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Sunday, 17 May, 2026 | 29 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 52 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PAKISTAN, IRAN REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL STABILITY, ENHANCE BILATERAL COOPERATION g
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g BOTH SIDES UNDERSCORE IMPORTANCE NAQVI, IRANIAN COUNTERPART REAFFIRM SHARED COMMITMENT TO OF SUSTAINED DIALOGUE AND STRENGTHENING BILATERAL ENGAGEMENT COORDINATION TO PROMOTE PEACE, AND ENHANCING COOPERATION SECURITY, AND STABILITY IN REGION
REAFFIRM RESOLVE TO STRENGTHEN LONGSTANDING ‘BROTHERLY RELATIONS’ BETWEEN TWO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
naqvi lands in tehran amid ongoing pakistan-iran-uS diplomatic effort ISLAMABAD
pakistan, egypt agree to expand cooperation on counterterrorism, anti-narcotics ISLAMABAD
staff report
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TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD asad nizami
NTERIOR Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on Saturday reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement and enhancing cooperation in addressing regional security challenges, as Naqvi began a two-day official visit to Tehran. According to Iranian state-linked media reports, Momeni received Naqvi upon his arrival, marking the start of discussions focused on regional stability, border security, and broader Pakistan–Iran cooperation. During their meeting, both sides underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and coordination to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.
They reaffirmed their resolve to deepen interactions and strengthen the longstanding “brotherly relations” between the two neighbouring countries, particularly in the context of evolving regional developments. Iranian media further reported that Interior Minister Momeni appreciated Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and security efforts aimed at promoting regional peace. He also commended the role of Pakistan’s military leadership in supporting de-escalation efforts and facilitating regional understanding, describing such contributions as “constructive and sincere.” Senior officials from Iran and representatives of the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran were also present during the talks, reflecting the high-level nature of the engagement.
Pakistan advancing rapidly toward digital revolution, says PM ISLAMABAD
staff report
Minister for Intreior Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on Saturday for talks with senior Iranian officials as Islamabad continued its diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States. Pakistani government sources confirmed the visit after Iran’s staterun IRNA news agency reported that Naqvi had reached Tehran as part of an unannounced trip. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Interior Ministry later told Anadolu Agency that the visit had already been scheduled, though officials declined to share details regarding Naqvi’s expected meetings or agenda. The ministry said it would issue an official statement if the interior minister met his Iranian counterpart during the visit. This marks Naqvi’s second consecutive visit to Iran in recent months.
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Saturday held talks with a high-level delegation from Egypt aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, anti-narcotics operations and internal security. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, the Egyptian delegation was led by Major General Majdi Hilal and included Brigadier Issam Abu alKhair, Brigadier Engineer Muhammad Razi and Brigadier Doctor Muhammad Munir. During the meeting, held in Islamabad, both sides discussed expanding institutional cooperation and sharing expertise in tackling terrorism, organised crime and narcotics trafficking.
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‘no move’ on 28th amendment yet, says tarar amid political buzz LAHORE
saleem jadoon
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan was steadily advancing towards a full-scale digital revolution through transformative initiatives, strengthening its position as an emerging global information technology hub backed by IT parks, digital infrastructure, and a young, tech-driven workforce. In his message on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, the prime minister paid tribute to professionals, experts, institutions, partners and international stakeholders associated with Pakistan’s telecommunications sector for their continued contribution and commitment. He said this year’s theme, “Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World,” aligned closely with Pakistan’s national vision of Digital Nation Pakistan, which is based on three core pillars: digital economy, digital society, and digital government, under which comprehensive reforms and initiatives are underway. The prime minister described the National AI Policy 2025 as a “revolutionary step” aimed at developing a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem in the country. He also termed the successful and transparent auction of the 5G spectrum a major milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey, saying it had significantly aligned telecom and internet services with global standards. He noted that GSMA had recognised it as a model for emerging economies. He said the spectrum allocated for cellular mobile operators had increased from 274 MHz to 754 MHz, adding that the government remained committed to the accelerated rollout of 5G, completion of the national fiberization policy, and promotion of local device manufacturing.
staff report
Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Saturday dismissed reports of any imminent move toward a 28th Constitutional Amendment, saying there were neither “any indications” nor “any immediate discussions” on the matter, while stressing that any such move would only proceed after extensive consultations with coalition partners. “Constitutional amendments are not possible without consultation with coalition partners and, in the case of the 28th Amendment, all coalition partners would first be taken into confidence,” Tarar said while speaking to
journalists after attending a conference on minority rights in Lahore. He maintained that constitutional changes could only be introduced through broad-based political agreement, recalling that the landmark 18th Amendment was also passed through consensus among political parties. “Constitutional changes can be introduced, but only if an agreement is reached,” he emphasized. The law minister said consultations with all stakeholders were continuing as several national issues remained unresolved and required consensusbased solutions. He added that legislation and constitutional reforms were part of an ongoing democratic process rather than a new development.
Responding to a question, Tarar disclosed that issues such as population control and the possible creation of Hazara and Saraiki provinces were among matters currently under discussion. He further noted that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had long been demanding constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening local government systems. Tarar said the coalition government, which had remained in place for several years, had faced multiple political and governance challenges that could only be addressed through consensus and cooperation among allied parties.
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Bannu Police kills five terrorists in major operation after deadly attack on police post BANNU
staff report
Bannu Police, under a series of intensified intelligence-based operations, claimed on Saturday that they killed five highly wanted militants, including a commander allegedly involved in the suicide attack on Fateh Khel Police Post, during “Operation Intiqame-Shuhada” (Operation Revenge of the Martyrs) carried out over the past 24 hours. According to a police statement shared on social media, the operations were launched on the special directives of DIG Sajjad Khan following the recent attack on the Fateh Khel Police Post, in which at least 15 police personnel were martyred when militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the post. Police said among those killed were key target killer Hayatullah of the Zargul Group, Asad Yar and Naimatullah—allegedly involved in the Fateh Khel attack—along with commander Mansoor and another unidentified militant. Officials added that the slain individuals were involved in multiple attacks on security forces, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and civilians. The operations were conducted by specialised police units under close supervision of the regional command, using modern intelligence inputs and tactical planning. Bannu Police stated that no space would be allowed for militants or their facilitators in the district, adding that operations would continue until lasting peace is fully restored. Peace Committee vows operations against militants ‘full force’ In a separate development, the Peace Committee announced the launch of an operation titled “Operation Revenge of the Martyrs” during a meeting at Bannu Police Lines, held amid heightened security concerns in the district. Peace Committee President Hazrat Ullah said operations against militants would continue with “full force,” adding that the sacrifices of police martyrs would not go unavenged. He said ensuring protection of life and property was a shared responsibility of the police and the committee, and all available resources would be utilised to maintain order. The committee reiterated that public support was essential for lasting peace and warned of indiscriminate action against militants and their facilitators. It also announced measures to reclaim hujras and houses allegedly used by militants, while individuals suspected of links with militants would be required to clarify their position. It was further decided that the committee would remain strictly non-political, and citizens would be able to lodge complaints regarding police conduct for prompt redressal. The district has witnessed repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and law-enforcement personnel targeted amid a broader surge in militant activity, prompting continued targeted operations across multiple localities.
uzbekistan lauds pakistan's mediation role in Middle east crisis ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov on Saturday appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and mediation efforts in the Middle East during a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional developments and multilateral
cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties between Islamabad and Tashkent. The Foreign Office said Saidov particularly appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role in mediation for regional peace and security” amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions linked to the Iran-US-Israel crisis. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
The conversation comes as Pakistan has intensified diplomatic engagement with regional and global partners while positioning itself as an active player in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region. Over recent months, Dar has held a series of high-level contacts with officials from the United States, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia and several other regional states aimed at facilitating dialogue and sustaining ceasefire efforts. Pakistan and Uzbekistan have also significantly expanded bilateral cooper-
ation in recent years across trade, investment, defence and connectivity sectors. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev oversaw the signing of memoranda of understanding worth approximately $3.4 billion during highlevel engagements between the two countries. The two sides also announced a target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years through enhanced economic cooperation and regional connectivity initiatives.
uS congressman praises pakistan’s role in Washington-tehran peace efforts ISLAMABAD agenCies
US Congressman Jack Bergman, co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, has praised Pakistan’s role in ongoing peace efforts between the United States and Iran, thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for what he described as their leadership in the process. According to the reports, Bergman sent a letter dated May 15 to the prime minister and the army chief on official US House of Representatives letterhead. In the letter, he expressed what he called sincere gratitude for their role in the negotiations between Washington and Tehran. I write as co-chair of the congressional Pakistan Caucus to express my sincere gratitude for the leadership you have both demonstrated in the ongoing peace negotiations between United States and Iran, Bergman said Pakistan’s contribution had been central to the effort and described
the country’s engagement as an example of statesmanship. He also said the relationship between the United States and Pakistan remained strategically important. Your partnership has been indispensable to that effort, The United States relationship with Pakistan is of enduring strategic importance, and Pakistan's willingness to leverage its unique position to bring these parties to the table is a demonstration of true statesmanship, The congressman said President Donald Trump had achieved what earlier US administrations had not, and added that Pakistan’s role had received public recognition in Washington. The president, the White House, and Congress have recognised as much publicly. I echo those sentiments fully. You have our deep and lasting gratitude. I look forward to returning to Pakistan soon and to continuing to strengthen the bond between our two nations in person, One of the reports said Bergman referred to several occasions on which Trump publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role through social
media posts and public remarks. In one such statement cited in the report, Trump said: Pakistan is terrific. Field Marshal Asim Munir is fantastic. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is great. They want to see something happen, Geo reported that Trump also praised the
Pakistani leadership during a telephonic conversation with Fox News, saying Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir were great people and that he had great respect for them. The same report said Trump frequently refers to Field Marshal Munir as his favourite field marshal after a rapport developed during US efforts to defuse a brief but intense conflict between Pakistan and India last year. The reports said Pakistan has played a facilitative role in contacts between Washington and Tehran amid a conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian retaliation against Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets. According to Express Tribune, Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8. Geo reported that the US-Iran ceasefire was announced on April 8, while another related report in the provided material said a ceasefire announced on April 9 largely halted the fighting. The reports also said talks involving senior delegations from both countries were held in Islamabad on
April 11 and 12. Geo said Pakistan persuaded the leadership of Iran and the United States to engage in dialogue for the first time since 1979. Express Tribune reported that despite the Islamabad talks, the two sides did not reach a final agreement and have since continued exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to find common ground and resume direct talks. Express Tribune further reported, citing sources, that there had been no significant change in Iran’s earlier position on the nuclear issue in its response to US proposals delivered through Islamabad last week. According to those sources, Tehran’s response focused mainly on an immediate end to hostilities, with little in it in terms of Washington’s core demand about Iran’s nuclear programme. The report added that Iran had proposed broader and separate talks on the nuclear issue, citing its complexity, while reiterating its willingness to halt uranium enrichment for five years and rejecting a US demand for a 20-year moratorium.