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Friday, 31 July, 2026 | 16 Safar, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 126 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PAKISTAN TRYING ITS ‘UTMOST’ TO BRING US, IRAN BACK TO PEACE AGREEMENT AMID FRESH ESCALATION g
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FO SPOKESPERSON SAYS NEGOTIATIONS TO RESTORE CALM IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND REVIVE ISLAMABAD, BROKERED MOU REMAIN UNDERWAY ANDRABI BACKS SAUDI ARABIA’S RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENCE UNDER UN CHARTER, CONDEMNS ATTACKS BY ‘NON-STATE ACTORS’
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REITERATES ISLAMABAD DOING ITS ‘UTMOST’ TO BRING WASHINGTON-TEHRAN BACK TO JUNE PEACE AGREEMENT
REJECTS DW DOCUMENTARY ON PAKISTAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME AS ‘MISLEADING’ AND BASED ON SPECULATIVE CLAIMS
EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN NUCLEAR COMMAND, CONTROL AND SECURITY SYSTEMS, SAYING THEY MEET HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ISLAMABAD
SALEEM JADOON
AKISTAN on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to defusing tensions between the United States and Iran, saying negotiations aimed at restoring calm in the Strait of Hormuz and reviving the Islamabad-brokered peace framework remained underway despite renewed military exchanges between the two countries, while also voicing strong support for Saudi Arabia’s right to selfdefence. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to help the United States and Iran return to dialogue and implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), stressing that diplomacy and negotiations remained the only viable path to lasting regional peace. The Pakistani diplomat’s remarks came hours after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had carried out “powerful” strikes on Iran in response to what it described as attempted Iranian attacks on US forces stationed in the Middle East on Wednesday. The strikes, the first after nearly a weeklong lull in hostilities, dampened hopes
for an early resumption of negotiations. Pakistan has mediated between the United States and Iran since their conflict began in February. Islamabad helped broker a peace agreement between the two sides in June, known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both sides resumed fighting this month after the US accused Iran of firing at commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Andrabi said Pakistan
would continue playing its role in promoting peace and regional stability. “Let me add that the negotiations between the parties are ongoing to normalize the situation, particularly the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and as well to deescalate,” Andrabi said. He said Pakistan was doing its “utmost” to bring both parties back to the Islamabad MoU so that all irritants could be removed. Emphasising that dialogue and diplo-
macy remained the only viable option for ensuring peace in the region, he urged both sides to honour their commitment to resume technical-level talks for implementing the peace agreement. Regional tensions flared again on Wednesday when Saudi Arabia and the United States announced strikes on militant bases in Iraq, while US ally Israel accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of violating a truce. Earlier, Jordan’s army said it had intercepted five Iranian missiles, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they had targeted US bases in the country. The United States had earlier said the temporary cessation of fighting was intended to facilitate a fresh round of negotiations, including discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded for much of the conflict. Tehran has insisted it will retain control over the strategic energy corridor and has also announced plans to levy transit fees, a move opposed by Washington. Pakistan, which imports most of its fuel from the Middle East, has been striving to facilitate peace as it grapples with rising energy prices, inflationary pressures and fuel conservation measures in recent months.
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Naqvi calls for national consensus on new provinces, says governance system has 'collapsed' Iran clears passage for Pakistan-bound LNG shipment from Qatar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
A liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo bound for Pakistan has been allowed to transit through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran approved its passage, easing concerns over potential disruptions to the country's energy supplies. The shipment, carrying LNG from Qatar to Port Qasim, is expected to reach Pakistan after safely navigating the strategic waterway, which has faced disruptions amid ongoing regional tensions. The development comes as Pakistan continues to rely heavily on LNG imports from Qatar to meet domestic gas demand, particularly during the peak summer season. The approval is expected to provide temporary relief to the country's energy sector, which has been grappling with supply uncertainties following disruptions to maritime traffic in the Gulf. Pakistan has faced repeated delays in LNG deliveries in recent months due to instability in the region, forcing authorities to explore alternative supplies through the international spot market. The successful transit of the cargo is expected to help ease immediate fuel supply concerns while supporting gas availability for power generation and industrial consumers.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday called on all political parties to forge a national consensus on key constitutional and governance issues, including the creation of new provinces, arguing that Pakistan's existing administrative structure had become inadequate to meet the country's growing challenges. Addressing the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad, Naqvi said meaningful reforms could only be achieved if political stakeholders sat together to resolve long-standing national issues. "There is only one solution," he said. "The question of administrative units, provinces or whatever name you give them must be taken to the people." He urged political parties to engage in sustained dialogue, saying they should remain at the negotiating table "for a day, a month or even a year" until they reached consensus on matters critical to the country's future. "Unless political forces settle these issues, including the question of new provinces, Pakistan's condition will remain unchanged, regardless of how many seminars
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia back joint Arab, Islamic response to Palestine crisis ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday reaffirmed their close coordination on key regional issues, welcoming Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to address the worsening situation in Palestine, particularly occupied East Jerusalem, while also reviewing developments in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandeb Strait amid mounting regional tensions, the Foreign Office said. The understanding was reached during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. “Both sides welcomed Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to discuss the grave situation in Palestine, particularly East Jerusalem,” the Foreign Office said in a statement following the conversation. Jordan’s proposal comes amid growing regional concern over Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem, including developments at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where several Muslim-majority countries have accused Israel of violating the historical and legal status quo. The proposed meeting is expected to coordinate a unified Arab and Islamic response to the evolving situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and reinforce support for East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have consistently coordinated their diplomatic positions on major Middle East issues, including the conflict in Gaza, the status of Jerusalem and regional maritime security. Pakistan does not recognise Israel and has repeatedly called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Pakistan, Türkiye renew united stand on Palestine, urge stronger diplomatic action ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
or conferences are held," he said. Naqvi observed that the country's existing governance model had failed to deliver efficient public services and warned that maintaining the status quo would only prolong Pakistan's structural problems. "Whether you agree or not, the system under which we have been operating has collapsed," he remarked, adding that citizens expected affordable living, efficient public services and greater government responsiveness. The minister also expressed concern over Pakistan's fiscal situation, saying successive governments continued to rely on borrowing without addressing un-
derlying structural weaknesses. "Our budgets are prepared with deficits, and every year we discuss how much more debt we need to take. We continue borrowing, but we do not fix the system," he said. Describing himself as a strong supporter of democracy, Naqvi maintained that democratic governance also required institutional reforms and administrative efficiency. He noted that Pakistan's recent diplomatic successes had earned international recognition but stressed that external achievements alone could not substitute for comprehensive domestic reforms.
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Pakistan and Türkiye on Thursday expressed deep concern over Israel’s escalating military operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, repeated violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, reaffirming their unwavering support for the Palestinian people while pledging to coordinate diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing the Palestinian cause. The commitment came during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as Israeli military operations in Gaza continued despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that took effect on Oct. 10 last year, the Foreign Office said. Israeli forces have also intensified operations in the occupied West Bank, demolishing several Palestinian homes this week on the grounds of unlicensed construction. Palestinians, however, argue that restrictive Israeli permit policies make legal construction virtually impossible while Israeli settlements continue to expand on occupied land. “They expressed deep concern over the continued Israeli military actions in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, repeated violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, and the worsening humanitarian situation,” the Foreign Office said in a statement following the conversation between Dar and Fidan.
Bilawal warns of political fallout over AJK polls, demands transparent recount before next phase MUZAFFARABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday intensified his criticism of the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N), warning that any attempt to "steal" the mandate in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections would trigger political consequences for the federal government. Addressing a public rally in Muzaffarabad ahead of the second phase of the AJK elections scheduled for August 2, Bilawal alleged that the first phase of polling in Mirpur Division had been marred by widespread rigging and accused the PML-N of attempting to manipulate the electoral process. "The PML-N believes that after its defeat in Gilgit-Baltistan, losing AJK would begin the countdown for its government. But if you steal this election, I guarantee that the countdown for your federal government will begin," Bilawal declared. He warned that if his party's mandate was usurped, the PPP would launch a politi-
cal struggle against the government, adding that the party had a long history of resisting authoritarian rule. The PPP chairman also reached out to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), urging the party to abandon what he described as the politics of boycotts and actively participate in the democratic process. "Leave boycott politics behind and return to practical politics," he said, inviting PTI workers and leaders, as well as members of other political parties dissatisfied with the electoral process, to join hands for parliamentary reforms and electoral transparency. Bilawal said the only effective way to defeat rigging was through an overwhelming voter turnout, urging PPP supporters to participate in large numbers during the second phase of polling. Referring to the PML-N's development promises, he welcomed the announcement of new transport projects but questioned the party's performance in AJK, pointing to delayed infrastructure schemes, including the CMH flyover project.
He maintained that the PPP's vision was not to replicate the governance models of Punjab or Sindh but to build "a strong and empowered Kashmir" where decisions about resources, governance and development were made by the people of the region. Bilawal pledged that a PPP government in AJK would prioritise reopening roads, restoring internet and banking services, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and creating employment opportunities for local youth. He also reiterated his demand for greater constitutional and financial representation for AJK in national institutions, including the National Finance Commission (NFC), the Council of Common Interests (CCI), the National Assembly and the Senate. Calling Kashmiris the rightful owners of the region's natural resources, he stressed that they should receive a fair share of revenues generated from water and other resources, while employment opportunities created through development projects should primarily benefit local residents.
The PPP chairman further alleged that his party had submitted evidence to the AJK Election Commission showing it had secured overwhelming support in several constituencies during the first phase of polling. Questioning the commission's impartiality, Bilawal demanded public hearings on complaints related to the July 27 elections
and called for polling station records and vote counts to be made public before the second phase of voting. "If there has been no theft of the people's mandate, then there should be nothing to hide," he said, urging the Election Commission to restore public confidence through transparency and accountability.