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PM REAFFIRMS ‘ALL-WEATHER-TIES,’ LAUDS CHINESE ROLE IN PAKISTAN’S DIGITAL ECONOMY Saturday, 16 May, 2026 | 28 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ MEETS 11-MEMBER CHINESE BUSINESS DELEGATION LED BY IBI CHIEF QIAN XIAOJUN
CHINESE FIRM EYES SMES ACCESS TO VAST CHINESE MARKET THROUGH PAKISTAN HUB
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 51 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
REAFFIRMS PAKISTAN-CHINA ‘HISTORIC AND IRON-CLAD’ STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, WELCOMING IBI DIGITAL ECONOMY HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHMENT IN PAKISTAN
SAYS DIGITAL ECONOMY COOPERATION KEY TO INVESTMENT AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH, EXPRESSING CONFIDENCE IN CHINA’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS UNDER XI JINPING
PM pledges inclusive Pakistan, urges unity on International Day of Living Together in Peace ISLAMABAD
staff report
P
ISLAMABAD
saleem jadoon
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “historic and allweather” ties with China, expressing satisfaction over expanding business-to-business cooperation and welcoming the growing role of Chinese investment in Pakistan’s digital and industrial transformation. He was talking to a high-level 11member Chinese business delegation led by Qian Xiaojun, founder, president and
controlling shareholder of IBI Beijing United Technology, which called on him in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister said Pakistan and China enjoyed deep-rooted historic relations and remained “all-weather strategic cooperative partners.” He also lauded China’s remarkable economic progress under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and expressed anticipation of his upcoming visit to China later this month. The prime minister highlighted the importance of strengthening business-to-
Govt. cuts petrol, diesel prices by Rs5/litre PROFIT
ahmad ahmadani
In a much-awaited relief for inflation-hit consumers, the government on Friday reduced the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs5 per litre each, offering some breathing space to transporters, commuters, farmers and industries battling persistently high fuel costs. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the price of petrol (Motor Spirit) has been reduced from Rs414.78 per litre to Rs409.78 per litre, while High-Speed Diesel (HSD) has been slashed from Rs414.58 per litre to Rs409.58 per litre with effect from May 16, 2026. The reduction comes at a time when consumers across Pakistan have been struggling with elevated transportation expenses, high food prices and increased logistics costs that have pushed inflationary pressure across the economy. The latest cut is expected to provide partial relief to motorcycle riders, car owners, ride-hailing users and public transport operators, though many consumers believe the impact on household expenses may remain limited unless transport fares and commodity prices also decline. The government revises petroleum prices in line with fluctuations in the international oil market and exchange rate adjustments. Transporters and consumers are now expecting corresponding reductions in fares of public transport, intercity buses and goods transportation charges following the decrease in fuel prices. Industry sources believed lower diesel prices could slightly ease supply-chain costs because HSD is the primary fuel used in heavy transport vehicles carrying food items, vegetables and industrial goods across the country.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build a peaceful, tolerant and inclusive society, stressing that Pakistan remained committed to ensuring “dignity, equality and mutual respect” for all citizens regardless of “race, ethnicity, religion or background.” In his message on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, the prime minister said Pakistan joined the global community in observing the day, which underscores the importance of fostering peaceful, harmonious and united societies at both national and international levels. He said the promotion of a peaceful social environment was not only part of Pakistan’s civilizational and visionary heritage but also a constitu-
business engagement between the two countries, noting that cooperation in the digital economy, investment facilitation
tional obligation of the state. Quoting the Father of the Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the prime minister recalled his words: “We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in both national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contributions to the promotion of peace and prosperity within and without.” Shehbaz Sharif said these guiding principles continue to form the foundation of Pakistan’s national identity and remain central to efforts aimed at building a more cohesive and harmonious society at home and abroad. He said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees protection against all forms of discrimination, including provincial, ethnic, sectarian and regional biases, while the country’s rich diversity of languages, cultures and traditions remains a source of national strength and unity.
and industrial collaboration was particularly encouraging.
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iran ceasefire a favour to pakistan's 'terrific people, field marshal and pM': trump WASHINGTON reuters
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the ceasefire with Iran was made as a "favour" to Pakistan and at the request of other countries. "We really did the ceasefire at the request of other nations, I would not have been in favour of it. We did it as a favour to Pakistan, they are terrific people, the field marshal, the prime minister," he said while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return trip from a state visit to China. He also indicated that he could accept a 20-year halt to
Iran’s nuclear activity while dismissing the latest proposal from Iran as "unacceptable". Pakistan’s mediation process facing difficulties but remains active: Iran's Araghchi Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding regional tensions had “not failed” but were currently facing difficulties. He added that Tehran would welcome any constructive role played by China to help ease the situation and support diplomatic progress. Speaking at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, Araghchi said Iran was attempting to preserve the current ceasefire in order to
give diplomacy an opportunity to move forward. He added that Tehran has "no trust" in the US and is interested in negotiating with Washington only if it is serious. Iran is trying to keep the ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance, he told reporters during a press conference. "The mediation process by Pakistan has not failed yet, but it is in a very difficult course, mostly because of the Americans' behaviour and the mistrust which exists between us," Araghchi said. "Contradictory messages" have made us reluctant about the real intention of the Americans in negotiations, Araghchi added.
Pakistan repatriates 11 nationals and 20 Iranians from US-seized vessels, says Dar ISLAMABAD
asad nizami
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Pakistan had brought back 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian nationals who had been aboard vessels seized by the United States on the high seas. In a post on X, Dar said, “I am pleased to share that we have been successful in repatriating 11 Pakistani nationals, alongside 20 nationals from our brotherly country, Iran, through Singapore, who were aboard vessels seized in the high seas by the United States.” He said the individuals were in good health and high spirits, and added that the welfare and well-being of Pakistanis living abroad, particularly those facing distress, remained the government’s highest priority. Dar further said all those on board, including the Pakistani and Iranian nationals, had safely arrived in Singapore. He added, “All individuals have reached Bangkok from Singapore and already boarded the flight scheduled to reach Islamabad later tonight.” According to the foreign minister, the Iranian nationals would be assisted in returning to Iran after their arrival in Islamabad. Coordination with regional and international counterparts Dar thanked several foreign counterparts and governments for their role in the repatriation process. He acknowledged the support of Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and expressed appreciation to the prime minister and government of Singapore for what he described as their continued support and engagement throughout the process. He also thanked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for placing trust in Pakistan for the repatriation of the Iranian nationals. The deputy prime minister said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had remained in close coordination to help ensure the smooth return of the 31 Pakistani and Iranian nationals. Dar also acknowledged the role of his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, for facilitating the transit of the individuals through Bangkok at Pakistan’s request. Officials and missions thanked In his statement, Dar also praised the work carried out by Pakistani institutions and diplomatic missions involved in the operation. “My heartfelt thanks to my colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and Pakistan’s Missions in Singapore and Thailand for their timely coordination and dedicated efforts, ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful completion of the repatriation process,” he concluded. The repatriation involved a total of 31 people, comprising 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians, according to Dar’s statement. He said the group travelled through Singapore and then onward via Bangkok before their scheduled arrival in Islamabad later on Friday night.
Naqvi, US official discuss expanding cooperation on security and counter-terrorism ISLAMABAD
staff report
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday held talks with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur in Islamabad, where both sides discussed broadening cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics,
according to official statements cited in the source reports. The meeting was also attended by Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and the federal interior secretary. Dawn reported that other officials were also present. The interior ministry said the two sides reviewed Pakistan-US relations and exchanged views on the lat-
est situation in the Middle East. During the meeting, Naqvi said ties between Pakistan and the United States had improved during President Donald Trump’s tenure. He said, Pakistan-US relations have strengthened during Trump’s tenure. He also said, Pak-US relations are based on mutual trust and bilateral cooperation. According to the interior ministry,
Naqvi told the US side that Pakistan had ensured foolproof security for American companies working on the Reko Diq project in Balochistan. He also said the country wanted direct flights between Pakistan and the US soon. On regional developments, Naqvi said, We are hopeful for a lasting and peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict.
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China urges dialogue, lasting ceasefire in Iran crisis BEIJING
mian abrar
China on Friday reiterated its call for dialogue and political settlement in the Iran crisis, saying the ongoing conflict should never have occurred and warning that continued instability was damaging regional and global interests. Responding to a media query about whether Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump discussed Iran during their Beijing summit, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing’s position on the conflict remained “very clear”. The spokesperson stressed that finding an early resolution to the crisis was in the interests of not only Iran and the United States, but also the wider Middle East and the international community. According to the statement, the conflict had caused severe suffering in Iran and neighbouring countries while also disrupting global economic growth, supply chains, international trade and energy stability. China welcomed the recent ceasefire efforts and ongoing diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving the crisis through negoti-
ations, with the spokesperson saying Beijing consistently believed that “dialogue and negotiation is the right way forward, and the use of force is a dead end”. “Now that the door of dialogue has been opened, it should not be shut again,” the spokesperson added. Beijing also called for the reopening of shipping routes and the restoration of stable
maritime trade, amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider Gulf region that have affected international energy supplies and commercial shipping. The spokesperson underlined the importance of achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible to restore peace and stability across the Middle East and Gulf region.
iran cites mixed uS signals as uae speeds up pipeline to bypass Hormuz TEHRAN
staff report
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington was sending 'contradictory messages', which he said were making negotiations more difficult, according to comments carried by Iran's IRIB broadcaster and reported by Al Jazeera. Araghchi also said Iran was not responsible for disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He said Tehran did not start the war and was acting in self-defence. According to Al Jazeera, he repeated Iran's position that the waterway is open to ships from 'friendly countries' if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, while it remains closed to Iran's 'enemies'. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates said it would speed up work on a
new oil pipeline that would significantly expand its ability to export crude without relying on the Strait of Hormuz. The Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Friday that the project would double the UAE's export capacity through Fujairah by 2027. It said Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed instructed the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to fast-track the West-East Pipeline project during an executive committee meeting. The office said the pipeline is already under construction and is expected to begin operations in 2027, but did not give the original completion schedule. The UAE already operates the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, or ADCOP, also known as the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, which can transport up to 1.8 million barrels per day.