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Pm ishaq dar Civil-military leadershiP ClOses ranks as deputy confirms Pakistan us-iran regiOnal Crisis Puts Pakistan On high alert mediating backchannel talks Friday, 27 March, 2026 | 7 Shawwal, 1447
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TOP LEADERSHIP STRESSES NATIONAL UNITY AND COORDINATION AT ALL LEVELS
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ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
RESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday chaired a highlevel meeting that stressed the need for national consensus and strong institutional coordination to tackle emerging challenges stemming from the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Asim Munir, reflecting a unified civil-military approach to the evolving situation. Participants reviewed the broader regional landscape and its potential implications for Pakistan’s security, economic stability, and food supply. The discussion highlighted the urgency of a coordinated national response, with an emphasis on aligning policy decisions to safeguard public interests while maintaining stability.
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REVIEWS ECONOMIC SITUATION AND ENERGY RESERVES
URGES MASSES TO ADOPT ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES
According to an official statement, the meeting underscored that economic management, energy planning, food security, and national security must remain
Oman pledges support for Pakistan's energy needs, eyes deeper cooperation
ISLAMABAD
Oman’s envoy to Pakistan, Fahad Bin Sulaiman Bin Khalaf Alkharusi, assured Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday that Islamabad’s request for preferential energy cargoes will be “considered favorably," according to a statement by the Petroleum Division. The meeting in Islamabad focused on strengthening bilateral energy ties and enhancing Pakistan’s energy security. Ambassador Alkharusi welcomed Pakistan’s push toward diversification of energy sources and expressed readiness to support the country’s growing energy needs. Malik emphasized Pakistan-Oman’s long-standing cordial relations, rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and strong people-to-people ties, and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to expanding energy cooperation. Discussions covered the ongoing fuel supply from Oman, with three petrol and one diesel cargo imported in March and two more petrol shipments planned. The ministers also reviewed regional energy challenges, especially disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, and Pakistan’s efforts to explore alternative import routes, including crude from Saudi Arabia via the Red Sea and UAE shipments via Fujairah. The meeting highlighted constructive talks between Pakistan State Oil and Oman Trading International to explore additional cargoes, as well as opportunities in upstream oil and gas exploration, production, and development projects. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen Pakistan-Oman cooperation in the energy sector for mutual benefit.
DISCUSSES NATIONAL POLICY TO STABILISE FUEL PRICES AND INFLATION
closely integrated to effectively navigate the ongoing crisis. It also reviewed the country’s economic outlook amid rising global oil prices and supply constraints.
Officials briefed the participants on the impact of fluctuations in global oil and gas markets on Pakistan’s economy, particularly in terms of inflationary pressures and energy security. The need to manage fuel costs while ensuring sustainable supply was identified as a key priority. The ministers for finance and petroleum outlined measures being taken to stabilise petroleum prices, mitigate the ripple effects of rising fuel costs across sectors, and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity initiatives aimed at reducing government expenditure. The meeting also stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to adopt fuel conservation practices, increase the use of public transport, and promote ride-sharing to ease pressure on national energy resources. The high-level huddle reflects growing concern within Pakistan’s leadership over the far-reaching economic and security implications of the regional conflict, as authorities work to maintain stability amid global uncertainty.
PM Shehbaz pushes Pakistan's mediation role in Middle East talks with China, Malaysia ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic role in promoting de-escalation and regional stability during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong. According to the prime minister's office, the discussion focused on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, with the premier highlighting Pakistan’s efforts—alongside Turkiye and Egypt—to ease tensions and facilitate dialogue. Officials have described these efforts as instrumental in securing a temporary pause in potential US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister House, was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and the foreign secretary, reflecting the highlevel nature of the engagement. During the talks, the prime minister appreciated China’s continued economic support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), with emphasis on agriculture, industrial cooperation, and priority infrastructure projects. He also congratulated Chinese leadership, including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, and Wang Yi, on the successful con-
clusion of the “Two Sessions” in Beijing. Ambassador Jiang commended Pakistan’s economic resilience and reform efforts, reaffirming Beijing’s continued support in trade and investment. Both sides expressed satisfaction over ongoing cooperation and agreed to maintain close coordination, particularly as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Separately, the prime minister also held a telephone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which he briefed him on Pakistan’s mediation efforts involving Iran, Gulf countries, and the United States. The two leaders exchanged Eid ul Fitr greetings and discussed the urgency of ending the ongoing conflict. Anwar Ibrahim praised Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative and offered full support for efforts aimed at bringing the warring sides to the negotiating table. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host direct talks between the US and Iran, stressing that Islamabad remained committed to facilitating “meaningful and conclusive” dialogue. Both leaders agreed to stay in close contact as diplomatic efforts continue. The engagements reflect Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic activism as it seeks to position itself as a key mediator in the Middle East crisis while strengthening strategic partnerships with China and other regional allies.
ISLAMABAD
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has come under intense criticism for disparaging remarks about Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing USIsrael war against Iran. Speaking at an all-party meeting in India, Jaishankar referred to Pakistan as a “dalaal” (broker) and dismissed Islamabad’s mediation efforts, claiming the country has been “used” by the US since 1981, according to The News. The comments drew widespread condemnation from Pakistani politicians and diplomats. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called
ISLAMABAD
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday confirmed that Pakistan is playing a key role in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement on social media, Dar dismissed speculation surrounding formal peace negotiations, clarifying that “indirect talks” are underway through messages being relayed by Pakistan. He revealed that Washington had shared a 15-point proposal, which is currently under consideration by Tehran. Dar noted that other regional players, including Turkiye and Egypt, are also supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward. The development comes as Donald Trump claimed that Iranian negotiators were “begging” for a deal, warning that time was running out for diplomacy. His remarks contrasted with Tehran’s official stance, which has publicly rejected claims of direct negotiations. Iranian officials have acknowledged receiving a US proposal via Pakistan, reportedly centred on curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, limiting its regional influence, and ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a secure global shipping route. In return, the plan is said to offer sanctions relief and international cooperation on civilian nuclear energy. However, Iranian state media indicated that Tehran had responded negatively to the proposal, insisting it would not accept externally imposed timelines for ending the conflict. Iranian officials outlined key conditions for any agreement, including a halt to hostilities, guarantees against future aggression, compensation for war damages, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the initial response, reports suggest Iran has not entirely rejected the proposal and continues to review it. Meanwhile, the White House has maintained that discussions are ongoing, with officials describing them as “productive” while cautioning that details circulating in the media may not fully reflect the actual framework. The backchannel diplomacy follows Pakistan’s broader push to position itself as a mediator. A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered Islamabad as a venue for direct talks between US and Iranian officials — a proposal that drew international attention after being shared by Trump on his platform. Analysts say Pakistan’s involvement highlights its growing diplomatic engagement in the crisis, as it seeks to balance regional relationships while contributing to efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in an already volatile Middle East.
Pakistan resumes Operation Ghazab lil-Haq as Torkham Border reopens for Afghan nationals ISLAMABAD
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The temporary pause in Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban has ended, and the military campaign will continue “until its objectives are achieved,” the Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday. FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made the announcement during his weekly briefing, responding to questions about whether the pause had been extended. Launched on the night of February 26 in response to cross-border firing by the Afghan Taliban, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq is described as a “precise, targeted campaign” against the Taliban’s leadership, command infrastructure, logistics networks, and supporters of terrorist activities, Andrabi said.
He explained that the temporary suspension was observed out of deference to Eidul Fitr celebrations and following requests from “brotherly Islamic countries.” The pause concluded around midnight between March 23 and 24, after which operations resumed. “Operations will continue until the Afghan Taliban regime reviews its misplaced priority of
India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions escalate after Jaishankar dismisses Islamabad’s mediation role Staff CorreSpondent
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Jaishankar a “hi-fi dalal” and accused him of personal frustration. Murtaza Solangi, spokesperson for former President Asif Ali Zardari, criticized the Indian minister for what he termed “diplomatic dementia” and said Jaishankar’s efforts to isolate Pakistan had instead “isolated India.” Former foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani described the language as reflecting a “sick mindset,” while former Sindh governor Imran Ismail said the remarks were ironic given India’s foreign policy often appears “for hire.” Former power minister Khurram Dastgir Khan condemned the comments as “reprehensible,” highlighting Pakistan’s strategic stance during the May 2025 conflict.
The spat comes amid reports that Pakistan is actively facilitating back-channel talks between the United States and Iran, with Islamabad being considered as a potential venue for high-level meetings, including US Vice President JD Vance. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir recently spoke with US President Donald Trump, reflecting Pakistan’s growing role in regional diplomacy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government also faced criticism domestically. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described Modi’s foreign policy as “compromised” and accused the government of blindly siding with Israel, warning that India’s international credibility has suffered.
supporting terror infrastructures and proxies over the welfare of their own people,” Andrabi said. Earlier, on March 18, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had announced the pause, highlighting it as a gesture in good faith aligned with Islamic norms. The Afghan Taliban had also temporarily suspended attacks on Pakistan, citing requests from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Qatar. Meanwhile, a group of clerics from Pakistan and Afghanistan had appealed to extend the pause to Eidul Azha, but Islamabad has reiterated its stance that the Taliban must dismantle terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan, especially those linked to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan—requests that officials say remain unheeded.
TORKHAM BORDER REOPENED FOR AFGHAN NATION-
The escalating rhetoric underscores mounting tensions between India and Pakistan, as Islamabad positions itself as a key
ALS: The Torkham crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on Thursday to allow the return of stranded and undocumented Afghan nationals after being closed since February 26. Officials at a temporary transit centre near Hamza Baba mausoleum in Landi Kotal said the first batch of 50 Afghan nationals, who had been lodged at a mosque since February, underwent the registration and clearance process for deportation. Another batch of around 100 Afghans from Peshawar was also processed promptly. Families with expired travel documents or without visas were allowed to return to Afghanistan after completing registration at the transit centre. Pakistani authorities also coordinated with Afghan border officials to ensure the safe return of Pakistani nationals.
mediator in the West Asia conflict while New Delhi faces backlash for dismissing its neighbour’s diplomatic efforts.