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Saturday, 20 June, 2026 | 4 Muharram, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 86 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PM, SAUDI CROWN PRINCE AGREE TO ADVANCE ECONOMIC PACKAGE, DEEPEN STRATEGIC COOPERATION g
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ DISCUSSES SIGNING OF HISTORIC ‘ISLAMABAD PEACE DEAL’ IN ‘WARM AND CORDIAL’ TELEPHONIC CONVERSATION WITH MBS
SAUDI PRINCE CONGRATULATES PM, PRAISING UNTIRING EFFORTS OF CDF MUNIR OVER ISLAMABAD PEACE DEAL
INVITES CROWN PRINCE FOR OFFICIAL VISIT TO PAKISTAN, SAYING COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PACKAGE TO BE FINALISED UNDER MBS PATRONAGE
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BOTH SIDES STRESS DIPLOMACY TO ENSURE SMOOTH IRAN–US NEGOTIATIONS, REVIEW BILATERAL TIES AND REGIONAL PEACE EFFORTS
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– hails Iran-US accord as diplomatic triumph for Pakistan ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were ready to finalise and sign a comprehensive economic package under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, while reiterating his invitation for the Crown Prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his convenience. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO),
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during which they discussed matters related to peace efforts involving Iran and the United States. During the warm and cordial exchange, the Prime Minister congratulated the Saudi Crown Prince on the signing of the historic Islamabad Peace Deal and expressed deep appreciation for his consistent and steadfast support for Pakistan’s peace diplomacy.
Pakistan rejects Afghan Taliban claim of strikes in KP and Balochistan ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Friday dismissed claims by the Afghan Taliban administration that it had carried out strikes on alleged Daesh hideouts in the border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, saying instead that a rudimentary drone had entered Pakistani airspace and was brought down. In a statement issued through its Fact Checker account on X, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the Afghan Taliban regime, through official statements and what it described as propaganda channels, had claimed to have used rudimentary drones against alleged Daesh camps in the two provinces. The ministry said the claim was untrue and added that militant camps, including those linked to Daesh and more than two dozen other organisations, were operating from areas under the control of the Afghan Taliban administration. The drone incident took place in Khyber district of KP, where the aircraft was detected and neutralised by the Pakistan Air Force’s air defence system after entering Pakistani airspace. The Afghan Taliban administration regularly issues such statements to deflect attention from what it described as its support for militant violence in neighbouring countries through groups including Daesh, Fitna alKhawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. "The claims are false as usual. Terrorist camps including that of Daesh and more than two dozen other terrorists organisations are factually located, run and patronised from inside the territories under control of Afghan Taliban regime" The Pakistani statement came after Kabul said it had conducted air operations against what it described as militant positions in Pakistan. The Taliban government’s defence ministry said in a post on X that hideouts in KP and Balochistan, both bordering Afghanistan, were targeted by the Afghan air force on Thursday night.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hailed the signing of the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU) between Iran and the United States as a historic diplomatic breakthrough, expressing confidence that the agreement would usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, economic cooperation and stronger bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran while enhancing Pakistan’s standing on the global stage. Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister said Pakistan was receiving widespread international recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, describing it as a moment of pride for the entire nation. “Pakistan is being acknowledged around the world for helping bring about this peace deal, which in fact reflects the country’s growing diplomatic stature,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said. He said the successful conclusion
of the agreement demonstrated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and had earned the country international respect and goodwill. The prime minister thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a key role in efforts aimed at establishing peace in the region. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi. Calling the achievement a national success, he urged opposition parties to join the government in projecting a message of unity, saying the accomplishment belonged to the entire nation rather than any individual or political party. Prime Minister Shehbaz informed the House that he had received a telephone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, during which the Iranian leader thanked Pakistan and its people for standing by Iran during a difficult period.
Dar to attend R-4 meeting in Cairo as Pakistan joins regional push for stability ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will embark on a visit to Egypt on Sunday (June 21) to attend the 4th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R-4 Group of Countries, where Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will deliberate on regional security and diplomatic developments amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the Foreign Office (FO). In a post on X, the FO said the Cairo meeting marks the fourth session of the R-4 framework, a diplomatic platform launched in March this year by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan amid heightened regional instability, including the USIran conflict and broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Conceived as a coordination mechanism for regional consultations, the grouping has since held regular meetings to discuss evolving political, security and economic challenges and to promote de-escalation efforts across the region. “At the invitation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will attend the 4th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R-4 Group of Countries, to be held in Cairo on 21 June 2026,” the FO said. “The meeting will bring together the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan to discuss regional developments and
Araghchi, Dar voice concern over Israeli ceasefire violations ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday expressed serious concern over Israel's reported violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon during a telephone conversation, despite the recently concluded US-Iran peace agreement. According to a statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two foreign ministers reviewed the evolving regional situation and discussed developments following the landmark peace accord between the United States and Iran.
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exchange views on issues related to peace, security and stability,” it added. According to the statement, the ministers will also review ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest. During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will hold bilateral consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and is also expected to call on Egyptian President
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The discussions will focus on expanding Pakistan– Egypt cooperation across multiple sectors, alongside exchanges on regional and international developments of mutual interest. Pakistan has consistently described its relations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a priority, noting that the R-4 framework reflects a shared commitment to consultation, cooperation and coordinated diplomacy in support of regional peace and stability. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments and expressed concern over Israel’s ceasefire violations in Lebanon. The DPM/FM congratulated Iran’s leadership, government and people on the signing of the historic “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” with the United States, and extended best wishes for the next phase of negotiations, expressing hope for a smooth and positive outcome. Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive and sustained mediation efforts. He also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including eight fishermen rescued at sea by the United Kingdom and 22 crew members recently intercepted by the United States, with transit arrangements currently being coordinated by Pakistan.
Pakistan approves full transition to e-passports ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has decided in principle to move completely to an electronic passport system as part of a broader reform plan aimed at updating passport services, tightening document security and making the process easier for citizens. The decision was taken at a special meeting held at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad and chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Officials told the meeting that a full shift to e-passports would help curb fraud and forgery linked to travel documents. Addressing the meeting, Naqvi said the planned transition would improve the credibility of the country’s passport regime and bring it in line with global benchmarks. “The move will strengthen the integrity of Pakistan’s passport system and align it with international standards,” Naqvi said, addressing the meeting. The meeting also approved a revised fee structure for premium passport services. Under the new arrangement, applicants seeking such services will pay charges based on the actual cost involved. Home delivery and digital payments Authorities also announced that preparatory work has been completed for the launch of passport home delivery services inside Pakistan as well as overseas. The service is expected to begin soon and will allow applicants to receive their passports at their doorstep instead of visiting passport offices to collect them. Officials informed the interior minister that a cashless payment system would be rolled out at passport offices across the country from July 1. The measure is part of the government’s wider push toward digitisation and greater transparency in public services. As part of the same reform effort, online passport applications will be shifted to the Pak ID platform to create a more unified and efficient digital process for applicants. Business Passport policy under review The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport policy. Naqvi directed the relevant authorities to complete the policy at the earliest in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue, indicating the government’s intention to facilitate genuine business travel while maintaining regulatory requirements. During the session, Director General of Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa gave a detailed briefing on reforms already under way, operational improvements and future plans related to the passport and immigration system.
Rain-related incidents claim nine lives in KP as PDMA issues flash flood, GLOF alert ISLAMABAD
At least nine people were killed and seven others injured in rain-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday warned of flash floods, landslides and possible glacial lake outburst floods in the province’s mountainous districts. In its alert, the PDMA warned of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) alert for upper KP, highlighting that persistent rainfall could increase the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable mountain areas. Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain and flash floods between June 16 and 22. The warning covers Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Kohistan and Mansehra districts, where authorities said heavy rainfall between June 18 and 22 could trigger flash floods, landslides and glacial lake “So far, nine people have died and seven people have been injured due to the collapse of roofs and walls of houses due to heavy rains and strong winds in the province,” the KP PDMA said in its latest report on losses of life and property in various districts due to strong winds, lightning strikes and downpours. “The deceased included five men, two children and two women, while the injured include seven men.” The incidents occurred in Dera Ismail Khan, Upper Dir, Kohat and Orakzai districts. The PDMA directed district administrations to provide relief materials to affected families as soon as possible. “Public is appealed to avoid unnecessary travel and not to visit sensitive tourist spots and follow the alerts/adviseries issued by government agencies,” the authority said. Separately, the PDMA directed district administrations in sensitive areas to remain on high alert, maintain continuous monitoring and ensure rescue teams, machinery and emergency personnel remain ready to respond. Authorities were also instructed to warn vulnerable communities in time and, if necessary, move residents to safer locations.
Govt cuts petrol price by Rs74, diesel by Rs67 per litre ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a major reduction in petroleum prices, cutting petrol by Rs74 per litre and diesel by Rs67 per litre. Under the new pricing structure, the petrol price will fall from Rs373 per litre to Rs299 per litre, while high-speed diesel will decline from Rs378 per litre to Rs311 per litre, providing relief to households, transporters, farmers and industries across the country. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier said the government was immediately transferring the benefit of lower global oil prices to the public and fulfilling a commitment made to the nation during a period of economic uncertainty and elevated energy costs. The reduction is expected to ease transportation costs nationwide, lower input expenses for the agriculture sector and reduce
fuel expenditure for millions of consumers. Economists also expect the move to help moderate inflationary pressures, particularly in the food and transport sectors, which are heavily influenced by fuel prices. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government fully understood the hardships faced by citizens and acknowledged the patience shown by the public during the crisis period. He thanked the people for supporting government efforts during difficult economic conditions. The prime minister said the federal government had spent Rs129 billion through savings generated from development allocations and austerity measures to shield consumers from the full impact of international oil price increases during the crisis. According to the statement, these resources enabled the government to provide relief and prevent a sharper rise in domestic fuel prices. He said that despite regional economic
challenges and volatility in energy markets, Pakistan avoided an energy supply crisis through planning and coordination. Unlike some countries that resorted to fuel rationing, Pakistan maintained uninterrupted fuel supplies throughout the period. The premier said government efforts ensured that consumers did not face shortages of petroleum products, long queues at fuel stations or disruptions in energy availability. He credited coordinated action by federal and provincial authorities for maintaining stability in the country’s fuel supply chain. Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked provincial chief ministers for their cooperation in helping the federal government manage economic challenges and maintain macroeconomic stability. He said federal and provincial governments worked together to protect citizens from the effects of global inflation. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to economic stability, the premier said
STAFF REPORT
any future decline in international oil prices would continue to be transferred to consumers in full. He added that the government would maintain efforts to reduce inflation and support economic recovery. The statement further said that austerity measures were implemented across government institutions during the crisis period, while targeted subsidies were provided to vulnerable segments of society to cushion the impact of rising living costs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described public relief as the government’s foremost priority and pledged to continue policies aimed at maximising benefits for citizens. The premier also linked the latest economic relief to what he described as Pakistan’s successful diplomatic efforts in helping restore peace in the Middle East. He said Pakistan’s mediation contributed to easing regional tensions and resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which he termed a historic document.
He said the development brought honour to Pakistan and its people and reflected the country’s growing diplomatic role in promoting regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying his professional capabilities and efforts played a key role in making the peace agreement possible. He also praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and other members of the government’s diplomatic team for their contributions to the peace initiative. The prime minister also acknowledged the efforts of the economic management team, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, as well as senior officials from the finance and petroleum ministries and the Federal Board of Revenue.