‘WheN IraN decIdes’: TehraN rejecTs
Us proposal , seTs Terms To eNd War
g TEHRAN SAYS IT WILL DECIDE TIMING OF WAR ’S END, NOT US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
g IRAN OUTLINES FIVE KEY CONDITIONS, INCLUDING REPARATIONS AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ AUTHORITY
g PAKISTAN CONVEYED US PROPOSAL, WITH TURKIYE, PAKISTAN EYED A S POTENTIAL VENUES FOR TALKS
g NO NEGOTIATIONS UNLESS DEMANDS MET A S TEHRAN VOWS CONTINUED MILITARY RESPONSE
g US PURSUING DIPLOMACY THROUGH MULTIPLE CHANNELS; PROPOSALS TERMED ‘EXCESSIVE’ BY IRAN
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for showing “remarkable restraint” amid escalating Middle East hostilities stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and a return to dialogue
The remarks came during a telephone conversation between the two leaders, described by the Prime Minister ’s Office as “warm and cordial " during which they discussed the rapidly evolving regional situation following Iran s retaliatory strikes triggered by US-Israel military actions
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering
to hostilities Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of restoring stability in the region, warning that prolonged conflict could have severe consequences for global energy markets and regional security He also underscored the need for unity within the Muslim world urging greater harmony among countries of the Ummah during this critical period
During the call, the prime minister briefed the crown prince on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at easing tensions including efforts to bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table through dialogue and diplomacy The Saudi leadership appreciated these peace initiatives, with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination at all levels
and officials and instructed all departments to remain in close coordination with Gulf countries regarding their food requirements Highlighting disruptions in global supply chains amid the current regional situation, the prime minister stressed Pakistan s responsibility to help meet the food needs of
mestic availability of essential commodities
PM Shehbaz also called for strict monitoring of domestic food supply and warned that delays in institutional decision-making would not be tolerated directing authorities to ensure accountability in case of negligence He further instructed the preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at key international airports, including Karachi and Gwadar, to facilitate exports and enhance connectivity During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that a special committee had approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries including rice edible oil sugar meat poultry powdered milk dairy products fruits and vegetables A database of exporters had been prepared, and shipments of vegetables, fruits, and meat would be facilitated without additional charges Open sea and air routes were being utilized to enhance shipments alongside business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf partners to promote trade
ISLAMABAD
SIFC ORDERS PROBE INTO $5 MILLION KP MINING DEAL AFTER CHINESE INVESTOR FL AGS IRREGUL
Ogra launches digital fuel tracking system amid oil market disruptions
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has introduced a digital track-and-trace system for petroleum products to strengthen oversight of the fuel supply chain as Pakistan faces market pressures linked to global oil disruptions, according to a news report
The regulator in collaboration with the Punjab Information
documents through online portals of rel-
evant authorities including the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Verification may also be supported through apostilled, consularised or notarised documents where applicable The SBP said the consolidated onboarding framework is designed to streamline account opening procedures, remove inconsistencies across different account types and strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements while facilitating new banking relationships
PM Shehbaz praises Saudi 'restraint', urges urgent de-escalation in Middle East
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The premier also conveyed Eid greetings to
for talks between the United States and Iran, following reports that regional players including Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt had urged restraint to prevent further escalation particularly against Iranian energy infrastructure The latest engagement underscores Islamabad s push for a diplomatic resolution as tensions continue to ripple across the Gulf, raising concerns over security, oil supplies, and broader economic stability
PM directs boost in food expor ts to Gulf, enhancement of ‘por t , flight operations’
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The meeting was also informed that port operations at Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully functional during the Eid holidays while amendments in customs rules now allow transshipment handling at off-dock terminals to increase capacity Transportation charges at ports have been reduced by up to 60 percent, and export facilitation desks have been activated to support exporters Ships carrying crude oil are being given priority berthing at ports to ensure smooth energy supplies The high-level meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar Maritime Affairs Minister Chaudhry Junaid Anwar Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar and other senior officials
‘ When Iran decides ’: Tehran rejec ts US proposal, sets terms to end war
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
According to the report Washington has been pursuing negotiations through multiple diplomatic channels but Tehran views the US proposals as excessive and disconnected from battlefield realities THE IRANIAN OFFICIAL
OUTLINED FIVE KEY CONDI-
TIONS FOR ENDING THE WAR: A complete halt to aggression and assassinations
Concrete guarantees preventing the reimposition of war Clearly defined compensation and reparations for damages
A comprehensive end to hostilities across all fronts and allied groups in the region International recognition and guarantees of Iran s sovereign authority over the Strait of Hormuz
The official added that these demands build upon positions presented during the second round of negotiations in Geneva held shortly before renewed US and Israeli strikes on
February 28 Tehran has also conveyed to intermediaries that no negotiations will take place unless its conditions are fully accepted, reiterating that military operations would continue until then
However details of the proposal remain unclear, including whether it aligns with a reported 15-point US plan, which Israeli sources say includes removing Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles halting enrichment curbing its ballistic missile programme and ending support for regional allies
In contrast, Iran s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, denied that any talks direct or indirect had taken place between Tehran and Washington
We re in negotiations right now
Trump told reporters at the Oval Office, adding cryptically that a recent development related to the Strait of Hormuz signaled progress though he did not elaborate Separately a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Pakistan had indeed delivered a US proposal, and that Pakistan or Turkiye could host potential talks, indicating limited openness to diplomatic engagement despite Tehran’s public stance rejecting negotiations
We have also heard such reports through the media but according to my information, no negotiations have taken place so far, he said, adding that friendly countries, including Pakistan, were naturally engaged in consultations to help end what he described as illegitimate aggression
The latest developments highlight the deep divide between Washington and Tehran, even as diplomatic channels remain active behind the scenes to explore a possible path toward deescalation
Nonegotiations between US, Iran have taken place: Iran envoy
CONTINUED
n e a n d f i v e a d d i t i o n a l u n m a n n e d a i rc r a f t w i t h i n i t s o p e r a t i o n a l a r e a s , t h e s p o k e s p e r s o n s a i d Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said that it s u m m o n e d I r a n s a m b a s s a d o r M o h a m a d To u t o n j i f o r t h e t h i r d t i m e s i n c e t h e o n s e t o f I r a n i a n a t t a c k s o n F e b r u a r y 2 8 h a n d i n g h i m a f o r m a l p r o t e s t n o t e o v e r t h e c o n t i n u e d s t r i k e s I n a s t a t e m e n t , t h e m i n i s t r y s a i d t h e s u m m o n i n g f o l l o w s t h e t a rg e t i n g o f f u e l t a n k s a t K u w a i t I n t e r n at i o n a l A i r p o r t w h i c h i t s a i d c o n s t i t u t e s a grave violation of international humani t a r i a n l a w a n d n o t e d t h a t t h e a i r p o r t i s a c i v i l i a n f a c i l i t y T h e m i n i s t r y s t r o n g l y c o n d e m n e d t h e a t t a c k , d e s c r i b i n g i t a s “ a b l a t a n t v i o l at i o n ” o f i t s s o v e r
FA I L I N G to pay heed to a worsening problem
It was a distinction Pakistan could do without
The country has no reason to be pleased that it has toppled Chad as the smoggiest country in the world in 2024, according to Swiss air monitoring firm IQ Air s latest report And that too on a technicality, because the data of Chad, the most polluted country in 2023, was not complete for 2024 It might be fashionable to blame anything environment-related to climate change, but that will not wash when talking about air pollution After all, it has been noticeable in recent years in winter months, and apart from the havoc it plays with morning and night traffic, it causes difficulties for asthmatics, the very young, the very old, anyone with not to mention the peculiar taste in the mouth, as of petrochemicals
That is the residue of one of the main causes of air pollution, which is the exhaust of internal combustion engines burning petrol or diesel The emission of greenhouse gases causing climate change is not the issue so much as their immediate spoiling of the air, because of the particulate matter which is spewed into the atmosphere It only makes it worse than fuel contains polluting additives, and vehicles, especially two- and three-wheelers, have engines emitting smoke because they have not burnt the fuel efficiently A switch to electric vehicles is not just necessary because it helps stop the emission of greenhouse gases, or because it stops foreign exchange being spent on petroleum imports, but because it will alleviate air pollution Such steps as checking engines on a mass scale have been taken, but there is still much more to be done The government has also a responsibility to prevent industrial pollution, which is another major source of pollution Brick kilns are another major source of pollution, as well as the burning of crop residue Pakistan labours under sufficient image difficulties, like being a hotbed of fanaticism, terrorism and poverty, that it does not want the; most polluted’ label It is bad enough being known as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, to be involved in another environmental catastrophe India and China are also highly polluted, but at least they have the excuse they are industrializing Pakistan’s industries are contracting rather than growing, so that excuse is out
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Isystematic violations of
rights against religious minorities From Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat in the west to Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram in the east, countless communities have endured intimidation violence and state-sanctioned repression The recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again exposed this reality, urging Washington to take decisive action against New Delhi’s unmatched record of abuse
The report calls for India to be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act a label reserved for nations that engage in or tolerate egregious violations of religious freedom This is not a casual suggestion it is a recognition that India s trajectory has crossed a dangerous threshold The Indian Army’s record in Kashmir is well documented: extrajudicial killings enforced disappearances and collective punishments have scarred generations In Nagaland and Mizoram counterinsurgency operations have blurred the line between security and brutality, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire Minority communities Muslims, Christians, Sikhs have repeatedly borne the brunt of discriminatory laws mob violence and vigilante attacks Anti-conversion laws in several states criminalize the very act of choosing one s
Dr MuhaMMaD Bilal Tahir
I S TO RY rarely announces itself loudly
HMore often it arrives quietly through policy papers infrastructure decisions and investments whose significance becomes clear only years later Pakistan s recent push toward artificial intelligence particularly the idea of building sovereign AI capability, may well be one such moment In a world where data, algorithms, and computing power increasingly define economic strength and national security Pakistan is beginning to recognize that technological dependence carries strategic costs while digital autonomy offers long-term dividends
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a speculative frontier reserved for advanced economies It is now embedded in governance systems, industrial productivity defense planning healthcare delivery and financial management across the globe Countries that fail to adapt risk falling into a new form of dependency one driven not by commodities or capital but by code and computation Against this backdrop, Pakistan s evolving AI agenda signals an important shift: from being a passive consumer of global technology to aspiring toward controlled context-specific and nationally governed digital systems This shift became explicit with the approval of Pakistan s first National Artificial Intelligence Policy which lays out a roadmap extending to 2030 The policy identifies human capital development, indigenous innovation, public-sector integration, and data governance as core pillars Official targets include training up to one million individuals in AI-related skills supporting the development of over 1000 local AI applications and embedding AI solutions within key government departments While ambitious, these targets reflect a growing policy consensus that AI must be treated as a national development instrument rather than a niche technological pursuit Momentum accelerated in early 2026 when the federal government announced expanded investments in AI and emerging technologies and launched national coordination platforms to align stakeholders
High-level steering committees were constituted to integrate AI into economic planning, industrial policy, and service delivery At the same time Pakistan moved decisively toward building sovereign digital infrastructure by initiating partnerships aimed at establishing nationally controlled AI and cloud environments The strategic logic is clear: data generated by citizens, institutions, and public services should be processed and stored within Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework, reducing vulnerability to external disruptions and
on India to allow independent assessments by US government bodies inside the country And it presses Congress to reintroduce legislation requiring annual reporting of India’s acts of transnational repression against minorities abroad These measures if implemented would mark a turning point in US-India relations For too long strategic and economic interests have overshadowed human rights concerns The report insists that democracy cannot be reduced to elections alone; it must be judged by how a state treats its most vulnerable citizens Predictably, Indian officials and affiliated groups have dismissed the USCIRF report as biased and politically motivated RSS the ideological parent of the ruling BJP has long claimed to represent cultural nationalism Yet its rhetoric and actions have fueled polarization, emboldened vigilantes, and marginalized minorities By rejecting scrutiny, India risks further isolating itself on the global stage Sovereignty cannot shield the abuses India is not just a country it is home to over a billion people a nuclear power and a key player in global trade and security Its treatment of minorities reverberates beyond its borders When Indian Muslims are lynched, when Christians are harassed, when Sikhs are silenced, the message spreads: intolerance is permissible and democracy can coexist with repression Moreover India s actions have spilled into the diaspora Reports of surveillance intimidation and harassment of minorities abroad particularly in the USA underscore the transnational nature of this repression This is why USCIRF’s call for congressional legislation is so critical
Pa ki s t a n’s s t rate g i c p u s h i nto t h e d i g i t a l f u t u re
geopolitical pressures These policy initiatives are beginning to translate into practical outcomes Artificial intelligence systems are already being deployed within public institutions to improve efficiency and transparency Automated risk analysis tools in customs and taxation have reduced clearance times and improved revenue collection, while pilot projects in healthcare diagnostics and land record management demonstrate AI’s potential to streamline service delivery
Though still limited in scale these deployments suggest how data-driven governance can reduce discretion, improve predictability, and enhance institutional performance The human dimension of this transformation is equally important Estimates indicate that Pakistan currently has between 15 000 and 20 000 professionals working directly in AI-related fields including data science machine learning and applied analytics This number has grown steadily driven largely by the freelance economy and private-sector demand, but remains small relative to national needs Surveys show that a significant proportion of urban professionals already use AI-assisted tools in their daily work often without formal training This gap between usage and expertise highlights both opportunity and risk Universities therefore occupy a central role in Pakistan s AI future Public and private institutions have expanded degree programmes in artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, and computational engineering Research centres focusing on natural language processing computer vision and smart systems are emerging often supported by government grants and
i n
exe c u t i o n s u s t a i n i n g p o l i cy c o n t i nu i t y, i nv e s t i n g i n p e o p l e , a n d
b a l a n c i n g i n n ova t i o n w i t h r e s p o n s i b i l i t y I f m a n ag e d w i s e ly, A I c a n
b e c o m e m o r e t h a n a t o o l fo r e f f i c i e n cy ; i t c a n s e r v e a s a c a t a ly s t fo r b e t t e r g ov e r n a n c e , e c o n o m i c r e s i l i e n c e , a n d n a t i o n a l
c o n f i d e n c e i n a r a p i d ly ch a n g i n g wo r l d
The question now is whether the US government will act Designating India as a CPC would send a powerful signal but it must be accompanied by tangible consequences sanctions, restrictions, and conditional cooperation Anything less risks reducing the report to mere rhetoric At the same time, the international community must amplify the voices of India’s minorities Civil society media and human rights organizations must continue to document abuses challenge impunity and demand accountability Silence is complicity India s founding fathers envisioned a republic where all faiths could coexist, where secularism was not a slogan but a safeguard That vision is now under siege The USCIRF report is not an attack on India it is a plea for India to live up to its own ideals Human rights are not negotiable They are not subject to political convenience or cultural relativism They are universal, indivisible, and inalienable When a state fails to uphold them, it forfeits its moral legitimacy
The world must not look away The cries from Kashmir the silence of Nagaland’s villages the fear in India s churches and mosques all demand attention The USCIRF has sounded the alarm It is now up to the global community and especially the USA, to act decisively with conviction India stands at a crossroad, it could continue down the path of repression, cloaked in nationalism and denial or confront its failures embrace accountability and restore the promise of democracy The choice will define not only India s future but the credibility of the world s commitment to human rights
The author can be reached at naveedsafdar13@gmail com
When image outruns truth
NaveeD SafDar
AS the Middle East trembles under the roar of fighter jets the flash of missiles, and the collapse of cities into dust, a parallel story is unfolding quieter, more complex, yet potentially far more consequential While destruction dominates the headlines Pakistan has stepped into a role that is both extraordinary and perilous: that of a mediator between the USA and Iran, two adversaries locked in confrontation but searching, however cautiously, for a path out of escalation
This moment reflects not just diplomacy but a test of credibility trust and survival Iran has endured sustained pressure repeated strikes and targeted elimination of leadership yet it continues to stand resilient, adaptive, and determined It has demonstrated that even under the combined weight of Israel and the USA, it retains the capacity to defend its sovereignty with courage resourcefulness and strategic depth This transformation from a perceived vulnerable state to a formidable resisting power has altered the balance of the conflict
It is in this altered reality that Pakistan has entered the stage
The sequence of events is critical Field Marshal Asim Munir engaged in direct and substantive discussions with President Donald Trump reviewing the evolving battlefield dynamics, the risks of prolonged conflict, and the urgent need for de-escalation Immediately thereafter, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conveying the essence of these discussions and emphasizing the necessity of dialogue ceasefire and a dignified resolution This carefully calibrated diplomatic relay Washington to Islamabad, Islamabad to Tehran has positioned Pakistan as a central conduit in a highly fragile process
Yet Pakistan s role must be understood through a very precise lens
principled It extends diplomatic, political, and, where expedient, material support to Iran, recognizing its right to defend itself against aggression In such a context, Pakistan does not adopt neutrality; it aligns itself with the principle of sovereignty and resistance
However when tensions arise between Iran and the Middle Eastern countries
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman Pakistan assumes a different role altogether It does not take sides Instead it becomes a balancer working to reduce friction discourage escalation and bring all parties toward diplomatic resolution This distinction is not merely tactical; it reflects deep strategic understanding Pakistan recognizes that division within the Muslim world weakens the region collectively and invites external manipulation Therefore its objective in such cases is unity not alignment
This dual posture supportive where principle demands balanced where unity requires is the essence of Pakistan s diplomatic maturity But today s mediation carries an added layer of danger one that makes Pakistan’s role not only critical but extremely sensitive and precarious
Recent history has created a deep trust deficit On more than one occasion diplomatic engagement between the USA and Iran has coincided with or been followed by military escalation During earlier negotiations, including those in the previous year, Iran was attacked even while diplomatic channels were active Now for the third time a mediation process involving a third party this time Pakistan is underway This pattern has made Iran extremely cautious From Tehran s perspective, diplomacy has at times appeared less as a path to peace and more as a prelude to pressure or even attack This perception fundamentally shapes Iran s current approach It fears that under the cover of dialogue strategic positioning
may continue potentially culminating not just in aerial strikes, but in a more direct confrontation With tens of thousands of US personnel already positioned in the region and military assets significantly reinforced, concerns about escalation into ground engagement cannot be entirely dismissed
This is what makes Pakistan s role extraordinarily delicate It is not merely facilitating communication; it is navigating a minefield of distrust, suspicion, and historical experience Any misstep, any perceived imbalance or any repetition of past patterns could collapse the entire process Pakistan must therefore ensure that this round of diplomacy does not become another episode of talk and strike, but instead evolves into a genuine pathway toward resolution
At the same time, the broader dynamics of the war continue to reinforce the urgency of mediation Massive arms flows into the region including tens of billions of dollars in recent US approvals have intensified militarization While these are presented as defensive measures for regional allies, they form part of a larger strategic framework that supports US interests and ensures Israel’s security Middle Eastern countries finance these systems yet their operational integration often aligns with broader strategic objectives beyond their immediate national defense
This deepens the paradox of the conflict
The region pays for its own militarization, while remaining locked in a cycle of dependency and insecurity Iran on the other hand continues to rely on indigenous capabilities missiles drones and asymmetric strategies to offset this imbalance Its resilience has demonstrated that even under sustained attack, it retains the ability to respond and endure Leadership losses have not dismantled its system; instead new layers continue to emerge ensuring continuity
For the USA this creates a strategic dilemma A prolonged war is costly complex, and increasingly unsustainable Yet, disengagement without a structured settle-
At this decisive moment, Pakistan stands at the intersection of war and peace , navigating one of the most dang erous diplomatic terrains of our time It has chosen the path of balance , courag e , and foresight And in doing so, it has reminded the world of a profound truth: that the greatest victories are not achieved by those who prolong wars, but by those who have the wisdom and the courag e to end them A difficult
When the confrontation is between Iran and Israel, Pakistan s position is clear and
ment risks reputational damage Pakistan s mediation offers a path that allows both sides to recalibrate without humiliation providing Iran with dignity and recognition and the USA with a viable exit from escalation However another critical dimension must be clearly understood If the war continues, Israel stands as the principal beneficiary Prolonged conflict keeps the region divided, keeps Iran under pressure and ensures continued US engagement in support of Israeli security A fragmented and militarized Middle East serves Israel s long-term strategic interests
But if the war is halted, if a ceasefire is established, and if negotiations particularly on Iran’s nuclear programme reach a balanced and dignified conclusion then the equation changes dramatically In such a scenario Israel risks becoming the biggest loser Its strategy of sustained escalation would fail, its ability to keep the region in perpetual tension would diminish, and it could find itself increasingly isolated not only globally, but potentially even in its strategic alignment with the USA
This is why the success of mediation carries consequences far beyond the immediate ceasefire It determines who shapes the future of the region: those who thrive on conflict, or those who seek stability In this context, one additional and essential element must be considered For lasting peace there must be accountability A highlevel international commission under the United Nations or a similarly credible global framework should be established to examine the origins of the conflict It must determine whether there was a genuine and imminent threat from Iran that justified the scale of military action If such a threat is established then responsibility must be acknowledged accordingly But if no imminent threat existed then
W h a t t h e w o r l d w o u l d b e l i k e w i t h o i l a t $ 2 0 0
With oil trading around $120 a barrel and natural gas above $60 per megawatt, economists are hoping for a de-escalation in the Middle East “Prepare for the price of oil to reach $200 a barrel warned Ebrahim Zolfaqari spokesman for Iranian militias a week ago We will not allow a single liter of oil to reach the United States, the Zionists, or their allies Any ship heading for them will be a legitimate target,” he added What seemed like bravado is now closer to becoming reality Scott Modell CEO of Rapidan Energy an energy sector consultancy
would severely impact citizens finances and businesses bottom lines The world would become poorer, and economic activity would grind to a halt until the situation recovered Under these assumptions, this is how the economy would react The International Monetary Fund the Washington-based multilateral organization estimates that every 10% increase in oil prices sustained for a year would correspond to a 0 4% increase in global inflation and a 0 15% reduction in economic growth According to these calculations, if crude oil were to remain at $150 the world would experience a relapse into inflation with prices rising by around 6% and the global
Qamar Bashir
IRAN REJECTS TRUMP'S NEGOTIATION CL AIM AS ISRAEL-IRAN AIRSTRIKES INTENSIF Y
C h i n e s e wa r s h i p D a q i n g d o c k s i n K a ra c h i fo r
Pa k i s t a n - C h i n a ' S e a G u a rd i a n I V ' n ava l d r i l l s
p h a s e a c t i v i t i e s s u c h a s e x p e r t - l e v e l e n g a g e m e n t s a y o u n g o ff i c e r s s e m in a r o n c o n t e m p o r a r y m a r i t i m e c h a llenges, gunnery exercises, coordinated p a t r o l s , a n d a r a n g e o f o p e r a t i o n a l m an o e u v r e s The Sea Guardian series has become a key platform for strengthening defence ties between Pakistan and China reflecting their growing strategic partnership and mutual focus on maintaining stability in regional waters T h e l a t e s t i t e r a t i o n i s e x p e c t e d t o f u r t h e r b o o s t c o o r d i n a t i o n b et w e e n t h e t w o s i d e s a n d c o n t r i b u t e t o a s e c u r e m a r i t i m e e n v i r o n m e n t i n t h e r e g i o n
C hina presses Japan for full probe af ter armed breach at Embassy
BEIJING
s ta f f c o r r e s p o n d e n t
China on Wednesday stepped up pressure on Japan to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation after an armed individual breached the Chinese Embassy, raising serious concerns over diplomatic security and international obligations At a regular press briefing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the embassy is coordinating closely with Japanese authorities on the matter adding that the intruder has been apprehended and handed over to police for further investigation Preliminary findings released by Japanese law enforcement revealed that the suspect was an active second lieutenant in the Japan Self-Defense Forces
The individual rep o r t e d l y carried an 1 8 - c e n -
timetre knife and scaled the embassy wall before entering the premises, triggering alarm over potential security lapses Beijing has lodged strong diplomatic protests in both Tokyo and Beijing expressing “serious dissatisfaction” and calling for accountability Chinese officials stressed that the incident endangered embassy personnel disrupted normal operations, and violated the sanctity of a diplomatic mission Lin underscored that the breach reflected a failure on Japan’s part to fulfill its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which mandates host nations to ensure the protection and inviolability of foreign embassies and their staff He urged the Japanese side to not only punish those responsible but also take concrete steps to strengthen security arrangements around diplomatic premises and prevent similar incidents in the future
The episode comes at a time of heightened regional sensitivities, making diplomatic security a critical concern
Peace will be held on March 28 2026 at the Expo Center Karachi Renowned poet Iftikhar Arif will preside over the event while poets from Pakistan and abroad will present their work An attendance of 10 000 to 15 000 people is expected He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday On this occasion, Patron-inChief Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui Professor Umar Farooq Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan and Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamil also spoke to the media Mahmood Ahmed Khan stated that, in light of the changing global situation, the theme of this year s Mushaira has been titled “Mushaira for World Peace ” He added that around 15 poets from abroad are expected to attend including Faika Gul Sahibzada from the United Kingdom; Dr Noor Amrohvi Humeira Gul Tishna and Noreen Talat Arooba from the United States; Noreen Syeda from Germany; and Tabish Zaidi from Dubai, among others From Karachi, around 20 poets including Anwar Shaoor, Pirzada Qasim, Mahmood Shaam, Fazil Jamil and Javed Saba will participate Other notable participants include Madad Ali Sindhi from Hyderabad Kamran Ishrat from Tando Adam Abbas Tabish and Wasee Shah from Lahore Shakeel Jazib and Dr Rabab Tabassum from Islamabad, Nusrat Siddiqui from Faisalabad, Afzal Khan from Bahawalpur, and Uzma June from Sibi Balochistan Young poets such as Tajwar Shakeel Fahad Ali Muddat Abbas Qudsia Zaidi Shah Fahd Mansoor Sahir Daniyal Ismail and Nazia Ghous will also take part
Pakistan s largest and most celebrated sporting event HBLPSL returns for its
CM MARYAM REVOLUTIONIZES AGRICULTURE THROUGH REFORMS AND MECHANIZ ATION
THE farmer-friendly and visionary initiatives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz are transforming the lives and livelihoods of the province s farming community, said a handout from the Punjab DGPR Under her directives farmers are being supported through the distribution of green tractors wheat and rice combine harvesters super seeders and other modern agricultural machinery In a record achievement, 30,000 tractors have been distributed in just two years, with over 20 000 green tractors already delivered and an additional 10 000 in the pipeline said a statement issued from the Chief Minister s Office (CMO) Through the CM High-Tech Mechanization Financing Program, farmers now have access to advanced machinery, including combine harvesters and highpower tractors backed by a loan
garding water supply in the Federal Capital Islamabad The meeting was attended by CDA Board Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch along with the DG Islamabad Water Imran Ali Zaidi and other relevant officers The meeting reviewed the progress of water-related projects and initiatives in the Federal Capital Islamabad and issued necessary directions for their timely completion The meeting was briefed on measures for the upgradation and rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Islamabad It was informed during the briefing
The meeting was apprised of measures regarding rainwater storage and groundwater recharge It was informed that approximately 100 rainwater rechargeable wells will be constructed at various locations in the Federal Capital Islamabad to raise the groundwater level and prevent water wastage Similarly approximately 20 water storage tanks
L ahore Police arrest 4,137 POs in ongoing crackdown ISLAMABAD
PM SHEHBA Z , BIL AWAL CONFER ON GULF CRISIS, BACK PAKISTAN'S PEACE PUSH
accountability and the prosecution of those responsible amid growing international concern over the deteriorating situation Delivering part of a joint statement sponsored by Arab OIC and European members of the 15-member Council Pakistan s Permanent Representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad reaffirmed the group s firm opposition to the annexation of any part of the Occupied Palestinian Ter-
ritory and to any forcible displacement of the Palestinian people
The portion read out by the Pakistani envoy on behalf of Pakistan as well as Bahrain Denmark France Greece Latvia Somalia and the United Kingdom focused on rejecting annexation and forcible displacement
“We recall that the Security Council has condemned all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 including East Jerusalem Such measures violate international law, undermine ongoing peace efforts, run counter to the comprehensive plan and jeopardize the prospect of achieving a just and lasting peace Ambassador Asim Ahmad said
He further noted that the Council
had demanded that Israel “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities” in the occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and fully comply with its legal obligations reaffirming its determination to ensure implementation of relevant resolutions
Describing Israel’s settlement policy and the continued violence by settlers as deeply alarming he said: “This illegal settlement policy and Israeli settlers continuous and escalating attacks against the Palestinian civilian population, as well as violence against Palestinian communities including the recent killing of Palestinian children by Israeli forces are unacceptable and must be brought to an immediate end and we call for those responsible to be held to account
