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Sunday, 12 July, 2026 | 26 Muharram, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 107 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
Pakistan, saudi arabia reiterate call for restraint, dialogue and sPace for us-iran mediation efforts g
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IN PHONE CALL, DAR, SAUDI COUNTERPART WARN RENEWED CONFLICT THREATENS REGIONAL PEACE AFTER ISLAMABAD MOU MALDIVES LAUDS ISLAMABAD’S ROLE IN IRAN-US MEDIATION; LEADERS PLEDGE CLOSER COOPERATION
BOTH LEADERS AGREE RENEWED CONFLICT SERVES NO ONE’S INTEREST AND WOULD WEAKEN ONGOING PEACE EFFORTS
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DPM DIRECTS STRONGER UK ENGAGEMENT, PRIORITISES DIASPORA WELFARE AND ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
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pakistan urges restraint and support for islamabad Mou amid uS-iran tensions ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON
EPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Saturday voiced concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming that renewed conflict would undermine regional peace and stability and stressing the urgent need for restraint, dialogue and continued diplomatic engagement. According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation during a telephone conversation. “The concern was expressed as DPM and FM Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia and exchanged views on the recent developments in the region,” the FO said in a post on X. During the conversation, both leaders agreed that the renewed conflict served no one’s interest and would weaken ongoing efforts aimed at ensur-
ing regional peace and stability. “The Saudi foreign minister shared the kingdom’s perspective on ongoing diplomatic efforts and emphasised the importance of de-escalation and continued dialogue,” the statement said. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and allow mediation efforts the necessary time and space to achieve a peaceful and meaningful outcome. Maldives appreciates Pakistan’s mediation role In a separate development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Iruthisham Adam during which the two leaders reviewed regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Foreign Office, the Maldivian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s role in mediating the Iran-US conflict. “The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments. Foreign Minister Adam appreciated Pakistan’s role in mediating the Iran-US conflict,” the FO said in another post on X. While reaffirming their shared com-
sufficient wheat stocks available despite price concerns: rana tanveer ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has urged the United States, Iran and other relevant parties to adhere to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and avoid steps that could further inflame tensions, as renewed hostilities put pressure on diplomatic efforts related to the Iran nuclear issue and other unresolved matters. Speaking at a United Nations briefing on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, voiced concern over the latest escalation in the region and said it was not in anyone’s interest. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN, he called on all sides to show restraint and refrain from actions that could damage regional peace and stability. The appeal came against the backdrop of fresh strains between Washington and Tehran and disputes
mitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives, the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact. Dar stresses importance of PakistanUK ties In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar underscored the importance of PakistanUnited Kingdom bilateral relations and
Continued on page 03 directed Pakistan’s High Commissionerdesignate to the UK to further deepen and broaden cooperation across political, economic and people-to-people spheres. The directive came during a meeting with Tipu Usman Chaudhry, Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom, who called on the deputy prime minister, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.
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‘operation Shaban’ toll rises to 102 as 23 more terrorists neutralized in Balochistan QUETTA/RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain on Saturday said Pakistan’s wheat production this year is estimated to be 1.36 million metric tons higher than last year’s harvest, asserting that the increase has ensured sufficient stocks across the country and ruled out any wheat shortage despite concerns over rising market prices. The assessment was shared after the minister chaired a high-level meeting attended by provincial officials and industry representatives to review wheat production, availability, procurement and prevailing market conditions. “It is an encouraging development that Pakistan’s wheat production this year is estimated to be 1.36 million metric tons higher than last year’s production,” Hussain said, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Food Security following the meeting. According to the ministry, representatives of all provinces unanimously informed the meeting that adequate wheat stocks were available and that there was no shortage anywhere in the country. Pakistan has experienced recurring disruptions in the wheat market in recent years, with procurement shortfalls, private stockpiling and price volatility prompting successive governments to introduce market controls and anti-hoarding measures. Last year, however, the country faced a different challenge as reduced government procurement following a bumper harvest resulted in a decline in farm-gate prices, triggering protests by wheat growers.
surrounding last month’s ceasefire. US President Donald Trump said the two sides had agreed to continue talks, while also declaring that the ceasefire reached last month was no longer in effect. At the UN briefing, Ahmad said the cycle of violence and instability needed to end in the interest of regional and international peace, security and prosperity. He said every effort should be made to restore normal conditions and return the parties to negotiations, adding that there was no substitute for continued engagement, dialogue and diplomacy. Pakistan backs negotiated settlement Pakistan reiterated its support for addressing all outstanding issues, including the Iran nuclear question, through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and sustained dialogue. Ahmad said the Islamabad MoU, signed last month, provided a viable roadmap for resolving pending issues through negotiations and reaching a mutually acceptable settlement.
Security forces on Saturday killed 23 more terrorists during the ongoing “Operation Shaban” launched in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police post in Balochistan, raising the overall number of terrorists neutralised to 102 since July 5, according to the military’s media wing. State media, quoting security sources, reported that 12 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during the latest round of operations. Providing an update on Operation Shaban, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement: “A large-scale air and ground offensive against Fitna alKhawarij terrorists by Pakistan Army, FC Balochistan and Police, codenamed Operation Shaban, continued with full vigour.” “Seven more foreign terrorists sent to hell during fresh operations,” the military’s media wing said, adding that a total of 102 foreign terrorists had been killed in
Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations in Balochistan since July 5. “Operation Shaban will continue in Balochistan until the elimination of the last terrorist,” the ISPR said. State-run Radio Pakistan also reported that security forces killed two terrorists linked to Fitna alHindustan during an intelligencebased operation (IBO) near the N-25 crossing in the province. Fitna al-Khawarij is the term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al-Hindustan is the designation used by the state for terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan. According to security sources, weapons, hand grenades, a motorcycle, mobile phones, flags of a banned outfit and other equipment were recovered from the two slain terrorists. The ongoing kinetic actions are being conducted under Operation Shaban, a high-intensity counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaign launched by Pakistan’s security forces fol-
lowing multiple high-casualty and high-profile terrorist attacks in Balochistan. Earlier in the day, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported on X that Operation Shaban was continuing across Balochistan as the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and police intensified coordinated air and ground operations against terrorist hideouts. “According to security sources, nine terrorists were killed in the latest action, taking the total eliminated under Operation Shaban to 52 and the overall tally since July 5, including intelligence-based operations, to 88,” PTV said. “Security sources say the operation will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” it added. Security sources had said on Friday that the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and police had been conducting a joint operation in Quetta district’s Shaban area since July 5 against terrorists involved in the killing of 27 police personnel during the attack on the police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station.
68 Pakistani students return from afghanistan as torkham crossing reopens for them PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
As many as 68 Pakistani students studying at universities in Afghanistan crossed into Pakistan through the Torkham border on Saturday after receiving clearance from Pakistani authorities, bringing an end to months of uncertainty caused by strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul, students and officials said. The students had been unable to return home after Pakistan tightened border controls amid deteriorating bilateral relations since last October, when fierce border skirmishes between the two neighbouring countries left dozens of people dead on both sides. Pakistan subsequently closed its border with Afghanistan to all movement and suspended bilateral as well as transit trade. Relations between the two countries have since remained tense, with sporadic cross-border military exchanges continuing. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces, an allegation Kabul has consistently denied. “The Pakistani students who had been stranded in Afghanistan finally received permission from the Pakistani border authorities to cross into Pakistan,” Naheed Khan, a police officer in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber district, which borders Afghanistan, told Arab News by telephone. Hundreds of Pakistani students, the majority of them from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are enrolled in medical and other professional degree programmes at Afghan universities because of comparatively lower tuition fees and easier admission requirements than those offered by many institutions in Pakistan. Muhammad Noman, the representative of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa students studying in Jalalabad, said Pakistani students had remained in contact with authorities on both sides of the border for several months in an effort to secure permission to return home. “There are a large number of KP students studying in Afghanistan,” he said. “We had been in talks with both the Pakistani and Afghan authorities to allow us to return to Pakistan.”
ndma issues nationwide flood and landslide alert amid heavy rains ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert warning of possible floods, flash floods and landslides as heavy monsoon rains are expected to affect several parts of Pakistan over the coming days. According to the NDMA, persistent rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas, while hilly and mountainous regions face an increased risk of landslides and flash floods. The authority warned that rivers, streams and local nullahs may experience a sharp rise in water levels, particularly in areas receiving intense rainfall. Provincial and local administrations have been directed to remain on high alert, activate emergency response teams and ensure the availability of rescue personnel and equipment in vulnerable locations. The NDMA has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, stay away from flood-prone areas, riverbanks and unstable slopes, and follow official weather advisories. Residents have also been urged to monitor weather updates and cooperate with local authorities as monsoon activity continues across the country.
oman, iran continue Hormuz navigation talks as regional diplomacy intensifies MUSCAT
AGENCIES
Oman and Iran have agreed to continue technical and political talks on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz under international law, as diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions gathered pace amid reports that Muscat had proposed separate shipping routes through the strategic waterway during discussions with Tehran. According to Al Jazeera, citing sources, Oman raised the proposal during a meeting between Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat. The report said the Omani side reiterated an approach presented during previous rounds of talks, proposing two separately managed navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz—one passing through Iranian territorial waters and the other through
Omani waters. According to the report, Iran had rejected the proposal in earlier discussions, insisting instead on a single management mechanism jointly administered by Oman and Iran. The report added that Iranian officials remained concerned that separate management arrangements could ultimately divert most commercial shipping through Omani waters, bypassing Iran and reducing its leverage in future negotiations. While various proposals were reportedly discussed during the latest meeting, it remained unclear whether the two sides had reached agreement on any specific formula. Talks to continue Meanwhile, Oman’s state news agency said on X that Oman and Iran had agreed to continue technical and political negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
According to the statement, the two sides “held talks in Muscat regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its safety and freedom in light of the facts and implications arising from recent developments.” Qatar, UAE discuss de-escalation efforts Separately, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, held a telephone conversation with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the latest regional developments, according to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two leaders reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts to “reduce escalation and promote security and stability in the region.” The Qatari foreign minister stressed the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy by all parties, as well as the implementation of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the statement said. He also reaffirmed Doha’s “full support
for all endeavours aimed at defusing tensions and reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region.” Fresh tensions complicate diplomacy
Meanwhile, fresh US sanctions on Iran have added another layer of complexity to ongoing diplomacy.
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