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PM Shehbaz welcoMeS breakthrough in uS-iran talkS, SeeS Path to final deal Tuesday, 23 June, 2026 | 7 Muharram, 1448
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PAKISTAN-HELD PEACE INITIATIVE ADVANCES AS US, IRAN AGREE ON 60-DAY ROADMAP
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PM HAILS DIPLOMATIC GAINS AS SWITZERLAND TALKS MOVE PEACE PROCESS FORWARD
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ISLAMABAD
BÜRGENSTOCK TALKS YIELD 'ENCOURAGING PROGRESS’ TOWARDS LASTING US-IRAN ACCORD PAKISTAN AND QATAR SECURE MOMENTUM IN LANDMARK US-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS
uS authorises iranian oil sales amid talks on final peace deal
MIAN ABRAR
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed the successful conclusion of the first High-Level Committee meeting held under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, describing the outcome as a significant diplomatic achievement that has generated momentum towards a final peace agreement between the United States and Iran. The four-party talks, involving the United States and Iran with mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, marked the first formal follow-up engagement since the signing of the landmark Islamabad MoU and concluded with what participants described as “encouraging progress” on key political and security issues. In a statement shared on social media, the prime minister said the discussions were held in a positive and constructive atmosphere and had produced important breakthroughs, including agreement on a roadmap aimed at securing a comprehensive settlement within 60 days. Roadmap agreed for final settlement According to PM Shehbaz, the meeting endorsed a structured framework for future negotiations and established a HighLevel Committee to provide political oversight of the implementation process. The participants also agreed to continue
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technical-level negotiations in the coming days to translate the broad political understandings into practical arrangements. The premier praised the leadership of both the United States and Iran for demonstrating a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, noting that sustained engagement remained essential for achieving a durable peace agreement. Tribute to Mediators and Negotiators Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to all countries that supported the peace initiative and paid special tribute to Qatar for its critical role in helping create conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations. He also thanked Switzerland for facilitating and hosting the talks at Bürgen-
PPP's amjad hussain elected unopposed as gb chief minister GILGIT
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
stock. The prime minister reserved particular praise for Chief of Defence Staff and Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, acknowledging his role in advancing the diplomatic process. “His dedication, commitment and perseverance are indeed commendable and instrumental to the progress achieved so far,” the premier said. PM Shehbaz also commended Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs team for their diplomatic efforts, while recognising Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his contribution to the success of the negotiations.
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The United States authorised Iranian oil sales on Monday, easing decadesold sanctions as it pushes toward a final peace deal with Tehran in return for commitments on nuclear inspections and free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The general licence, announced by the Treasury Department, allows the sale of crude oil, petrochemical and petroleum products of Iranian origin through August 21. The licence says Iranian oil can be imported into the US when necessary to complete its sale, delivery or offloading. The US has not meaningfully imported Iranian oil since Washington imposed measures after the 1979 revolution. "In line with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to permit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into their country," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on X.
Chinese envoy conveys Beijing's appreciation for islamabad's role in regional de-escalation ISLAMABAD STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the fifth Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, completing the formation of a coalition-backed government in the region following the June 7 elections. Amjad Hussain secured the office after no other candidate submitted nomination papers within the stipulated time, paving the way for his unanimous election by the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. The newly elected chief minister represents the GBA-1 constituency and currently serves as President of the PPP’s Gilgit-Baltistan chapter. Assembly elects speaker, deputy speaker unopposed The election of the chief minister came hours after the assembly elected Imran Nadeem of the PPP as Speaker and Malik Kifayat ur Rehman of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as Deputy Speaker. Both candidates were returned unopposed after no rival nominations were filed for the respective offices. The smooth election process reflected the political understanding reached among the major parties following the Gilgit-Baltistan polls. Members of the assembly and political leaders congratulated the newly elected office-bearers, expressing confidence that they would uphold democratic traditions and ensure the effective functioning of the legislature. Earlier in the day, the newly elected members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly took oath during the inaugural session of the house. The oath was administered by the outgoing speaker, formally marking the beginning of the new parliamentary term and setting the stage for the election of key constitutional offices.
China on Monday commended Pakistan’s successful diplomatic efforts in promoting regional deescalation and reaffirmed its steadfast support for Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue and lasting peace in the region. The message was conveyed by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. According to an official statement, Ambassador Jiang conveyed Beijing’s appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive contribution to easing regional tensions and reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s mediation initiatives aimed at fostering durable peace and stability. During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar shared details of the recent high-level talks held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He briefed the Chinese envoy on progress made during the negotiations and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement to facilitate dialogue and promote a peaceful resolution of regional disputes. Dar also referred to his recent
PPP says it will not back telecom bill in Senate without full committee scrutiny ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said on Monday that her party would not support any Pakistan Telecommunication Authority-related legislation in the Senate unless it was examined in detail by the relevant standing committee and the party’s proposed deletions were incorporated into the final draft. The statement came as criticism continued over the Pakistan Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill 2026, which is intended to advance fibreisation across the country. Questions have intensified over the government’s push to move the bill through both houses of parliament, particularly over a provision that critics say would allow telecom companies to use public land without a fee. The bill was passed by the National Assembly on June 11, a day before the federal budget for 2026-27 was presented, and was laid before the Senate on June 15. It was then referred to the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication the same day before being deferred. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also formed a committee on Sunday to review the bill and submit recommendations. In a post on X, Rehman said the Senate bill had been halted by the PPP because it still included provisions the party had repeatedly asked to be removed, especially Clause 27-A, which deals with telecom operators and the acquisition of private land. She said National Assembly members from her party had been informed that those provisions had been removed before the bill was taken up there, but when the legislation reached the upper house, key clauses were still present. According to her, some objectionable sections had been deleted, but not all of them, prompting the party to insist that the matter be sent to the Senate committee. Attributing the party’s position to concerns over the current draft, Rehman said the PPP was not opposed to fibreisation but would not support a version that retained what she described as encroachments on right of way, harsh penalties and redress mechanisms placed under the executive rather than an appropriate forum. She also welcomed the government’s decision to set up a review committee, but said any revised provisions should be brought back to the standing committee. She said there was no need to rush the bill through parliament without satisfying the concerns of the PPP and other representatives, and suggested a public hearing so people could be assured their views were being heard.
Qatari PM urges caution, says 'external circumstances' may affect uS-iran talks BURGENSTOCK AGENCIES
visit to Cairo, where he participated in the R-4 Regional Foreign Ministers’ Meeting alongside the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing collective diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful conflict resolution. The deputy prime minister expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s peace initiatives and acknowledged Beijing’s significant contributions to regional stability efforts. He particularly praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Four-Point Proposal and the China-Pakistan Five-Point Initiative, describing
them as important diplomatic frameworks that have helped create momentum for dialogue and constructive engagement. Dar noted that China’s principled support for peaceful negotiations and multilateral diplomacy had played a positive role in promoting stability across the region. Both sides underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and reaffirmed that dialogue and negotiations remain the most effective means of addressing outstanding regional and international issues. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to promoting peace, reducing tensions and supporting cooperative approaches to conflict resolution.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called Monday for caution amid the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, warning that “external circumstances” could still affect negotiations despite the “will” on both sides. “We must be cautious, because despite the will, there are external circumstances that may affect the negotiations,” Sheikh Mohammed told Al Jazeera television. He said the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran helped bring about a halt to the war and laid the foundation for negotiations. “The memorandum was reached after significant efforts with Qatar’s partners in Pakistan and with regional support,” he added. He said the main objective of the memorandum was to stop the war and establish a framework for negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The memorandum created an “institutional framework for the negotiating process” and required both sides to “meet regularly” to resolve outstanding issues, he added. The Qatari premier said the framework presented during Sunday’s talks in Switzerland was “positive” and that technical discussions were continuing. “The outcome of any agreement between Iran and the US would affect not only the two parties, but the region,” he added. He said the sides agreed to establish a “hotline” to defuse disputes. Under the memorandum of understanding, Iran is committed to ensuring “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz” within 60 days, he added. “Our vision for the Strait of Hormuz is that it remains open and that navigation through it remains free,” the premier said, reiterating Qatar’s opposition to any change in the waterway’s status.
Vance says Iran has agreed to allow nuclear inspectors BURGENSTOCK AGENCIES
The US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that progress has been made in talks with Iran, with Tehran agreeing to allow nuclear inspectors and establish mechanisms to handle its frozen assets and manage ceasefires. Speaking after talks in Switzerland, Vance also cited a mechanism to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, with technical talks set to continue in the days and weeks to come. Conversations over nuclear inspections in Iran could start as soon as this week, he said. Vance added that the Iranian delegation “threatened to walk out” during the talks, or “at least there were social media threats that they would walk out”, but said that the negotiations went well past 1am last night, according to Al Jazeera. “So they didn’t walk out, and their technical team is still here in Burgenstock working with our technical team,” the US vice president told reporters.
“What we told the Iranians yesterday is, ‘When you guys exchange in what us millennials might call trash talk, you can’t expect the president of the United States not to respond and not to correct the record.” He concluded his response by saying there was “a little bit of threatening” and “whining but at the end of the day, the talks continued, and we made great progress”. Vance also said that IAEA nuclear inspectors are set to return to Iran to verify its compliance with the preliminary agreement, according to Al Jazeera. “Our hope is that we get to the final deal and a permanent settlement. But right now, I think we’ve made great progress and we should all celebrate that in terms of when the nuclear inspectors are going to start,” Vance told reporters. The US vice president said he phoned UN nuclear inspectors at 2am last night to let them know the developments, however, no one picked up the call. “As you can expect, not many people are
answering their phone at two in the morning,” said Vance. “I expect that will happen at the minimum this week, but we think even some of those conversations with the inspectors and with the IAEA could happen as soon as today.” He also touched on the issue of Iran’s frozen funds, as per Al Jazeera. “We wanted to make sure that we set up a process where if, if we ever unfreeze Iranian assets, we can ensure that that that Iranian money goes to help the people of Iran and not to fund terrorism,” he told reporters. “Jared Kushner actually came up with a very interesting solution with the Qataris, where basically – again if – there is any frozen Iranian assets that are unfrozen, then we have approval over that process, the Qataris have approval over that process, and then the money would actually go to buy to buy American sorn, American corn and American wheat for the benefit of the Iranian people.” Iran says held 'brief discussion' with US on nuclear issue
Iran said Monday it held a "brief discussion" with the United States on its nuclear program during talks in Switzerland, but insisted negotiations on the issue had not begun.
"One of the points raised by the American delegation was the presentation of its positions regarding the nuclear issue," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said.