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Sunday, 26 July, 2026 | 11 Safar, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 121 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PAKISTAN, SAUDI ARABIA PUSH DIPLOMACY AS CHINA BACKS ISLAMABAD’S MEDIATION ON MIDDLE EAST CRISIS g
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DAR, PRINCE FAISAL REAFFIRM ‘CLOSE BILATERAL TIES,’ STRESS DIALOGUE TO EASE ESCALATING REGIONAL TENSIONS
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WANG YI URGES RETURN TO NEGOTIATIONS AS CONFLICT WIDENS ACROSS GULF AND RED SEA
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CHINA PLEDGES FIRM SUPPORT FOR PAKISTAN’S EFFORTS TO ADVANCE USIRAN CEASEFIRE AND LASTING PEACE
HOUTHI ATTACKS ON SAUDI OIL FACILITIES HEIGHTEN FEARS OF BROADER REGIONAL WAR AND ENERGY DISRUPTIONS
–, Iran explore path toward new talks with US in a China-initiated push — sources ISLAMABAD
REUTERS AND STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON
AKISTAN and Saudi Arabia on Saturday reaffirmed their close and brotherly ties and stressed the importance of sustained diplomacy and constructive engagement to defuse escalating tensions in the Middle East, as China reiterated its firm support for Pakistan's mediation efforts following the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran amid the widening regional conflict. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone
conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. “The two leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and reaffirmed the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” the statement said. The FO added that both leaders underscored the importance of “continued diplomacy” and reaffirmed their shared commitment to “promoting constructive engagement, peace and stability” across the region. The Middle East crisis, which has continued for nearly six months, has affected regional stability and disrupted energy supplies, with its repercussions extending well beyond the region. The development came as Yemen’s Houthis launched attacks on Saudi oil in-
Suicide bomber among 4 Khwarij eliminated as attack on South Waziristan checkpost foiled
Pakistan is actively exploring the possibility of reviving stalled US-Iran negotiations aimed at ending their nearly five-month-old conflict, with renewed diplomatic efforts gaining momentum following China's backing for Islamabad's mediation initiative amid escalating regional tensions and growing concerns over the disruption of vital Gulf trade and energy routes. According to three Pakistani sources, exploratory discussions took place during Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni's visit to Islamabad this week—his second trip in the past 10 days—as both sides examined prospects for restarting dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Momeni, who is considered close
stallations at two Red Sea ports on Saturday, raising fresh concerns that the conflict disrupting Gulf energy supplies could spread to another vital maritime corridor and further intensify Yemen’s long-running war. China reaffirms support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts Meanwhile, China reiterated its
to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, met Pakistani government leaders and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during the visit, according to official Pakistani statements. However, all three sources cautioned that significant obstacles remain before any negotiations with the United States can resume. Strait of Hormuz tensions complicate mediation Pakistan has found itself navigating an increasingly delicate diplomatic landscape as it seeks to facilitate renewed dialogue. Earlier this week, Yemen’s Iranbacked Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, a close ally of Pakistan that signed a mutual defence treaty with Islamabad last year.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 strong backing for Pakistan’s diplomatic role, with the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying in a post on X that Beijing highly appreciated Pakistan’s key role in facilitating the memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran.
Naqvi and Bugti agree to step up Balochistan counter-terror measures – welcomes foreign investment, assures full facilitation to investors
RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Security forces on Saturday thwarted a suicide assault on a security forces checkpost in South Waziristan, killing four terrorists, including a suicide bomber, and destroying an explosives-laden vehicle in a “swift and coordinated response,” as the military vowed to press ahead with its nationwide counter-terrorism campaign against Indiansponsored Fitna Al Khwarij. According to the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attempted attack was carried out by Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij but was successfully repulsed before the attackers could breach the checkpost’s defenses. In a statement, the ISPR said, “On 25 July 2026, a cowardly terrorist attack was attempted on Security Forces Check Post in South Waziristan District, Pakistan, by Indian-sponsored, Fitna Al Khwarij. The attack was successfully foiled killing all four khwarij including a suicide bomber and destroying an explosive laden vehicle.” The statement said the khwarij sought to breach the checkpost’s security; however, their nefarious designs were checked and “decisively foiled by the vigilant” and “resolute response” of security forces. “The attackers explosive-laden vehicle was successfully engaged and destroyed outside the perimeters of post killing one suicide bomber in it, which failed to cause any damage,” the ISPR added. Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, security personnel engaged the remaining intruders, forcing three khwarij into a nearby compound, where they were later neutralized in a deliberate and precision-based clearance operation without any casualties on the security forces’ side, the ISPR said.
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
QUETTA STAFF REPORT
Federal and provincial authorities agreed on Saturday to strengthen counter-terrorism arrangements in Balochistan during a high-level meeting in Quetta led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior. The statement said Bugti briefed participants on the province’s overall law and order situation, steps already under way and the provincial government’s future approach. The meeting decided to improve the professional capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Force and the Balochistan Police, while speeding up measures intended to reinforce the provincial police setup. The interior ministry told the
provincial government it would provide full cooperation in meeting resource requirements for that effort. Naqvi also called for immediate and effective execution of Balochistan’s peace restoration plan and said the experience of former Balochistan police chiefs should be fully utilised while shaping the law and order strategy. He said the campaign against terrorism required modern technology, better intelligence and coordinated action. According to the statement, Naqvi said the federal government would continue backing efforts aimed at lasting peace in the province. The statement also quoted Naqvi as saying that the federation and the Balochistan government were moving ahead in full unity and coordination to restore peace.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday reaffirmed the government's commitment to attracting foreign investment, assuring that investors would receive every possible facilitation to capitalize on Pakistan's vast economic opportunities. The assurance came during a meeting with British House of Lords member Lord Zamir Choudrey, where the two sides discussed investment prospects and regional stability, according to state-run Pakistan Television (PTV). Naqvi said Pakistan offered immense potential for investment and that the government remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment for both local and international investors.
Dar showcases Pakistan's SCO vision, invites member states to Islamabad Summit 2027 ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar concluded a two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan by reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to advancing regional cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and highlighting Islamabad's readiness to assume the organisation's chairmanship for 2026-27. According to the Foreign Office, Dar's participation in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, held in Cholpon-Ata from July 23 to 24, provided an opportunity to reinforce Pakistan's historic ties with SCO member states and promote an agenda focused on regional connectivity, economic integration and shared prosperity. The Foreign Office spokesperson said Dar utilised both formal sessions and informal engagements with his counterparts to outline Pakistan's priorities for making SCO mechanisms more effective in promoting socio-economic cooperation and regional development. On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, the deputy prime minister held extensive bilateral discussions with the foreign ministers of China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, exchanging views on bilateral relations, regional developments and multilateral cooperation. During the visit, Dar also attended an informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Moldokanovich Kulubaev in honour of the visiting delegations and later called on Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov alongside other SCO foreign ministers. Conveying the greetings of Pakistan's leadership, Dar reaffirmed Islamabad's desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Kyrgyzstan across diverse sectors. Leading Pakistan's delegation at the SCO-CFM meeting, Dar reiterated the country's unwavering commitment to the SCO Charter and the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, respect, shared prosperity and development. He cautioned against confrontational geopolitics and the use of aggression as an instrument of state policy, stressing that dialogue and cooperation remained the only sustainable path to regional peace. Highlighting Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Dar referred to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as a significant initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region. He also underscored the importance of expanding regional connectivity, transport networks, poverty alleviation and practical cooperation among SCO member states. In this context, he described the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project that complements the SCO's broader vision of regional connectivity and economic integration. The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September and formally invited all member states to attend the SCO Heads of State Summit, which Pakistan will host in 2027. Dar also attended the official reception hosted by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kulubaev in honour of the participating foreign ministers, concluding a visit that the Foreign Office described as an important step in strengthening Pakistan's engagement with the SCO and advancing its regional diplomatic agenda. Dar, Tajik FM reaffirm longstanding brotherly ties between two countries Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Tajikistan coungterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Saturday, reaffirmed the longstanding, brotherly and close ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan. They also expressed their shared commitment to further expanding cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The DPM/FM met with the Tajik foreign minister on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.
UN sounds alarm as Hormuz crisis, Houthi attacks imperil global shipping UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES
The United Nations on Friday sounded the alarm over the growing risk of a wider regional conflict as renewed Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and escalating tensions surrounding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz threaten global shipping, while thousands of stranded seafarers remain trapped in increasingly dangerous waters amid the intensifying US-Iran war. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the resumption of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea this week and the renewed threats to maritime navigation, his Spokesperson said in a statement. The Yemeni armed movement, formally known as Ansar Allah and backed by Iran, recently entered the conflict and has threatened to blockade the Bab al-Mandab Strait,
a key maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea to international shipping lanes. The Houthis have been battling Yemeni government forces, backed by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition, for more than a decade, the UN pointed out. On Thursday, they claimed to have struck two Saudi oil tankers, according to media reports. “The attack on commercial vessels, claimed by the Houthis, risks further heightening regional tensions and widening the current cycle of escalation with the potential to draw Yemen deeper into regional conflict,” Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in the statement. He warned that “further hostilities in Yemen will undermine prospects for peace, and cause serious economic, humanitarian and environmental consequences across and beyond the region.” In response, the Secretary-General called for immediate de-escalation and urged
the Houthis—who control the Yemeni capital and much of the country's west—to refrain from any further attacks or other escalatory actions, in line with UN Security Council resolutions on attacks against commercial vessels and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, also expressed alarm over the resumed Houthi attacks. The envoy has held extensive engagements over the past weeks with Yemeni, regional and international stakeholders in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The UN said it has been pushing for peace since the current conflict in the Middle East first erupted in late February following joint US-Israeli bombing of Iran and retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the Gulf region. A ceasefire announced in April, which was later extended, collapsed this month over alleged violations, including those sur-
rounding the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly a quarter
of global maritime trade—particularly oil and gas supplies—passes.