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TRUMP TOUTS ‘BETTER THAN OBAMA’ IRAN DEAL AS ISLAMABAD TALKS FACE UNCERTAINTY
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Tuesday, 21 April, 2026 | 3 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
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g ‘'IT WILL BE SOMETHING THAT THE ENTIRE
g IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON SAYS THERE IS CURRENTLY
WORLD WILL BE PROUD OF,' US PRESIDENT SAYS
‘NO PLAN’ FOR A SECOND ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH US
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD
islamabad locked down, offices, schools move online as Red Zone sealed ahead of uS-iran talks
staff report / agencies
NITED States President Donald Trump said on Monday that the new deal in the pipeline with Iran would be "far better" than the nuclear deal realised by former president Barack Obama and would "guarantee peace, security and safety" for everyone, adding that it was coming "relatively quickly". Trump made the assertion in a post on Truth Social. In another post, he said: "I read the fake news saying that I am under 'pressure' to make a deal. This is not true! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly!" He further said that the US Navy's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would not be lifted until the deal was secured. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep mistrust towards the US, saying honouring commitments was essential for meaningful dialogue amid growing uncertainty over new peace talks. In a post on X, Pezeshkian said, “Honouring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue. Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward the US government conduct remains, while unconstructive & contradic-
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ISLAMABAD
Two police martyred, including woman constable, in Khuzdar shootout QUETTA
staff report
At least two police personnel, including a woman constable, were martyred and three others sustained injuries in a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district on Monday, a senior police official said. According to Khuzdar Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdul Qudus, the incident occurred in Bajoi, a remote mountainous town located about 35 kilometres from Khuzdar city, when police came under attack during a search operation following a robbery complaint. He said police were conducting house-to-house searches in the area when armed terrorists, believed to be holed up nearby, opened fire on the team. The martyrs were identified as woman police constable Malik Naz and Head Constable Sami Ullah, both residents of Khuzdar district. The ASP said the woman constable was part of the search team due to the nature of the operation involving house searches. “This is the first incident of its kind in which a woman constable was targeted during a search operation,” ASP Qudus said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The ASP added that the area is extremely remote, and police along with other law enforcement agencies have launched a search operation to track down and arrest the attackers. Government condemns attack, vows action Provincial Home Minister Ziaullah Langove lauded the bravery and sacrifice of the martyred personnel, pledging that the attackers would be brought to justice. “The sacrifices of police personnel in the fight against terrorism are a matter of pride for the nation,” he said in a statement, adding that terrorists targeting law enforcement agencies would not be spared under any circumstances. PM pays tribute to martyred woman constable Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Balochistan Police woman constable Malik Naz Baloch, who embraced martyrdom while performing her duty during the operation in Khuzdar.
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pezeshkian made the remarks during a visit to a fire station, where he expressed gratitude for the efforts of firefighters and emergency personnel, particularly during the 40day war. During the visit, the president received a briefing on the services provided by firefighting units to the public throughout the war. Referring to the economic and social consequences of the conflict, Pezeshkian said, “It is natural that after the conclusion of hostilities, the country will face challenges in reconstruction, securing financial resources, and market control.
Islamabad police on Monday rolled out an updated traffic and security plan ahead of the expected arrival of foreign delegations in the federal capital, as authorities sealed off the Red Zone and shifted government operations within the area to remote working arrangements ahead of the anticipated second round of US-Iran talks. According to an official notification, all ministries, divisions, and federal government offices located within the Red Zone will operate from home on Monday, April 20. However, officers and secretariat staff have been directed to remain on standby and report to office at short notice if required. The Cabinet Secretariat issued the directive late Sunday night. Separately, the Islamabad Capital Territory District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon announced that entry into the Red Zone will remain suspended on April 20, ordering all public and private offices and schools within the area to adopt work-from-home arrangements to avoid inconvenience.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday stressed the importance of sustained engagement and dialogue during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, as uncertainty continues to surround a potential second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the Foreign Office said. In a post on X, the Foreign Office confirmed that FM Dar held a telephonic conversation with the Iranian foreign minister. During the call, Dar emphasised the need for continued dialogue and early engagement to resolve outstanding issues and promote regional peace and stability. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged moving forward. The Iranian side, in its own statement, said the two ministers discussed regional developments and ceasefire-related matters, exchanging views on ongoing coordination. Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach gains traction Earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role” in facilitating dialogue and its continued commitment to diplomatic engagement during a telephone call with Ishaq Dar.
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staff report
tory signals from American officials carry a bitter message; they seek Iran's surrender. Iranians do not submit to force.” Earlier, Pezeshkian said Iran would seek to end the war imposed on the country by the US and the Israeli regime while preserving national honour. Emphasising the importance of managing wartime conditions intelligently, the president said, “Today, we are endeavouring to manage these difficult circumstances through prudence, wisdom, and the preservation of national honour, so that we may subsequently focus on reconstruction and problem-solving through precise planning.”
pakistan intensifies diplomacy as dar urges continued iran-uS engagement
Naqvi meets Iran, US envoys to discuss preparations as ‘uncertainty clouds 2nd round of Islamabad Talks’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan on Monday intensified efforts to facilitate a second round of “Islamabad Talks” between the United States and Iran, as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings with the two countries’ envoys amid “lingering uncertainty over whether the negotiations will proceed.” Uncertainty persisted over the planned second round, with mixed signals emerging from Tehran even as Islamabad continued preparations to host the talks. Naqvi’s stepped-up diplomatic engagement comes as Pakistan positions itself to host what officials describe as a “possible second round” of negotiations, following an inconclusive first round. According to separate statements issued by the Interior Min-
RAWALPINDI
staff report
istry, Naqvi met US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam to review arrangements and regional developments. In his meeting with the Iranian envoy, Naqvi said Pakistan had completed preparations for the talks and ensured “foolproof” security arrangements for all foreign
delegations. However, Tehran said earlier on Monday that it had yet to decide whether to send a delegation, and no formal confirmation of the talks has been issued. Both sides underscored the need for a sustainable diplomatic solution to ease tensions, the ministry said.
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Kp assembly backs islamabad talks, urges diplomacy for regional peace PESHAWAR
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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution in support of the “Islamabad Talks,” reiterating its backing for peace and diplomacy and terming the US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad an
Four terrorists neutralized, police officer martyred in two KP IBOs
important opportunity for “regional peace and stability.” The resolution, jointly presented by both opposition and government members, called for the promotion of peace, stability and regional cooperation, and paid tribute to the foreign policy vision of former prime minister Imran Khan.
According to the text of the resolution, Pakistan’s role in the Doha Process under the Imran Khan government was acknowledged, while the Kartarpur Corridor was described as a landmark initiative. The House further stated that peace talks in Islamabad represent the only viable path to lasting peace.
Four terrorists, including two highly wanted commanders, were neutralized and one police officer was martyred in two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed on Monday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said, “On 19 April 2026, an intelligence based operation was conducted by Security Forces in Bannu District on reported presence of khwarij. “During conduct of the operation, after intense exchange of fire, two khwarij, belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij, including Kharji Ringleader Waheedullah alias Muktiar along with a suicide bomber were sent to hell,” the ISPR said, adding that a suicide jacket, weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed khwarij. The state uses the term Fitna al-Khawarij for the terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The ISPR said that the terrorist ring leader Waheedullah was “amongst the most wanted terrorists” due to his involvement in multiple terrorist activities, including attacks that led to the “martydom of security forces personnel and innocent civilians”. According to the statement, he was also the main handler of a suicide bomber in Bannu District on February 21, an attack in which Lieutenant Colonel Gul Faraz was martyred. The ISPR further said the operation had “indeed avenged the heinous act and brought the main perpetrator to justice”, adding that the “timely action of security forces also averted a major catastrophe”. It added that a sanitisation operation is being conducted in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists. It added that Pakistan’s “relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision Azm-e-Istehkam", approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace.
eu backs pakistan’s peace push as world awaits uS-iran talks in islamabad ISLAMABAD
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European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday voiced optimism about a potential breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations, telling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the “world is anticipating with great expectation” the next round of the “Islamabad Talks.” According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders spoke over the phone and exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, with PM Shehbaz briefing the European Union leadership on its ongoing diplomatic outreach and peace efforts. Costa praised Pakistan’s “constructive role” in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, and said the European Union was ready to support the process “in every possible manner,” the statement said. Both leaders underscored the need to sustain dialogue and diplomacy to ensure lasting regional and global security, agreeing
to remain in close contact as efforts for a second round of talks gather momentum. Later, in a post on X, Costa said it was a “pleasure” speaking with the Pakistani premier, expressing “sincere gratitude” for Islamabad’s “tireless efforts” to promote peace and stability. He added that the world was “watching with great expectation” the next meeting between the United States and Iran, which he said should take place in Islamabad at the earliest opportunity. “We hope that an agreement will be reached to bring an end to the conflict and lead to the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Union supports all ongoing efforts towards peace in the Middle East,” Costa said. Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the EU’s appreciation of Pakistan’s diplomatic role and its readiness to back continued engagement, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to dialogue as the only viable path to regional peace and stability.
Last month, Costa had similarly reiterated the EU’s support for Pakistan’s peace efforts, emphasising that only sustained diplomacy could help de-escalate tensions in the region. Talks amid fragile momentum The diplomatic outreach comes after 40 days of airstrikes, following which US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month, focusing once again on the core trade-off between nuclear restrictions and economic relief. During their most recent engagement, the United States proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran countered with a shorter halt of three to five years, according to officials familiar with the discussions. Although formal negotiations are yet to fully commence, US President Donald Trump said earlier that Vice President JD Vance and an American delegation were expected in Pakistan for talks, expressing confidence that a deal could be reached swiftly
and indicating willingness to meet Iranian leaders if progress is made. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a more cautious tone, voicing deep mistrust toward Washington and stressing that honouring commitments would
be essential for any meaningful agreement. Diplomats say a preliminary framework may be achievable, potentially built around a nuclear package and an economic package, though the nuclear component remains the most contentious.