In partnership with
Profit
Wednesday, 24 June, 2026 | 8 Muharram, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 90 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PEZESHKIAN ENDS VISIT WITH ‘HAND OF FRIENDSHIP’ FOR NEW REGIONAL SECURITY ARCHITECTURE g
g
IRANIAN PRESIDENT CALLS FOR UNITED MUSLIM FRONT, STRESSING PAK-IRAN POTENTIAL, LEADERSHIP RESOLVE AND NATIONS SUPPORT, CAN TURN TIES INTO MODEL OF BROTHERHOOD
g
LAUDS PAKISTAN’S HONEST MEDIATION AND STEADFAST SUPPORT DURING RECENT CRISIS, CONFIRMING MISSILE PROGRAMME EXCLUDED FROM MOU
g
PM SHEHBAZ SAYS ISLAMABAD AND TEHRAN SHARE EACH OTHER’S JOYS AND SORROWS, ANNOUNCES TEHRAN VISIT TO REITERATE SOLIDARITY WITH IRANIAN PEOPLE AND LEADERSHIP
WARNS OF ‘SPOILERS’ ATTEMPTING TO DERAIL EMERGING PEACE FRAMEWORK AS BOTH SIDES PLEDGE TO OPEN A NEW CHAPTER IN BILATERAL TIES
iranian president’s visit highlights pakistan’s diplomatic role, regional peace efforts RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
P
ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON
RESIDENT of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday called for a “united front” among Muslim nations and extended “hands of friendship” for the creation of a new regional security architecture, while lauding Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability and thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Islamabad’s mediation efforts during the recent crisis. Praising Pakistan’s support during difficult times, the Iranian president said the Pakistani nation had demonstrated “strength and support” for Iran and had
remained “honest and adamant” in its efforts to advance peace and dialogue. President Pezeshkian made the remarks during a one-day official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting at the Prime Minister House, followed by delegation-level talks. Addressing a joint press conference alongside the prime minister, President Pezeshkian said he had held “constructive meetings and discussions” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. “In these discussions, we had many good points talks and discussed regarding the latest developments in the region
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday called on the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, during which both sides exchanged views on regional developments and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability and dialogue. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability. He also acknowledged Islamabad’s consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders amid heightened geopolitical challenges. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, the ISPR statement said. The two sides reaffirmed their re-
and in the world and also regarding bilateral relations,” he said. The Iranian president noted that the two neighbouring countries were deter-
solve to further strengthen PakistanIran relations and maintain close consultations on matters of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region. PRESIDENT ZARDARI REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR IRAN Earlier on Tuesday, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating that Pakistan has consistently opposed unilateral approaches and supported dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to sustainable regional and global solutions.
Continued on page 03
mined to utilize the positive atmosphere to usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation.
Continued on page 03
Pakistan kept peace process alive despite ‘spoilers’ attempts to sabotage peace deal, says Dar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said the Bürgenstock talks between the United States and Iran could have commenced several days earlier, but Israel’s attack on Lebanon derailed the diplomatic momentum and temporarily halted progress, asserting that Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts ultimately succeeded in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table despite attempts by “spoilers” to sabotage the peace process. “Heavy bombing in Lebanon immediately following the signing of the MoU was a clear provocation by spoilers intending to make the parties pause,” Dar said in an interview with Al Arabiya English. He emphasized that negotiations in Switzerland could have begun earlier had the attack not disrupted the diplomatic trajectory. The foreign minister said the talks in Bürgenstock represented the second phase of a broader diplomatic process and involved three technical working groups focusing on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and the unfreezing of assets, and the situation in Lebanon. Dar told the interviewer that the diplomatic breakthrough followed an intensive 21-hour marathon session of direct talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad on April 10 and 11, marking the first direct dialogue between the two countries in 47 years. He said the framework agreed by the parties established a 30-day timeline for completing specific technical matters and a 60-day overall timeframe for finalizing the bulk of a comprehensive agreement, with provisions for extension through mutual consent. “It is a very well-thought-out document, acceptable to both the parties,” he remarked. Dar said a key component of the understanding guaranteed the unhindered resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating Pakistan’s position that conditions should fully return to the status quo that existed before February 28, when the conflict began. “Our understanding is that there should be nothing— no government interference, no fees, no tolls, and no service charges,” he stated, adding that a common five-point proposal he had previously discussed with the Foreign Minister of China in Beijing, along with subsequent statements from the White House, supported the concept of a fee-free transit zone. Highlighting the economic repercussions of the conflict, Dar said disruptions to global energy supply chains had fueled inflationary pressures worldwide and resulted in an estimated loss of 20 to 25 percent of global GDP.
national assembly passes federal budget as opposition walks out amid heated exchanges ISLAMABAD
MIAN ABRAR
The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 after a charged session marked by sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, culminating in a walkout by opposition members. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb moved the budget bill for final approval after opposition lawmakers staged a protest and exited the House. The walkout followed a strongly worded speech by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who criticised the government on a range of political, constitutional and governance issues. Achakzai assails government policies Addressing the House, Achakzai launched a broad attack on the government, questioning its handling of constitutional matters, parliamentary affairs and regional issues.
He criticised National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq over the disqualification of opposition lawmakers and accused the government of undermining democratic institutions and weakening judicial independence. The opposition leader also raised concerns regarding the treatment of political activists and the government's handling of unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Achakzai argued that all provinces deserved equal attention and development, stressing that national progress could only be achieved through inclusive governance and equitable distribution of resources. He urged the government to strengthen Parliament and engage constructively with all political stakeholders to address national challenges. The opposition leader's remarks prompted a strong response from Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who rejected the allegations and defended Parliament's role and authority.
The speaker maintained that the House would not permit speeches that, in his view, undermined Pakistan's institutions, including Parliament, the judiciary and the armed forces. He also accused sections of the opposition of refusing to actively participate in parliamentary committees and legislative processes despite repeated invitations. Later, in an official statement, Sadiq emphasised that freedom of expression must operate within constitutional and parliamentary boundaries, adding that preserving the dignity and sanctity of Parliament remained his foremost responsibility. He stressed that democratic institutions could only be strengthened through constructive political engagement and mutual respect. Opposition walkout during proceedings As tensions escalated, opposition members, including Achakzai, walked out of the House in protest. However, lawmakers belonging to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) remained
present during the proceedings. The budget was subsequently passed by the House, enabling the government to proceed with its fiscal agenda for the upcoming financial year. Following the opposition's departure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Assembly and focused largely on Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts that facilitated dialogue between the United States and Iran. The premier expressed optimism that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Washington and Tehran would evolve into a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement within the next 60 days. Recalling the recent negotiations held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, he said Pakistan had played a sincere and constructive role in bringing the two sides together. “Pakistan made every possible effort to bridge differences between the parties and promote dialogue,” he told lawmakers.
The prime minister described Pakistan's involvement in the peace process as a historic diplomatic achievement that had earned international recognition. He noted that major international newspapers had prominently highlighted Pakistan's role in facilitating negotiations, helping project a positive image of the country globally. According to PM Shehbaz, the goodwill generated through diplomacy and peace-building was invaluable and reflected Pakistan's growing stature on the international stage. He also acknowledged the support of Qatar in the mediation process and expressed hope that ongoing technical negotiations between the US and Iran would culminate in a durable settlement. Responding to criticism from the opposition, the prime minister reiterated his longstanding position that Pakistan's progress depended on the development of all provinces equally.