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DAR STEPS UP DIPLOMACY, ENGAGES IRAN, NORWAY AMID REGIONAL TENSIONS Tuesday, 5 May, 2026 | 17 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
g DAR-ARAGHCHI TALKS FOCUS ON
MEDIATION AND REGIONAL STABILITY
g COORDINATED MONITORING ENSURES
ENERGY SECURITY, DAR INFORMED
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g NORWAY BACKS PAKISTAN’S PEACE
EFFORTS, INVITES DAR TO OSLO FORUM
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FUEL STOCKS AMID GLOBAL PRESSURES
iranian sailors return home via pakistan after uS release in confidence-building move ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
D
ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
EPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday led a series of highlevel diplomatic and policy engagements, underscoring Pakistan’s proactive role in regional peace efforts while ensuring domestic energy stability amid global uncertainties. In a late-night telephonic conversation, Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed the evolving security situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts. Araghchi appreciated Islamabad’s constructive diplomatic role, especially
its facilitation of engagement between Iran and the United States during a period of heightened tensions. Pakistani officials have consistently emphasised that backchannel diplomacy remains active despite complex geopolitical dynamics. Dar reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to dialogue-driven solutions, stressing that sustained engagement is essential to de-escalate tensions and achieve durable peace in the region and beyond. Separately, Dar received Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik in Islamabad, where both sides exchanged views on regional developments and global security challenges. Kravik expressed Norway’s support for Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and mediation initiatives, acknowledging Is-
Fifteen of 22 Iranian sailors, released by the United States after their vessel was seized, have returned home via Pakistan, marking what officials described as a key confidence-building measure amid regional tensions. According to Iranian state media IRNA, the sailors crossed into Iran through the Rimdan border terminal in Sistan-Baluchistan. Pakistan’s Foreign Office Pakistan confirmed earlier that all 22 crew members of the seized Iranian vessel, MV Touska, had been evacuated to Pakistan before being repatriated in coordination with Iranian authorities. The development follows the interception of the vessel by US forces last month in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating a naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports. US Central Command said the ship failed to comply with repeated warnings prior to its seizure. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi
lamabad’s role as a facilitator in ongoing efforts to reduce tensions. The Norwegian side also extended an invitation to Dar to participate in the upcoming Oslo Forum, a key global platform for conflict mediation and dialogue. Dar welcomed the invitation, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation in trade,
said the transfer of the crew to Pakistan was part of a “confidence-building measure,” adding that Islamabad facilitated their safe return and would continue to support diplomatic efforts for regional peace. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed the move, terming it a positive step and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to mediation and dialogue between regional stakeholders. The vessel, reportedly linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, is expected to be returned to its original owners after necessary repairs, officials said. The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been severely disrupted following the escalation of conflict involving Iran, the US and its allies. While Donald Trump has announced plans to assist stranded vessels under a proposed “Operation Freedom,” the situation in the region remains fragile, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to prevent further escalation.
development and multilateral engagement. In parallel with diplomatic engagements, Dar chaired a high-level meeting to assess Pakistan’s petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) stock position, amid volatility in global energy markets.
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Govt plans compensation for One Constitution Avenue apartment owners ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The federal government has decided in principle to compensate owners of apartments in One Constitution Avenue by paying back the amounts they originally paid for their units, with a formal announcement expected after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif grants approval. According to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division, a high-level committee formed by the prime minister has started examining the legal and administrative dimensions of the matter. The committee is headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Its members include Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, as well as the secretaries of the Cabinet Division and the Commerce Division. The body has been assigned to review all related cases, hear the concerns of affected apartment owners and recommend a balanced way forward that addresses grievances while remaining in line with court orders. It is due to submit its report to the prime minister by May 8. Until a final decision is made, the authorities concerned, including the Capital Development Authority (CDA), police and the district administration, have been instructed not to take action against residents. Background of the dispute The controversy is linked to a long-running dispute over the project. In 2005, the CDA allotted 13.5 acres to a private developer for the construction of a fivestar hotel. The company obtained the lease for Rs4.8 billion and was handed possession after paying an initial 15 per cent amount. However, the developer later defaulted on payments, which led to repeated rescheduling and litigation over the years. In 2019, the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed the developer to pay Rs17.5 billion to restore the lease. So far, the company has paid Rs2.9 billion and remains in default by around Rs14.5 billion. As a result, the lease was cancelled in 2023. Officials have also said that the developer built 263 residential apartments at the site in violation of the original agreement. They said transactions continued despite public notices warning buyers that the project was under dispute. Occupancy and recent action At present, 69 of the 263 apartments are occupied, while most of the units remain with investors. Officials said only a small number of the occupied apartments are being used as permanent residences, while many are rented out on a short-term basis.