as an important center of global diplomacy In a statement the minister highlighted Pakistan’s constructive and proactive role in ongoing engagements between the United States and Iran saying that the country’s balanced and prudent approach has helped ease regional tensions The world s attention is now focused on Pakistan with Islamabad rapidly emerging as a hub for international peace negotiations he said Abbasi emphasized that Pakistan has established itself as a credible and dependable bridge for fostering peace, stability and dialogue across the region He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s visionary leadership for significantly enhancing Pakistan s global stature, adding that the country is currently enjoying an unprecedented level of trust and recognition internationally staff report
g PUNJAB
to abandon the pipeline project However Iran agreed to extend the gas sale agreement by another 10 years in an effort to revive the scheme The two sides have remained engaged in backdoor diplomacy over the matter and the issue was also raised with visiting highprofile dignitaries in Islamabad particularly by the former Iranian president Pakistan had earlier sought a waiver from the United States to proceed with the project, but Washington refused Matthew Miller, who served as spokesperson for the US State Department during the previous administration had said Washington would continue to enforce sanctions on Iran Iran has already completed its section of the pipeline, while Pakistan has not yet started construction on its side Officials said Iran is ready to extend the gas sale agreement for another decade but Pakistan wants to put the project aside because of sanctions and weak domestic demand Over time, Pakistan has examined other options as well One proposal involved laying an LNG pipeline to Gwadar with an 80km extension to the Iranian border A Chinese company had shown interest in building that line but sanctions remained an obstacle
Saturday expressed the hope for the success of the ongoing Islamabad Talks urging that the negotiations yield constructive and mutually beneficial outcomes In a post on X, the party said its leadership and workers were offering sincere prayers for the success of the ongoing US–Iran dialogue being held in Islamabad, expressing optimism that the process would lead to positive constructive results
It stated that the talks should help advance the collective interests of the Muslim Ummah while also reinforcing Pakistan s strategic priorities and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the wider region
“May Allah Almighty bless these efforts with wisdom and guidance,” the party added, expressing hope that the discussions would produce fruitful resolutions serving the broader interests of all stakeholders Delegations from Washington and Tehran are currently in Islamabad for negotiations aimed at ending the six-weekold Iran war, which has killed thousands across the Middle East, disrupted energy supplies, fuelled inflation, and slowed the global economy The Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Parliament Speaker MohammadBagher Ghalibaf arrived in Pakistan last night The US delegation headed by Vice President JD Vance landed in Islamabad on Saturday morning and included key Middle East envoys from President Donald Trump s administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
Pakistan has emerged as a key regional mediator amid the escalating crisis On February 28 the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on Israeli territory and US military bases in the Gulf The escalation triggered intensified diplomatic efforts by Pakistan s political and military leadership to de-escalate tensions
To support peace efforts, Pakistan also hosted a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Islamabad, bringing together representatives from Turkey Saudi Arabia and Egypt
S ta f f r e p o r t
The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission on Saturday announced that general elections in the region will now be held on June 7 following a four-month postponement caused by severe winter conditions
The polls for the GilgitBaltistan Assembly were initially slated for January 24 2026 but were indefinitely delayed shortly after the announcement due to extreme weather that left several areas inaccessible
In an official notification, the Election Commission Secretariat confirmed the new polling date Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan also verified the development stating that preparations for the elections are complete He added that the schedule for local government elections would be issued separately and conducted after the general polls Local government elections which were announced after a gap of two decades had earlier been planned for February 14 2026
Earlier this month, Khan noted that while preparations were underway, a final date had yet to be determined Political parties had widely opposed holding elections
in January or February due to heavy snowfall which cuts off many parts of the region
While there had been uncertainty over whether elections could be held before June, political stakeholders were concerned that any delay beyond early summer could push the process to September or October Parties also ruled out conducting polls during religious periods such as Muharram, expected to begin around mid-June, or Chehlum The last GB Assembly elections were held on November 15 2020 across 24 constituencies The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf formed the government with Khalid Khurshid elected as chief minister
However in July 2023 the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court disqualified Khurshid leading to the formation of a coalition government comprising dissident PTI members, the Pakistan Peoples Party, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz The alliance subsequently elected Haji Gulbar Khan as chief minister
The assembly completed its five-year tenure on November 24, 2025 On the same day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his capacity as GB Council chairman, appointed retired Justice Yar Muhammad as caretaker chief minister under Article 48-A(2) of the Government of GilgitBaltistan Order, 2018
KARACHI
S ta f f r e p o r t
Prime Minister s Youth Programme (PYMP) Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan said Pakistan s young population is the country s biggest strength and stressed that creating opportunities for them is vital for lasting economic stability according to an official statement issued on Friday During a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Mashood said the Prime Minister s Youth Programme serves nearly 70% of Pakistan’s population, or about 170 million people, out of a total population of around 240 million He said involving such a large youth population remains a major challenge but added that success
in doing so would bring significant benefits, while failure to engage young people constructively could lead to serious socio-economic problems He said the programme is built around four Es: education engagement environment and employment As part of that framework, he said, Pakistan s first Digital Youth Hub has been launched to connect young people with available opportunities Mashood urged chambers of commerce across the country including KCCI to register with the platform He said around 800 000 young people are currently registered with the Digital Youth Hub while more than
