g FM DAR CALLS FOR CONTINUED ADHERENCE TO CEA SEFIRE BY BOTH SIDES, REAFFIRMING PAKISTAN ’S ROLE A S FACILITATOR IN WA SHINGTON–TEHRAN DIALOGUE
g TALKS DESCRIBED A S ‘ SUBSTANTIVE’ BUT FAIL TO BRIDGE KEY DIFFERENCES A S JD VANCE SAYS IRAN REJECTED US TERMS AFTER MARATHON NEGOTIATIONS
g US, IRAN DELEGATIONS DEPART ISLAMABAD; BOTH SIDES REACHED UNDERSTANDING ON SEVERAL POINTS, BUT ‘ VIEWS FAR APART ’ ON TWO TO THREE ISSUES
g IRAN SAYS SUCCESS OF DIPLOMACY DEPENDS ON ‘ GOOD FAITH ’ OF COUNTERPART, INSISTING WILL NEVER COMPROMISE ON NATIONAL INTEREST
dar reinforces ceasefire commitments, engages regional partners after ‘islamabad talks’
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday held key telephonic talks with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia Egypt and Turkiye, reaffirming Pakistan s commitment to continued diplomatic engagement, dialogue, and ceasefire consolidation efforts aimed at promoting peace in the region according to the Foreign Office (FO) The conversations came
No quick deal possible as Islamabad Talks show par tial consensus: Iran
Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Ismail Baghaei has said that the success of the Islamabad talks depends on the United States demonstrating seriousness and good faith stressing that no agreement should be expected from a single round of negotiations
In a message posted on X, the spokesperson said that no party had anticipated a quick breakthrough noting that the complexity of issues and prevailing circumstances were key factors in the negotiations He added that new topics were also introduced during the talks, and Iran would continue its diplomatic efforts to safeguard its rights and interests Baghaei said it had been a long and intensive day for the Iranian delegation in Islamabad where negotiations initiated in the morning under Pakistan s facilitation continued without interruption During the talks multiple messages and
written drafts were exchanged between the parties
He said discussions covered the Strait of Hormuz nuclear issues compensation for war damages, lifting of sanctions, and a complete end to hostilities in the region
While consensus was reached on several points he noted that differences on two to three key issues prevented a comprehensive agreement He added that consultations and contacts between Iran, Pakistan, and other friendly regional countries would continue “Diplomacy never ends; it is a means of safeguarding national interests he said reiterating that the success of the process depends on the opposing side demonstrating seriousness, goodwill, and recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests Islamabad Talks Laid Foundation for Diplomatic Process: Iran s Ambassador Iran s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said that the Islamabad talks laid the
foundation for a diplomatic process which if trust and political will are strengthened can establish a sustainable framework for the interests of all parties In a post on X, he said the Islamabad talks were “not an event but a process ” He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for what he described as their initiative of goodwill and good office in facilitating the talks
He noted that with the tireless efforts of all Pakistani institutions including the government armed forces police and security agencies the negotiations were held in a dignified calm and secure environment, with equal logistical arrangements for both sides
He further stated that the Iranian high-level delegation pursued the talks with dignity self-confidence and faith in Allah Almighty while remaining focused on safeguarding the national interests and legitimate rights of the Iranian people
guarantees to prevent their recurrence Earlier, according to a statement from the Kremlin President Pezeshkian conveyed an assessment of US-Iran talks held in Islamabad a day earlier during a phone call with his Russian counterpart
The Iranian president assessed the US-Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and expressed gratitude for Russia s principled position including on international platforms aimed at de-escalating the situation, it added Pezeshkian also thanked Russia for the humanitarian aid it has provided, the statement said, noting that Putin for his part emphasised his readiness to continue to facilitate the search for a diplomatic settlement and to mediate in the interests of establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East” tehran ready to reach ‘balanced' deal that guarantees lasting regional peace: pezeshkian
NEW GAS COUNCIL TAKES CHARGE AS LNG SUPPLY SHOCK FORCES MARKET CONTROLS
TGold steady as investors eye US -Iran ceasefire, brace for inflation data
ities had been “destroyed,” the key issue remained whether Tehran would demonstrate a long-term commitment to preventing nuclear weapons development We haven t seen that yet we hope that we will he said He further confirmed that discussions also included issues such as frozen Iranian assets, but reiterated that Iran had not agreed to US terms
Vance leaves Islamabad as US -Iran talks collapse
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
When asked to elaborate on the sticking points, Vance declined to disclose specifics, saying he did not want to negotiate publicly after extensive private discussions He stressed that Washington s primary objective remained securing a clear and lasting commitment from Iran that it would not pursue nuclear weapons or develop the capability to rapidly produce them “That’s the core goal of the US president and that s what we have tried to achieve through these negotiations he said referring to Donald Trump Vance added that while Iran s nuclear enrichment facilities had been destroyed , the key question for the United States was whether Tehran was willing to make a long-term commitment against pursuing nuclear weapons We haven t seen that yet we hope that we will he said
Responding to a question about Iranian frozen assets, he confirmed that the issue had been discussed along with several others, but said the talks failed to produce an outcome acceptable to Washington
We talked about all those issues and we talked about a number of issues beyond that And so certainly those things came up But again, we just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept our terms,” he said Vance maintained that the US delegation had approached the negotiations in
good faith and remained “quite flexible” and “accommodating” throughout He said Donald Trump had instructed the team to make every effort to reach a deal
We did that And unfortunately, we were unable to make any headway, he said He also noted that the delegation remained in constant communication with Washington during the talks “We were constantly communicating with the team because we were negotiating in good faith he said adding that the United States was leaving behind what he described as a final and best offer for Iran to consider
Despite the deadlock Vance praised Pakistan s role in facilitating the talks appreciating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir for their efforts He said any shortcomings in the negotiations were not due to the Pakistani side, which he described as having made sincere attempts to bridge the gap between the two delegations
Meanwhile Iran s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said it had been a busy and long day for the Iranian delegation in Islamabad, with numerous messages and texts exchanged between the two sides
He said discussions over the past 24 hours covered multiple aspects of the negotiations including the Strait of Hormuz the nuclear issue war reparations sanctions relief, and a complete end to hostilities against Iran and in the wider region
Baqaei said the success of the diplomatic process depended on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side as well as recognition of Iran s legitimate rights and avoidance of what he termed excessive and unlawful demands
He also thanked the government and people of Pakistan for hosting the talks and facilitating the process
The negotiations which began on Saturday afternoon were held in three sessions during which expert teams from both sides exchanged written proposals after each round Iranian officials said the talks had moved into an “expert-level stage”, involving economic military legal and nuclear committees
The discussions took place during a two-week ceasefire in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which had escalated across the Middle East before being paused following diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan earlier this month
The US delegation was led by Vance and included Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff while the Iranian side was headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with other senior officials
In a statement Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the delegation remained committed to safeguarding the country s interests and expressed hope that it would negotiate with resolve, adding that the government would stand by its people regardless
D ar reinforces ceasefire commitments, engages regional par tners af ter ‘Islamabad Talks ’
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
FM Dar spoke today with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan
During the call, FM Dar shared developments regarding the Islamabad Talks, and stressed the importance of all parties adhering to their ceasefire commitments ” the FO said
Underscoring Pakistan s role in facil-
itating the dialogue, he reaffirmed the resolve to continue supporting all diplomatic efforts and sustain dialogue to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond ” it added
The FO noted that the call took place on the same day the Washington–Tehran talks in Islamabad concluded without agreement The negotiations, facilitated by Pakistan, were aimed at restoring peace more than a month after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28
triggering a conflict that later contributed to a global fuel crisis
In a separate conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq
Dar reiterated the need for continued diplomacy and engagement to achieve sustainable peace the FO said
The statement added that FM Dar briefed his Egyptian counterpart on the Islamabad Talks and Pakistan s continued facilitation efforts, stressing that all parties must uphold their ceasefire commitments
He emphasised that it is imperative for all the parties to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire ” the FO stated adding that Dar reiterated the need for sustained dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the region and beyond
In another call, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commended Pakistan s role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States according to the FO
The Foreign Office said FM Dar shared developments regarding the Islamabad Talks and stressed the importance of maintaining ceasefire commitments
Both sides reaffirmed their support for diplomatic efforts aimed at sustaining dialogue and promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond
FM Fidan also extended an invitation to FM Dar for the upcoming Antalya Diplomacy Forum later this month
Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process since the onset of the conflict, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar engaging regional and international leaders to promote dialogue and deescalation On March 24, PM Shehbaz stated that Pakistan stood ready and honoured to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the United States and Iran
The following day Washington sent a 15-point peace proposal to Tehran through Pakistan while Iran responded with its
own five conditions for ending the conflict
Although Iranian media initially reported rejection of the US proposal FM Dar on March 26 confirmed that indirect talks were underway with Pakistan relaying messages
Subsequently, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt visited Islamabad on March 29 and participated in a quadrilateral meeting focused on de-escalation in the Middle East After the meeting Dar said both Iran and the United States had expressed confidence in Pakistan s facilitation role, adding that Islamabad would be honoured to host further dialogue “in the coming days ” Later, FM Dar visited Beijing, where Pakistan and China issued a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East Tensions escalated further on April 5 when thenUS President Donald Trump issued a deadline for Iran to accept a ceasefire deal with Washington and allow maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor through which around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed before the conflict Tuesday 8:00 P M
Eastern Time he wrote warning of strikes on Iranian infrastructure including power plants and bridges increasing pressure on diplomatic efforts Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Tehran conveyed its response to the US proposal through Pakistan again rejecting a ceasefire and calling instead for a permanent end to hostilities The Iranian response reportedly included 10 clauses covering regional de-escalation, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and reconstruction On the day of the deadline Trump further intensified his
Talks star t
TH E good news from Islamabad is that the USIran talks have begun That the talks would focus pm the Strait of Hormuz was inevitable USA President Donald Trump s claim that he had reopened the Hormuz Strait might not have gone down all that well with Iran but it also seemed curiously irrelevant to the discussions in Islamabad True, the two sides had gone into the issue of the Strait in depth, but for Mr Trump to give the impression that the USA rather than Iran had reopened the Strait is to be economical with the truth, especially when he is doing so only on the strength of a couple of destroyers engaged in sweeping for mines The talks have occurred after a long hiatus The talks reached a point where experts were handed various subjects Apparently, the first sticking point is the Hormuz Strait Iran seeks complete control, but the USA wants the Strait to be a free waterway Mr Vance said on Sunday that the Iranians resisted the US demand it not just a nuclear programme, but also the technology to pursue it There are also the issue of sanctions, which the USA has indicated might be negotiable and which Iran wants lifted It is not just Iran that wants them lifted, but also those countries which are hanging back from cooperating with Iran because of them such as Pakistan
FO R decades the office of the Vice-Chancellor in Pakistan s public universities has carried prestige, protocol and power but rarely measurable scrutiny The recent decision by the Punjab Higher Education Commission to introduce a comprehensive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) framework seeks to change that equation Framed around 150 measurable indicators across 13 domains the initiative attempts to replace ceremonial leadership with accountable stewardship It asks a simple yet uncomfortable question: how do we know a university is being well led?
In the past, institutional success was often narrated through reputation personality and influence rather than outcomes Universities were praised or criticised on the basis of impressions not performance dashboards Vice-Chancellors exercised vast administrative and financial authority, but systematic, evidence-based evaluation mechanisms remained weak or inconsistently enforced The new framework signals a cultural shift: leadership must now be demonstrated through data delivery and documented impact This reform however is not merely about bureaucratic measurement It is about people Each policy decision taken in a Vice-Chancellor s office affects thousands of students navigating uncertain economic futures It shapes the professional lives of faculty striving for research relevance It influences communities that depend on universities for innovation employment and civic engagement Accountability at the top is therefore not administrative rigidity; it is a public responsibility A key strength of the KPI model is its focus on academic renewal Curriculum alignment with emerging technologies, measurable research output, doctoral supervision patent generation and strong research offices are treated as performance indicators not rhetoric Leadership is judged by modern classrooms productive laboratories and internationally competitive scholarship Without reform, universities risk becoming degree-granting factories Globally, institutions such as the University of Oxford, the National University of Singapore and Harvard University operate under clear strategic targets where vision is measured
The Midnight Multiplier
through tangible verifiable progress and institutional outcomes For students in Punjab s public universities the potential impact is significant If curricula are updated to reflect technological realities and industry partnerships are strengthened, graduate employability could improve meaningfully Embedding career services internships and digital grievance mechanisms into performance metrics aligns university governance with student welfare
In a country where educated unemployment fuels frustration, such structural alignment is overdue Faculty members, meanwhile, face both opportunity and pressure Moving from traditional confidential reporting systems to KPI-based assessments suggests a tilt toward meritocracy Research productivity international collaboration and professional development may receive greater institutional emphasis Yet reform must guard against reducing academic life to numerical targets alone Universities thrive when accountability coexists with intellectual freedom, adequate funding and reduced bureaucratic burden Without support systems performance pressure risks becoming counterproductive Equally important is the framework s focus on governance and financial sustainability Public universities operate under tightening fiscal constraints and rising expectations Requiring Vice-Chancellors to demonstrate transparent recruitment processes, functioning statutory bodies risk management frameworks and diversified revenue streams is not merely procedural discipline; it is institutional survival Globally competitive universities have shown that prudent financial planning and governance integrity are prerequisites for academic excellence
Digitisation forms another pillar of the reform Automation, ERP systems, Learning Management Systems and online grievance portals are no longer optional enhancements but performance requirements Efficient digital infrastructure enhances transparency reduces delays and enables data-driven decision-making
Internationally ranked universities rely heavily on integrated data ecosystems to track progress and allocate resources strategically Without similar technological transformation public institutions in Punjab cannot aspire to competitiveness in a global academic landscape The inclusion of community engagement and Sustainable Development Goals further broadens the framework s horizon
Universities are not built by buildings alone; they are built by leadership that treats authority as trust. The era of ceremonial stewardship is fading What lies ahead is a decisive choice: to measure leadership not by title or tenure, but by transformation
The "10 pm Shutdown" is a symptom of a deeper malaise: a regulatory framework that is stuck in the 1990s while the retailers are using 21st-century arbitrage As we brace for further volatility in global oil markets, the state can no longer afford to be a silent partner in this midnight profiteering. The math is clear. The question is: does the state have the digital courage to act?
Web of neglect
T h e l a ck o f a ro bu s t e n e rg y s e c u r i t y f r a m ewo r k h a s l e f t
t h e c o u n t r y u n a bl e t o h a n d l e g e o p o l i t i c a l s h o ck s A t t h e s a m e t i m e , f i s c a l r e s t r i c t i o n s a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l f i n a n c i
a c t i v e p l a n n i n g , d i v e rs i f i c a t i o n , a n d s t r u c t u r a l
r e s t r u c t u r i n g i s n e c e s s a r y. O n ly t h ro u g h s u ch m e a s u r e s
c a n Pa k i s t a n t r a n s i t i o n f ro m v u l n e r a b i l i t y t o r e s i l i e n c e i n a n i n c r e a s i n g ly u n c e r t a i n g l o b a l c o n t ex t
the medium term, diversification must become a central objective Expanding energy partnerships beyond the Gulf region, including engagement with Russia and Central Asian states can reduce dependence on a single corridor Strengthening domestic refining capacity is equally important as it allows for greater flexibil-
ity in
promotion of electric mobility and energy-efficient technology will relieve pressure on petroleum imports Equally important is the creation of a national energy security doctrine that combines economic planning foreign policy and strategic issues into a single framework Institutional improvements are also required to improve governance Improved interagency collaboration, greater data utilization in decision making, and the develo p m e n t o f k n o w l
n e n e rg y geopolitics can all help to improve policy efficacy Energy diplomacy should be focused in order to establish long-term supp l
cooperation
RE A S O N A B L E people wonder if it was a coincidence the escalation (and now fragile ceasefire) of the massively unpopular senseless illegal US-Israeli war of aggression on Iran occurred while Congress was away from Capitol Hill for two weeks Maybe so, but speculation aside, it soon won’t matter, as Congress returns to Washington to resume legislative business Tuesday April 14
In the wake of President Donald Trump s monstrous nuclear threat to obliterate Iran s civilization, calls for his removal from office are rising, understandably Doing so via the 25th Amendment, which would require Vice President JD Vance and the spineless supine sycophants in the Cabinet to certify Trump unfit for office is the longest of long shots though US Rep Jamie Raskin (D-Md ) a former Constitutional law professor and ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, notes the amendment mentions the ability for Congress to establish its own mechanism to remove an incompetent chief executive
While that seems remote the more familiar route would be impeachment by the House of Representatives, followed by a trial by the Senate, and removal from office
Trump is of course familiar with this as he was impeached twice by the House but not convicted by the Senate US Rep John Larson (DC o n n ) recently filed Articles of I m p e a c hment and for what it s worth, the betting platform Kalshi put the likelihood of it succeeding at 27% higher than it had been, but still low A n y o n e who wants to rein in this traitorous regime should press in any way possible including calling for the 25th Amendment and impeachment but should not expect those to bear fruit anytime soon Political calculations aside, any and all attempts are welcome to stop this awful war to end the needless death and suffering of Iranians Lebanese Israelis Americans and people in the Gulf states and to alleviate the shock to the global economy
However Congress will soon be forced to vote on Iran War Powers Resolutions (WPRs) to declare its opposition to the war on Iran, and Joint Resolutions of Disa p p r o v a l (JRDs) to p r e v e n t transfers of US bombs and bulldozers to Israel On War Powers recent votes were close and almost entirely partisan; with only a few e x c e p t i o n s Republicans in both houses of Congress voted against and Democrats voted for rebuking the administration and reclaiming its clear constitutional authority over the grave matter of taking the country to war The House might muster the votes to pass an Iran War Powers Resolution sponsored by US Rep Gregory Meeks (D-NY) though the Senate is unlikely to do so While it would not end the war immediately a House vote in favor of the WPR would be important in
representing the clear will of the American people, and clarify the president has no legal authority for its war of choice The votes on Joint Resolutions of Disapproval on bombs and bulldozers to Israel brought forward by US Sen Bernie Sanders (I-Vt ) with cosponsors Chris Van Hollen (D-Md ) Jeff Merkley (D-Ore ) and Peter Welch (D-Vt ), will be interesting, to put it mildly The Trump administration, as it has often done, bypassed the usual congressional notification on these weapons transfers spuriously claiming a national emergency The emergency is Israel may be running low on bombs to drop on the people of Gaza Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen Israel is also running low on interceptor missiles, but this JRD is only about the delivery of 12,000 half-ton bombs The Caterpillar bulldozers have long been used in demolitions of Palestinian homes to make room for expanding Israeli settlements on Palestinian land mostly in the West Bank
Finally the maritime dimension cannot be ignored Ensuring the security of sea lines of communication
The
It emphasizes the extent to which Pakistan's economic stability is dependent on external geopolitical factors The
MASOOD TARIQ
AFTER TRUMP’S BLOCK ADE ANNOUNCEMENT, IRGC SAYS WILL VIEW MILITARY VESSELS APPROACHING STRAIT AS CEASEFIRE BREACH
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON
ag e n c i e s
IR A N s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday that any military vessels attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the two-week ceasefire with the US and warned that it would be dealt with harshly and decisively
The strait is under the control and smart management of Iran s Navy, the Guards said in a statement reported by Iranian state media, adding it is “open for the safe passage of non-military vessels in accordance with specific regulations
The IRGC has also warned that enemies would be trapped in its deadly vortex in case of any miscalculation
All traffic is under the full control of the armed forces,” the Guards naval command said in a Persian language post on X
The enemy will become trapped in a deadly vortex in the strait if it makes
the wrong move, it added, posting a video showing vessels in crosshairs
The IRGC’s warning came after US President Donald Trump in a surprise announcement said the United States Navy would begin the process of blockading vessels entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over maritime security and alleging that Iran had threatened shipping in the waterway
tions
WASHINGTON ag e n c i e s
US President Donald Trump downplayed the importance of a potential deal with Iran, saying the outcome of ongoing talks does not matter much His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue following negotiations in Islamabad Donald Trump said that whether or not an agreement is reached with Iran the United States will maintain its position We are seeing what happens next, but success or failure is not important to me,” he stated He added that both the recent conflict and ongoing negotiations share the same objective: preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons The US president claimed that Washington has already secured the upper hand in its conflict
The key shipping lane off the coast of Iran has been virtually blocked by Tehran since the United States and Israel started bombing Iran on February 28 though reopening the strait was ostensibly a condition of the ceasefire put in place earlier this week Around a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) had been passing through the waterway in peacetime and its blockage has resulted in a global fuel crisis Trump said in his Truth Social post that US forces had been instructed to interdict vessels in international waters that had paid what he described as “illegal tolls to Iran He
US fails to win Tehran’s confidence in Islamabad talks, says
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who took part in weekend talks with the United States said on Sunday that Washington had failed to win Tehran s confidence during the discussions in Islamabad In a post on X, Ghalibaf said members of the Iranian delegation had presented constructive and forward-looking proposals but the US side was ultimately unable to secure their trust in this round of negotiations He said Iran entered the talks with deep mistrust toward Washington, shaped by the experience of the previous two wars According to Ghalibaf the burden is now on the United States to decide whether it is prepared to take the steps needed to build confidence with Tehran
He added that the Iranian delegation would continue working without pause to preserve and strengthen what he described as Iran s achievements during the
Iran speaker
six-week conflict More than 20 hours of highstakes talks between US and Iranian delegations began on Saturday in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as mediator after helping broker a two-week ceasefire
The negotiations ended without a breakthrough US Vice President JD Vance said Tehran had rejected Washington s terms which Iranian state media described as unreasonable Speaking after the meeting, Vance said the discussions covered several critical issues He acknowledged that no agreement had been reached and insisted the US had made its red lines clear Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei later said it had never been realistic to expect Tehran and Washington to reach a final agreement in a single session
Ghalibaf also praised Pakistan for its key role in facilitating the talks and conveyed his appreciation to the Pakistani people
He ended by commending both the Iranian public and the negotiating team pointing to public
backing and the intensity of the discussions He said the 21-hour negotiations had been demanding and praised his colleagues for their efforts The conflict began on February 28 after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s leadership and infrastructure Since then more than 2 000 people have been killed and instability has spread across the region Tehran responded with retaliatory measures, including moves that disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Israeli and US bases in the region
A ceasefire was announced on April 8 with Pakistan playing a central mediating role between the two sides After the ceasefire, Washington proposed a 15-point framework focused on nuclear and missile issues sanctions relief and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz Tehran in turn presented a 10-point plan calling for broader sanctions removal, greater authority over the Strait of Hormuz, and the introduction of transit fees
US appeals cour t lets White House ballroom work continue until April 17
WASHINGTON ag e n c i e s
A US Court of Appeals on Saturday ruled that construction on a new White House ballroom sought by President Donald Trump can proceed until at least April 17 A lower court had issued a March 31 injunction to halt ballroom construction but it also paused that injunction to allow for an appeal
In its ruling on Saturday, the appeals panel extended that pause to April 17 and asked the district court to clarify the order that granted the injunction The White House has argued that the injunction left the White House open and exposed and was threatening security for the building, the president and his family and staff The $400-million project would replace the demolished East Wing with a 90,000-squarefoot ballroom that Trump has called a defining addition to the White House and lasting symbol of his presidency The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued in December, arguing Trump exceeded his authority when he razed the historic East Wing originally built in 1902 during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency
CORPORATE CORNER
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Events A large number of members from the business community attended the event, extended their support, and appreciated Almarah Foundation’s initiatives The foundation expressed gratitude to all distinguished guests donors and participants for their contributions
Party (IPP) President and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has started consultations with senior party leaders In this regard, IPP Member of the National Assembly Gul Asghar Khan Baghoor from the constituency gave a detailed briefing to the Party President wherein the political situation of the constituency previous election results and future strategy were discussed It should be noted that IPP candidate Ehsanullah Khan had secured 30,000 votes in the 2024 general elections The Party leadership has decided that an important consultative meeting will be held in Islamabad on Tuesday April 14 at 2 pm which will be chaired by IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan while a strategy will be decided on other important political and organizational issues including the by-elections The meeting will be attended by Punjab President Rana Nazir Ahmed Khan, North Punjab President and Federal Parliamentary Secretary Engineer Gul Asghar Khan Baghoor While Central General Secretary Mian Khalid Mahmood and General Secretary Punjab & MPA
Shoaib Siddiquee along with other senior leaders will also be participating in this meeting Important decisions regarding participation in the by-elections are expected in this consultative meeting The leadership of the Stability Pakistan Party is active in constituency PP-83 under a strong political strategy
SAPM Akhtar: Pakistan charts new course with industrial and economic reforms
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan addressed a ceremony in Lahore, highlighting Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic role, economic transformation and forward-looking industrial policies
In his address the SAPM stated that rising tensions between the United States and Iran had the potential to trigger a global disaster, disrupting peace and economic stability worldwide He emphasized that Pakistan however played a constructive role during this critical period by advocating balance restraint and dialogue
He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan demonstrated effective diplomacy contributing to de-escalation efforts and
Fly Jinnah
promoting global peace Pakistan has faced global challenges with wisdom and determination, emerging as a strong, responsible, and strategically important nation ” he added
Highlighting the significance of diplomacy Haroon Akhtar Khan remarked that defining moments in history are shaped at negotiation tables rather than battlefields He described the “Islamabad Accord” as a symbol of peace mutual respect and trust reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to constructive global engagement
The SAPM also commended the leadership of the Prime Minister for effectively managing the threat of an energy crisis He stated that despite rising global oil prices, the government worked tirelessly to devise a comprehensive strategy to protect the common citizen and ensure economic stability This is true leadership demonstrated not just through words, but through decisive actions, he said He further highlighted that Pak-
strengthens domestic network with more flights from Karachi
KARACHI
s
Fly Jinnah, Pakistan s leading budget carrier, has expanded its domestic operations with increased flight frequencies from Karachi to six key cities across the country effective 10 April 2026
The airline has added 42 weekly flights to its existing Karachi operations bringing its total to 105 weekly departures from Karachi International Airport to Faisalabad, Quetta, Multan, Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot
The expanded schedule reflects Fly Jinnah's commitment to strengthening domestic connectivity and providing customers with greater flexibility when travelling across Pakistan Fly Jinnah s spokesperson commented: This expansion marks a significant milestone in strengthening our domestic network from Karachi By increasing frequencies across key cities in in Pakistan, we are not only providing customers with more travel options but we also offer greater convenience and affordable air connectivity across the country ” Fly Jinnah remains committed to serving its customers across its growing domestic and international network from its key airport bases in Pakistan With a modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability, the carrier continues to offer a comfortable and value-driven travel experience, featuring one of the most generous seat pitches in any economy cabin Passengers can also enjoy valueadded services such as the SkyCafe onboard menu featuring a wide variety of snacks sandwiches and meals at affordable prices
istan s diplomatic and economic efforts have strengthened its global image and credibility He emphasized that true leadership lies not only in power but in the wisdom to prevent conflicts and maintain stability
Turning to domestic developments Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that Pakistan is simultaneously writing a new chapter of economic revival and industrial growth He noted that the country is moving from shortterm measures to long-term structural reforms with a clear vision of becoming a competitive industrial economy
He underscored that the National Industrial Policy serves as a comprehensive roadmap for industrial revival, aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facilitating businesses and fostering a conducive environment for investment He added that the government is positioning itself as a facilitator, while the private sector will serve as the engine of growth
Mounting financial strain prompts PIAF to demand economic shift
s ta f f r e p o r t Business leaders have expressed serious concern over Pakistan s deepening economic
indirectly
inflation, and utility costs continue to erode purchasing power and reduce living standards Senior Vice Chairman Nasrullah Mughal highlighted the widening gap between economic policies and ground realities particularly for small businesses and the working class He pointed out that despite heavy borrowing over the years there has been little improvement in the quality of life for ordinary people
TRUMP THANKS PAKISTAN FOR HOSTING TALKS, ANNOUNCES US NAV Y BLOCK ADE OF HORMUZ
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reported significant progress and narrowed their differences to only a few key issues In a statement issued by the PTI Central Information Secretary (CIS), Waqas noted that while the absence of a formal deal may appear disappointing at first glance it is important to recognise that the negotiations advanced meaningfully with only limited points of disagreement still unresolved Optimism must not be lost in
such situations Diplomatic processes take time, and reaching a stage where only a handful of issues remain unresolved is, in itself, a positive step forward,” he said stressing that sustained dialogue remains the only viable path to durable peace
He highlighted Pakistan s role in facilitating a ceasefire environment and hosting the high-level talks, saying the effort underscores the country’s potential to act as a bridge for peace in a region long plagued by instability and conflict
Waqas added that both Washington and Tehran expressed confidence in Pakistan and appreciated its role in securing a ceasefire and providing a platform for dialogue, placing Islamabad in a position to continue mediation and potentially host future rounds of negotiations
The United States Iran and
all countries observing the fourteen-day ceasefire must remain committed to it, allowing sufficient time and space for diplomacy to address complex differences ” he said Waqas also acknowledged the supportive role played by Pakistan s friendly countries including China, Türkiye, Egypt and others, in backing Islamabad s diplomatic efforts He urged these nations along with regional and European partners to continue their constructive engagement with greater resolve to prevent the region from slipping back into a devastating conflict
Reiterating PTI’s stance, he said Pakistan should remain firmly committed to mediation and peaceful engagement The principle of yes to peace no to war as emphasised during the tenure of Imran
and policy dialogues The meetings, set to take place in Washington, DC, from April 13 to 18, 2026, will bring together global financial leaders to discuss economic stability reform priorities and development financing On the sidelines of the gatherings, the minister will hold bilateral talks with senior officials of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group to review Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook reform progress and future cooperation Scheduled meetings include discussions with Nigel Clarke, Jihad Azour, Dan Katz, Anna Bjerde, Makhtar Diop, and Tsutomu Yamamoto As part of his outreach to the
United States administration, Aurangzeb will meet officials from the United States Department of the Treasury and the United States Department of State along with Jamieson Greer to discuss economic cooperation and support for Pakistan s reform program Separately, the minister will engage with major international financial institutions and investors including Franklin Templeton Rothschild & Co Citibank and JPMorgan Chase to highlight Pakistan s investment potential and macroeconomic improvements
The visit will also feature participation in key multilateral forums such as the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, alongside discussions on financial reforms, climate finance, and global economic stability
A major program highlight will be Pakistan s participation in a World Bank-hosted roundtable on digital social protection, where the country will present its
experience in scaling Government-to-Person payment systems through the Benazir Income Support Programme Ahead of the formal meetings the finance minister will travel to Boston to attend the Pakistan Conference at Harvard University, where he will interact with academics, policymakers, and members of the Pakistani diaspora to outline Pakistan’s economic outlook and reform trajectory
During the visit Aurangzeb will also meet representatives of multilateral development institutions including the Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Japan International Cooperation Agency and the International Fund for Agricultural Development as well as global credit rating agencies such as Fitch Ratings, Moody s, and S&P Global Officials said the visit underscores Pakistan’s continued engagement with international partners and investors to support economic stabilization advance structural reforms, and promote sustainable growth
