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Friday, 24 April, 2026 | 6 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 29 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
TRUMP ESCALATES IRAN RHETORIC AS STRAIT OF HORMUZ CRISIS DEEPENS, MARITIME TENSIONS SURGE
g PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
SAYS IRAN DEAL ONLY POSSIBLE ON US TERMS, WARNS ‘CLOCK IS TICKING’
g CLAIMS IRAN’S MILITARY
CAPABILITY ‘DESTROYED’ AND LEADERSHIP WEAKENED AMID WAR
g TEHRAN REJECTS CLAIM OF g STRAIT OF HORMUZ
INTERNAL SPLIT, SAYS NATION REMAINS UNITED UNDER LEADERSHIP
U
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN
TENSIONS INTENSIFY AMID BLOCKADE AND MARITIME CONFRONTATIONS
g REAFFIRMS ‘NO RUSH’
FOR PEACE DEAL, INSISTS US HOLDS STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE
g US NAVY OPERATIONS
EXPAND, TARGETING VESSELS ALLEGEDLY SUPPORTING IRANIAN TRADE
staff report/agencies
S President Donald Trump on Thursday said any agreement with Iran would only be reached when it is “appropriate and good” for the United States, insisting that the “clock is ticking for Iran” amid escalating regional tensions. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he is “possibly the least pressured person ever to be in this position,” adding that he is not in a rush to end the war. “I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn’t — The clock is ticking!” he wrote. He further claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded, saying its navy was “at the bottom of the sea,” its air force “demolished,” and its air defence and radar systems “gone,” while asserting that its leadership had been weakened and the blockade “airtight and strong.” Trump said that despite having “all the time in the world,” Iran does not, and reiterated that any deal would only be made when it serves “the United States of America, our allies and, in fact, the rest of the world.” Iranian leaders rebuff Trump's assertion of leadership split
Meanwhile, Iranian leaders rebuffed Trump's assertion of a split in their leadership ranks between the "radicals" and the "moderates". In a post on X, President Masoud Pezeshkian said: "In Iran, there are no radicals or moderates; we are all 'Iranian' and 'revolutionary', and with the iron unity of the nation and government, with complete obedience to the supreme leader of the revolution, we will make the aggressor criminal regret his actions. One God, one nation, one leader, and one path; that path
No PTI leader shows up for Adiala jail meeting with Imran Khan as rift rumours deepen ISLAMABAD
saleem jadoon
Not a single Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader appeared at Adiala Jail on Thursday—one of the two court-mandated days for meetings with incarcerated party founder Imran Khan—even though names had been formally submitted to the jail administration, amid renewed talk of internal divisions within the party. On Wednesday, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja had forwarded a list of six leaders for meeting arrangements under court orders, including Senator Falak Naz Chitrali, Fazal Elahi, Ehtesham Khan, Sardar Ghulam Ali, Asghar Khan Lehri, Syed Naseebullah Agha and Chaudhry Javed Akhtar Gujjar. However, on Thursday, none of the nominated leaders turned up at Adiala Jail to meet the party founder until 4pm, the cut-off time for inmate meetings. The Islamabad High Court has allowed Imran Khan twice-weekly meetings—on Tuesdays and Thursdays—with his family, lawyers and political associates. Despite the order, he has reportedly remained largely deprived of such meetings for several months as directives remain unimplemented. Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the party had taken strict notice of the situation and would deliberate on the “unfortunate development” in an upcoming leadership meeting. “There are thousands of leaders and workers who want to meet Imran Khan. Many workers go to Adiala Jail every week despite not being on the list and are not allowed to meet him. We will ensure that those who cannot come to Adiala Jail should not submit their names for meetings,” he said, adding that the matter would be addressed and action taken within the party.
being the path to the victory of our dear Iran, more precious than life." Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf posted the same message on X. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi similarly said on X: "The failure of Israel's terrorist killings is reflected in how Iran's state institutions continue to act with unity, purpose and discipline. The battlefield and diplomacy are fully coordinated fronts in the same war. Iranians are all united, more than
ever before." Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate Trump earlier claimed “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz without providing evidence, describing it as “sealed up tight” until Iran agrees to a deal. He also alleged Iran was struggling to determine its leadership and suggested internal political confusion following reported battlefield losses. Analysts say continued strikes and targeted killings of senior figures have complicated decision-making in Tehran and narrowed Iran’s strategic options as the conflict continues. Military and maritime escalation Trump further claimed that internal infighting in Iran was between “hardliners” and “moderates,” calling the situation “crazy,” while Iran’s negotiating posture has reportedly hardened with greater influence from the Revolutionary Guards. Iran, meanwhile, released footage of commandos storming a large cargo vessel, with state media showing armed personnel boarding the ship during a maritime operation near the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, Trump said he had ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any small boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, instructing operations to continue at a “tripled-up level.”
Continued on page 03
pM Shehbaz, Chinese envoy reaffirm strategic ties, discuss regional peace efforts ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a comprehensive meeting with Jiang Zaidong during a courtesy call, reaffirming the depth of Pakistan-China relations and reviewing the evolving regional situation, particularly in the Middle East. The meeting, attended by senior members of Pakistan’s civilian and diplomatic leadership, underscored Islamabad’s coordinated approach to foreign policy at a time of heightened regional tensions. Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. During the interaction, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, reflecting the continuity of high-level political engagement between the two countries. Expressing satisfaction over the steady upward trajectory of bilateral ties, the prime minister reiterated that Pakistan takes immense pride in its “All-Weather Cooperative Strategic Partnership” with China. He emphasised that the relationship remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and a sta-
US, Pakistan review diplomacy ahead of key Islamabad Talks ISLAMABAD
staff report
US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker on Thursday met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review ongoing diplomatic efforts ahead of the second round of negotiations in Islamabad, amid continued regional tensions involving the United States and Iran. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior Pakistan, both sides discussed the evolving regional situation and assessed progress in diplomacy leading up to the next phase of talks. During the meeting, Naqvi expressed optimism about the direction of negotiations, noting that positive developments were also expected from Tehran. He highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir were actively engaged in efforts at multiple levels to help resolve the crisis. “It is hoped that both sides will give diplomacy and a peaceful solution a chance,” Naqvi said. The interior minister also appreciated US President Donald Trump for his decision to extend the ceasefire, describing it as a significant step toward reducing tensions in the region. Natalie Baker, in turn, praised Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peace, acknowledging Islamabad’s growing importance in ongoing mediation efforts. The engagement reflects a pragmatic phase in US– Pakistan relations, shaped by the ongoing crisis with Iran. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key intermediary, leveraging its diplomatic channels with both Washington and Tehran to help de-escalate tensions. President Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire — reportedly at the request of Pakistan’s leadership — underscores Washington’s reliance on Islamabad’s backchannel diplomacy at a critical juncture. Despite historically fluctuating ties, particularly in the post-Afghanistan war period, the current cooperation signals a renewed convergence of interests. Pakistan’s geographic position and diplomatic access have made it a central player in managing escalation risks in the Gulf. However, the evolving conflict dynamics add complexity to this engagement. While the US continues to maintain military pressure on Iran through deterrence measures, it has simultaneously endorsed talks facilitated by Pakistan.
Pakistan, 7 Muslim states condemn Al-Aqsa violations, reject bid to ‘alter Jerusalem status quo’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
bilising factor in a rapidly changing regional and global landscape. The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening cooperation with
China across a broad spectrum of areas, including economic development, infrastructure, regional connectivity and technological collaboration.
Continued on page 03
– orders strategic oil reserves, eV shift amid regional energy shock
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to strengthen energy security planning, including the development of strategic oil reserves and acceleration of the shift toward electric vehicles, amid rising concerns over fuel supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing US-Iran-Israel conflict. “Energy security has now become a critical component of the country’s overall future planning,” the prime minister said, instructing officials to continue work on establishing strategic crude oil reserves to meet future energy needs. The move, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), is aimed at cushioning Pakistan against external supply shocks. staff report
Continued on page 03
Foreign ministers of Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Thursday categorically rejected any attempt to “alter the historic and legal status quo of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites,” while strongly condemning “what they termed” repeated violations by Israeli occupation authorities. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates condemned what they described as “repeated violations of the historic and legal status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.” They particularly denounced continued incursions by Israeli settlers and “extremist ministers” into Al Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Al Sharif under Israeli police protection, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards. The ministers said these provocative actions constitute a “flagrant violation” of international law and international humanitarian law, and represent an unacceptable provocation to Muslims worldwide, while undermining the sanctity of the holy city. They reaffirmed their categorical rejection of any attempt to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, stressing its preservation and recognising the special role of the Hashemite custodianship. The statement reiterated that the entire area of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, spanning 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. It added that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, holds exclusive administrative authority over the site, including regulation of entry.
pakistan slams india's 'false narrative' on pahalgam attack, warns against escalation ISLAMABAD mian abrar
Pakistan on Thursday strongly rejected what it termed as Indian propaganda linking it to the 2025 Pahalgam attack, accusing India of “weaponising a false narrative” amid ongoing regional tensions. The April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the disputed Himalayan region in over two decades. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the attack without presenting evidence — an allegation Pakistan categorically denied, calling instead for a neutral and transparent international investigation. On the first anniversary of the incident, renewed statements from Indian quarters again sought to link Pakistan to terrorism, with the Indian military warning that a “response is assured” against such acts. Responding to the developments, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan
issued a strong statement criticising India’s approach. Without citing specific remarks, the Foreign Office said it was “deplorable” that India had once again resorted to baseless allegations at a time when Pakistan, in collaboration with international partners, was actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to promote regional and global peace. “It is unfortunate that, in the midst of an ongoing regional crisis, India remains focused on weaponising its false narrative against Pakistan for narrow domestic political gains,” the statement said. The Foreign Office also referenced the brief but intense military standoff between the two countries in May 2025 following the Pahalgam attack. It said that India’s “misplaced adventurism” had been met with a “befitting reply” through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, adding that such allegations were part of a recurring pattern aimed at deflecting attention. According to the statement, these narratives could not divert international focus from
what Pakistan described as India’s continued occupation of Kashmir and the denial of the right to self-determination to its people, in violation of relevant United Nations resolutions. The Foreign Office further accused India of undermining regional peace through “inflammatory rhetoric, repeated provocations and aggressive military posturing,” including its unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty — a move Pakistan says violates international law. Islamabad urged the international community to take note of the situation and call on India to act responsibly, avoiding actions or rhetoric that could derail ongoing efforts aimed at maintaining regional stability. Following the Pahalgam attack, India had taken a series of measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. In response, Pakistan halted trade, closed its airspace to Indian flights, and shut down the Wagah border crossing. Tensions escalated further when India launched overnight air strikes on May 6, 2025,
citing the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan responded militarily, with its air force downing multiple Indian aircraft during the confrontation. After several days of tit-for-tat strikes
targeting each other’s airbases, a ceasefire was eventually brokered on May 10 with the intervention of the United States, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities.