Epaper_26-3-30 KHI

US, IRAN TRUST PAKISTAN TO BROKER TALKS AMID HIGH STAKES DIPLOMACY

g FM DAR SAYS ISLAMABAD READY TO HOST ‘MEANINGFUL’ US-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS AFTER QUADRILATERAL MOOT BACKS PAKISTAN’S INITIATIVE TO END MIDDELEAST WAR

g SAYS ISLAMABAD ACTIVELY ENGAGED WITH REGIONAL, GLOBAL PARTNERS TO HELP END CONFLICT g SAUDI ARABIA, TÜRKIYE, EGYPT ENDORSE DE-ESCALATION, STRUCTURED DIALOGUE TO BRING PEACE

ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON

DEPUTYPrime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday said both the United States and Iran had expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate talks aimed at ending the ongoing United States-Israeli war on Iran, following “very productive consultations” among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt amid the rapidly escalating Middle East conflict.

Speaking in a televised address after a high-level quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad, attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, Dar described the consultations as “candid, constructive and focused on exploring pathways to de-escalation.”

“As you know, the purpose of this visit of the foreign ministers was to participate in the second meeting of consultations among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, which was held today in Islamabad. You may recall that our first meeting was held in Riyadh on March 19, 2026,” he said.

Sharing details, Dar said the four foreign ministers held an in-depth discussion on the evolving regional situation and deliberated on “possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region.”

He noted that all participants expressed deep concern over the devastating human and economic toll of the conflict.

“We agreed that this war is not in favour of anyone and would only lead to death and destruction. The unity of the Muslim Ummah in these challenging times is of utmost importance,” he added.

Dar said he also briefed the visiting dignitaries on the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

“The visiting foreign ministers expressed their fullest support to this initiative,” he said, adding that the participants reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, re-

g WAR BENEFITS NONE,’ LEADERS WARN, STRESS UNITY OF MUSLIM UMMAH WITH WANG YI, UN CHIEF EXTEND FULL SUPPORT TO PEACE PUSH

duce risks of further military escalation, and create conditions for structured negotiations.

“The foreign

ON PAGE 03

PM lauds Saudi restraint, vows Pakistan’s full support amid Middle East crisis

STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday lauded Saudi Arabia’s “remarkable restraint” amid the ongoing Middle East crisis during a high-level meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Islamabad, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

The meeting came immediately after a quadrilateral ministerial gathering in Islamabad attended by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye, reflecting the region’s escalating focus on diplomacy and de-escalation.

According to the PMO statement, PM Shehbaz briefed FM Faisal on Pakistan’s extensive diplomatic efforts aimed at mediating the crisis, including initiatives to bring both the United States and Iran to the negotiating table. Islamabad: Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan

Pakistan condemns Israel’s military operations in Gaza and West Bank

g FM DAR CONDEMNS ISRAELI AGGRESSION, REAFFIRMS PAKISTAN’S UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS

g DENOUNCES GAZA, WEST BANK STRIKES DESPITE FRAGILE CEASEFIRE, URGING GLOBAL ACTION TO PROTECT PALESTINIAN CIVILIANS

ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, reaffirming Islamabad’s unwavering diplomatic and moral support for the Palestinian people, the Foreign Office said. The condemnation comes amid continued Israeli operations despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza that has been in place since last year. According to Palestinian health officials, two Israeli air strikes on police checkpoints on Sunday killed at least six Palestinians, including a child. Violence in the West Bank — a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 — has also intensified since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel.

The Foreign Office statement followed bilateral talks between Dar and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Islamabad, held ahead of a key quadrilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to deliberate on the evolving Middle East situation.

“The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and strongly condemned the continued aggression by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza and the West Bank,” the statement said. Dar also appreciated Egypt’s efforts in facilitating humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, recognising Cairo’s role in relief and mediation initiatives during the ongoing crisis.

During the talks, both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, with

particular focus on the Middle East. They underscored the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 680 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect in November 2025. The overall death toll since the outbreak of war in October 2023 has surpassed 72,000, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis. Israel has also expanded its military footprint beyond Gaza, engaging in hostilities alongside the United States against Iran, while launching a fresh campaign against Hezbollah, including incursions into southern Lebanon.

Pakistan, which does not recognise Israel, has consistently criticised Israeli military actions and alleged ceasefire violations in Gaza. Islamabad has repeatedly called on the international community to intervene, ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities, and guarantee protection for Palestinian civilians in accordance with international law.

Info ministry debunks fake weekend lockdown alert, warns against misinformation

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Ministry of Information on Sunday firmly debunked a viral notification claiming a “complete and comprehensive lockdown” across the country on weekends, terming it fabricated and urging citizens to rely only on verified sources. In a post on its official factchecking account on X, the ministry shared the widely circulated document stamped with a bold “fake” label, cautioning against the spread of misinformation.“Avoid sharing fake news and false posts. Be a responsible citizen and only trust verified sources,” the ministry said. The undated notification falsely attributed directives to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claiming that additional restrictions were being imposed in view of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis.

According to the forged document, a “complete and comprehensive lockdown” was to be enforced

nationwide every Saturday and Sunday from April 5, beginning at 12:01am on Saturday and ending at 11:59pm on Sunday. The clarification comes amid heightened public concern over rising fuel prices linked to the global oil crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a series of austerity measures to ease the burden on the economy, including a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles— excluding essential services such as ambulances and public transport— for a period of two months. The government had also directed that 50pc of public sector employees work from home, with exemptions granted to essential service providers. On Friday, a highlevel consultative meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reviewed contingency measures to manage fiscal and external pressures in case of a prolonged

Middle East crisis and worsening global economic conditions. Among the proposals discussed were potential lockdowns, fuel rationing, extended holidays for educational institutions, and reduced working days in the private sector— mirroring public sector policies— along with a broader 50pc work-from-home framework. However, no final decision or official announcement has been made regarding these measures.

Earlier, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah had also indicated that the provincial government was considering a “smart lockdown” as a fuel conservation step.

During Friday’s meeting, however, representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reportedly opposed the idea of lockdowns, warning that such measures could severely disrupt economic activity and disproportionately impact daily wage earners and private sector workers.

Al-Saud calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

“The Prime Minister appreciated Saudi Arabia’s careful handling of the situation and expressed hope for continued regional stability through dialogue and restraint,” the PMO said. FM Faisal shared Riyadh’s latest perspectives on the evolving regional scenario, while PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s “full and unwavering solidarity and support” with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The premier also underscored Saudi Arabia’s leadership role within the Muslim Ummah and highlighted the urgent need for unity among Islamic countries at this critical juncture. He recalled his recent discussions with the Saudi crown prince during their meeting in Jeddah on March 12, emphasizing that both countries agreed to continue close coordination to secure peace and stability in the region.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

killed in separate Panjgur attacks

At least 11 people, including six militants and five civilians, were killed in two coordinated attacks in the suburbs of Balochistan’s Panjgur district in the early hours of Sunday, officials said. The violence began around midnight, targeting the homes of pro-government tribal residents in the Khudabadan and Ramkan neighborhoods of Panjgur city. The attacks lasted approximately three hours, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Javed Ahmed told Arab News. “Five residents of Panjgur city were killed in the midnight ambushes,” DSP Ahmed told Arab News, adding, “Six terrorists were also neutralized as security forces pursued the attackers.” No group has immediately claimed responsibility, though ethnic Baloch militant groups have a history of targeting tribal leaders and residents perceived as supporting the state. Authorities have particularly blamed outlawed groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army, which continues to receive alleged backing from foreign entities, including India. “The bodies of the civilians were shifted to the hospital and later handed over to their heirs for burial,” DSP Ahmed added. This incident marks the second major attack targeting civilians in Panjgur in just over a month. On February 24, at least six people were killed when gunmen struck near the Pakistan-Iran border, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the district. Authorities said the terrorist groups have increasingly focused on law enforcement personnel and security forces in Balochistan, intensifying attacks on checkpoints, tribal leaders, and government installations. In response, the Pakistani Interior Ministry earlier this month announced the deployment of two wings of the Federal Constabulary paramilitary force, comprising roughly 3,000 troops, to Balochistan.

s tA f f r e p o r t

coordinated disinformation campaign traced to accounts in India and Afghanistan has falsely accused Pakistan of shipping Iranian oil to the United States through the Strait of Hormuz, analysts say, framing the narrative as a betrayal of Tehran

According to analysts, the campaign centred on a specific narrative that Pakistani-flagged vessels were facilitating oil shipments for the United States a claim circulated widely on social media without any verified evidence Posts reviewed include messages attributed to alleged Iranian military sources and framed as realtime war updates, with some calling for retaliation against Pakistan

Analysts say the messaging was designed to construct the perception of a direct economic and strategic betrayal of Iran despite no confirmation from official Iranian sources or independent verification of such oil movements

The campaign began with accounts posing as Iranian media outlets or officials, including pages branding themselves as news platforms to create the impression of authenticity These accounts published initial claims linking Pakistan to oil transfers through Hormuz forming the foundation of the narrative

These initiator accounts were followed by a second layer of accounts based in Afghanistan, which analysts identify as proliferators These accounts rapidly shared and reshaped the same claims, often translating or reframing them to increase reach and engagement across different audiences

Analysts highlight that several of these accounts displayed patterns consistent with coordinated activity including recent creation dates, minimal historical content, and repeated username changes In one case, an account linked to Afghanistan showed more than ten handle changes while continuing to push identical narratives related to Pakistan and Iran

Metadata indicators cited by analysts include location tags tied to Afghanistan Android-based access and synchronised posting patterns suggesting centralised control rather than independent activity

The narrative was further intensified by linking it to sectarian themes, with posts attempting to portray divisions between Sunni-majority Pakistan and Shia-majority Iran Analysts say this layer was aimed at amplifying emotional response and deepening the perceived severity of the alleged betrayal

At the final stage accounts based in India acted as amplifiers taking the same unverified claims and repackaging them into structured news-style content Platforms such as Times of Iran News were identified by analysts as key nodes that presented the narrative as credible international reporting

These accounts often portrayed themselves as independent or global media outlets using formatting langu

MEDICINE PRICE ROW INTENSIFIES AS L AW YERS

SHARP HIKES, INDUSTRY REJECTS INCREASE REPORTS

local airlines and officials from Emirates Airlines and FlyDubai Emirates Airlines currently operates 53 weekly flights between Pakistan and the UAE carrying 15 tons of goods per flight, with the capacity to arrange special flights for commercial and humanitarian purposes if required

D ar: US, Iran trust Pakistan to broker talks amid high stakes diplomac y

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 He further said the four countries agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation and decided to constitute a committee comprising senior officials from their respective foreign ministries to work out modalities for future coordination through consensus Highlighting Pakistan s diplomatic outreach Dar said the country had remained actively engaged with regional and global partners under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to help bring the conflict to an end He underscored Pakistan’s “very important relationship with the United States noting that Islamabad had maintained close engagement with US leadership as part of its de-escalation efforts

“Pakistan is very happy that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate the talks ” he said Pakistan will be honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in the coming days for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict, he added Dar also revealed that he had held a detailed telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi who conveyed Beijing s full support for Pakistan s initiative He added that the Secretary-General of the United Nations had also expressed full backing for Islamabad’s peace efforts “I have also held several telephone conversations with my counterparts from different countries around the world

They have all extended their full support and confidence in our efforts, Dar said, adding that there was broad international appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative He stressed that Pakistan would continue its efforts with sincerity and commitment while calling for prayers and global support to ensure the success of its peace initiative aimed at achieving a permanent end to the conflict

Q U A D R I L AT E R A L C O N S U LTAT I O N S G A I N M O M E N T U M: Convened at Dar s invitation the quadrilateral meeting reviewed the evolving regional situation and discussed issues of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Office In a post on X, Dar said he was pleased to welcome the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia Türkiye and Egypt to Islamabad describing their presence as a reflection of strong fraternal ties at a critical moment He said the discussions focused on advancing peace and stability while deepening cooperation across multiple domains The quadrilateral mechanism is increasingly being viewed as a key diplomatic track complementing broader international efforts to end the conflict

It aims to consolidate regional support for de-escalation, align positions ahead of any potential US-Iran negotiations, and facilitate dialogue among stake-

holders Although neither Washington nor Tehran participated in the meeting, it is widely seen as a preparatory step toward a broader diplomatic opening Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Türkiye s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Islamabad on Saturday night, while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud reached the capital on Sunday afternoon Security was tightened across Islamabad with several roads leading to the Red Zone sealed while the Foreign Ministry premises were adorned with the flags of the participating countries, reflecting the significance of the highlevel diplomatic engagement

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Before the quadrilateral moot Dar also held separate meetings with his counterparts from Turkiye Egypt and Saudi Arabia He and Türkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in their meeting at the FO ahead of the larger talks, “reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Türkiye across all sectors of mutual interest according to an FO press release During the meeting, Dar underscored the historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, rooted in shared history culture and mutual respect” The deputy premier expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations The discussions provided an opportunity to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for strengthening the longstanding strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries ” the FO statement read The two leaders also exchanged views on recent regional developments, including the evolving situation in Iran, and emphasised the importance of dialogue and sustained diplomatic engagement to promote peace and stability ” it added Both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for each other s core national interests agreed to maintain close coordination and to continue working together to deepen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye”, the FO noted

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Y: Prior to the discussions with the Turkish FM, Dar held a separate meeting with Egyptian FM Dr Badr Abdelatty, with the two reaffirming their countries’ “commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all domains the FO said in a press release Abdelatty s visit is regarded as a follow-up to recent high-level contacts between the two sides , including discussions held in Riyadh earlier this month, as well as the Egyptian FM’s Pakistan trip in Nov 2025 during which he met with Dar President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir The FO said the meetings reflect the

close coordination between Pakistan and Egypt on evolving regional developments” As both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations they expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of defence and security cooperation agreeing to further strengthen collaboration through training exchanges and other institutional mechanisms, the FO said They stressed the need to enhance bilateral trade and investment with agreement on the importance of activating bilateral mechanisms including a Joint Ministerial Commission, and promoting business-to-business linkages Dar “appreciated Egypt’s continued support in the health sector, particularly in combating Hepatitis-C and welcomed ongoing collaboration in this area the statement further said

Discussing the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the two sides underscored the need for restraint, de-escalation, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy” the FO said Both sides were satisfied with the positive momentum generated through recent high-level exchanges

Dar had welcomed his Egyptian counterpart at the MoFA and reaffirmed that Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding and brotherly relations with Egypt anchored in shared history common faith and a convergence of views on regional and international issues

He reaffirmed Pakistan s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and strongly condemned the continued aggression by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza and the West Bank He appreciated Egypt s role in facilitating humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, including support extended to Pakistan’s relief efforts Both sides agreed to continue “close coordination at multilateral fora including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Egypt to further strengthen their close and brotherly relations and to deepen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest the FO observed

Dar also held a separate meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud the FO said adding that the two leaders held detailed discussions on the evolving regional and international developments

“They underscored the importance of dialogue diplomacy and collective efforts to promote peace security and stability in

Review successful, but is a new programme on the cards?

TH AT Pakistan has cleared the latest IMF review, as a staff-level agreement has been reached, should provide some comfort to the federal government, but it brings nearer the moment of reckoning, which is the end of the current programme At the moment, all the government has to do is make sure that the IMF’s conditions are being met, and to explain away any conditions that have not been met It has added the burden of a separate IMF Resilience and Sustainability Fund loan As a result of the recent review process, Pakistan will now await the full IMF Board approval, which is virtually automatic, for the release of the two tranches amounting to $1 2 billion Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has gone on record as saying that this loan programme would be the last but a vital component of that outcome has not so far happened That was an increase in the inflow of foreign exchange; rather exports have fallen and the trade deficit has widened

It should be remembered that the IMF lends to countries so that they might meet foreign exchange needs either for import payments, or debt servicing Pakistan’s debt servicing needs are not going to go away after the current programme ends They could have been met by increased exports, but the IMF programme, which included a plethora of detailed instructions, included no plan for increasing exports It was almost as if the country was being set up to fail The danger of another crisis looms, for without an IMF programme, there are only two means of meeting the country s forex needs for debt servicing One is to export enough If the State Bank has enough forex sold to it by exporters it can in turn provide it to the government in exchange of rupees obtained as revenue The other is to borrow the needed foreign exchange from the money market The IMF will probably seem the bet option

It is perhaps symptomatic that the IMF’s solution for the disruption caused by the USA-Israel-Iran War was to stick to targets The IMF did accept that there would

M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami

IN 2026 Pakistan stands at a demographic crossroads that few nations in history have

saw youth unemployment fuel political unrest populist upheavals or prolonged instability Pakistan’s current moment bears characteristics of both possibilities On one hand its expanding digital economy freelancing sector and entrepreneurial culture suggest latent dynamism On the other, persistent structural weaknesses energy shortages, uneven industrial policy, regulatory inconsistency, and limited high-skill job creation constrain that potential The deeper issue is not merely unemployment; it is the mismatch between skills and markets Pakistan produces hundreds of thousands of graduates annually, yet employers frequently report difficulty finding candidates with industry-ready skills This paradox exposes a systemic disconnect between educational institutions and economic planning Universities continue to emphasize theoretical instruction while labour markets demand technical competence digital literacy and adaptability Without reform the country risks producing credentialed youth who remain economically marginal a condition far more destabilizing than simple illiteracy because it breeds resentment rather than resignation Youth frustration when politicized becomes a force multiplier Across the world unemployed or underemployed young populations have historically served as catalysts for protest movements ideological mobilization, and anti-establishment sentiment Pakistan is not immune to this pattern Social media has lowered the barriers to political organization, enabling grievances to spread rapidly and coalesce into collective action In such an environment economic policy is no longer just fiscal strategy; it is political stabilization Employment is not only a development goal; it is a governance imperative Yet the narrative need not be pessimistic Pakistan’s demographic moment can still

In 2026, Pakistan does not face a demographic crisis; it faces a governance test The numbers are already in its favor What remains uncer tain is whether its institutions, policies, and political imagination can match the scale of its human potential Nations rarely receive a second chance at a demographic window Pakistan is open now and histor y will judg e whether it used that moment to build human capital or allowed it to harden into human frustration

economic diplomacy, Pakistan must realign its policy structures and institutional incentives to support geoeconomic objectives Rather than expending political capital on recurring regional confrontations and temporary truces greater emphasis should be placed on strengthening economic diplomacy integrating regional markets, and enhancing trade connectivity

Rotting libraries

response to perceived threats rather than developing long-term cooperative strategies attractive to regional stakeholders Pakistan s strategic location remains central to both its internal and external stability To capitalize on this advantage the country must adopt a posture centered on regional connectivity and economic interdependence rather than confining such ambitions to rhetorical commitments In an era defined by trade competition and

The geoeconomic discourse must be supported by practical measures to attract foreign investment and demonstrate policy credibility Establishing institutional infrastructure dedicated to trade facilitation investment promotion and regulatory reform is essential Even incremental reforms could reduce reliance on IMF programs and external aid Aligning bureaucratic and legislative priorities would prove more effective in attracting serious investors than policy declarations alone A coherent public diplomacy strategy could also help ease tensions with Afghanistan and Iran by reinforcing economic interdependence Ultimately, a genuine geoeconomic orientation could reduce Pakistan s vulnerability to coercive diplomacy and help recalibrate its foreign relations on a more balanced footing Unless Pakistan aligns its strategic behavior with its geoeconomic ambitions the promise of transformation will remain aspirational rather than operational

The writer is freelance columnist

Aligning bureaucratic and legislative priorities would prove more effective in attracting serious investors than policy declarations alone . A coherent public diplomacy strategy could also help ease tensions with Afghanistan and Iran by reinforcing economic interdependence . Ultimately, a genuine geoeconomic orientation could reduce PakistanÊs vulnerability to coercive diplomacy and help recalibrate its foreign relations on a more balanced footing.

Talent in exile

When school runs long

TH E clock has been reset but the tension has not In a dramatic turn of events Donald Trump has extended the deadline for potential US strikes on Iran s energy infrastructure to April 6, 2026, granting a critical 10-day window for diplomacy to prevail over destruction What was initially framed as a five-day tactical pause has now evolved into a high-stakes diplomatic interlude one that may determine whether the region descends into a broader war or steps back from the brink At the centre of this unfolding drama stands an unlikely but increasingly pivotal actor: Pakistan Quietly but assertively Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran joined by regional players such as Egypt and Turkey Their mission is as delicate as it is urgent bring two deeply mistrustful adversaries to the negotiating table before military escalation becomes irreversible The extension itself did not come in a vacuum It followed signals subtle yet significant that Iran may be willing to explore an off-ramp from the conflict

According to US envoy Steve Witkoff, a 15point framework has been conveyed to Tehran through backchannels outlining a possible pathway toward de-escalation While Iranian officials have publicly maintained a posture of defiance behind the scenes there are indications of cautious engagement The hesitation, however, is rooted in history Tehran’s leadership remains deeply skeptical, fearing that diplomacy could once again be used as a prelude to military action a pattern they believe has repeated itself in past engagements

Pakistan s role has not been limited to facilitating dialogue In a move that underscores both the fragility and importance of ongoing talks, Islamabad reportedly urged Washington to restrain Israel from targeting

Iran’s foreign minister The reasoning was stark and pragmatic: eliminate the diplomatic channel and negotiations collapse instantly This intervention reflects Pakistan s growing stature as a stabilizing force one capable of understanding both the military calculus and the diplomatic necessity of preserving interlocutors during wartime Simultaneously a curious and controversial narrative has emerged from Washington President Trump hinted at receiving a precious gift from Iran later described as oil shipments allegedly en route to the USA under a Pakistani flag While this claim remains unverified, its strategic implication is profound If true it could signal a covert willingness by Iran to soften its stance and engage economically even as public rhetoric remains uncompromising Whether symbolic or substantive, such gestures suggest that beneath the surface hostility lies a complex web of negotiation, signalling, and strategic ambiguity Markets as always have reacted swiftly The announcement of the deadline extension came minutes after a sharp downturn in global equities, highlighting the deep interconnection between geopolitics and financial stability Oil prices, already volatile, hovered above $100 per barrel amid fears surrounding the Strait of Hormuz through which nearly one-fifth of the world s oil supply flows Any disruption here reverberates instantly across global markets Ironically while supply remains abundant due to sanctions relief on Russian and Iranian exports, much of it is effectively “trapped” by insecurity in transit routes This paradox plenty of oil but constrained delivery has created a market environment driven more by fear than fundamentals Yet beyond diplomacy and economics lies a more profound transformation one that this conflict has brought into sharp relief The war between the USA and Iran is not merely a geopolitical contest; it is a technological and doctrinal inflection point The traditional architecture of military power aircraft carriers fighter jets tanks and heavy

artillery appears increasingly inadequate against the realities of 21st-century warfare Iran despite lacking the conventional superiority of its adversaries has demonstrated a capacity to challenge them through asymmetric means Its arsenal of ballistic missiles, drones, and unmanned systems has extended its reach far beyond its borders reportedly making it capable of striking targets thousands of kilometers away including strategic installations such as on Diego Garcia This shift from platform-based dominance to precision-strike capability represents a fundamental reordering of military hierarchies

Even more striking is the hypothetical scenario often discussed in strategic circles: what if the USA were to seize control of Iran s key energy nodes particularly Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz itself? On paper, such a move would appear decisive, effectively placing Iran’s lifeline under external control In reality however the outcome could prove far less consequential than conventional doctrine suggests Iran s doctrine of asymmetric warfare

Even if US forces were to

As April 6 approaches, the world watches with cautious anticipation The extended deadline is both an oppor tunity and a warning. If diplomacy succeeds, it could mark the beginning of a new framework for conflict resolution one that acknowledg es the limits of force in an ag e of distributed power. If it fails, the consequences could be swift and severe , potentially trigg ering a chain reaction that engulfs the broader region.

To end the Iran war, Trump must divorce Israel

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dreary topic: the war with Iran Seemingly he’s doing so in an effort to bring that war to a close I think we re gonna end it Trump told reporters on Tuesday That wasn t positive enough This war has been won, he quickly added Days earlier, Trump said that the White House had held “very good and productive conversations” with Iran over the weekend a claim the Islamic Republic denies and no expert seems to believe Maybe messages were exchanged but this war ain t over, and certainly not won This week, Iranian missiles destroyed buildings in Tel Aviv, Tehran continued to limit traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Islamic Republic appeared to think that they were winning Unfortunately this isn t the kind of predicament that Trump can wishcast his way out of As analysts have emphasized, Tehran “gets a vote” as to when this war ends, and it doesn’t plan to stop until the U S and Israel learn that attacking Iran comes with high costs and shouldn t be repeated in the future

The U S unable to hammer out an agreement, has been hammering Iran to coerce it to the negotiating table Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said this week that “we negotiate with bombs ” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned “The President doesn t bluff and he is ready to unleash hell On Truth Social Trump threatened that Iran better take diplomacy more seriously before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!”

The Trump administration misunderstands the nature of the problem To end the war it needs to get tough not with America s adversary but with its cobelligerent:

Israel As Curt Mills, executive director of The American Conservative, said Tuesday on a podcast “This war is not going to end until President Trump says no to Israel ” To understand why consider recent history Trump was on track last year to get a nuclear deal with Iran until Israel disrupted negotiations That s what Joe Kent who resigned last week from a top counterterrorism position in protest of the war told TAC three days after leaving the White House The way I saw members of the Israeli government come in and deal with us at that senior level and the level of access that they had, especially in the leadup to the 12-Day War that opened up my eyes,” Kent said In Kent’s telling Trump simply wanted to ensure Iran couldn’t develop a nuclear weapon and Tehran was willing to offer that concession But the Israelis had other plans: to take down the regime As such, Kent said, they set out to “break up the agreement” that Washington and Tehran were on the cusp of signing Israel and its American lobby inflated the threat from Iran and pushed a demand that Tehran would not accept: zero enrichment of uranium even for civilian nuclear purposes That narrative is consistent with my own reporting from the run-up to the 12Day War last June At the time, many experts depicted the “no enrichment” demand as a poison pill prescribed by Israel and proIsrael think tanks notably the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Moreover Trump himself admitted (more accurately, boasted) last August that he had entered that war and bombed Iran “for Israel ” Much evidence indicates that Trump launched the current round of fighting for Israel too The New York Times and others have reported that Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lobbied hard for an attack Indeed, Netanyahu has for decades been pushing America to hit Iran

Now that he’s gotten his wish, he’ll keep pushing to make sure America doesn’t stop Throughout the war Israel s conduct has often seemed designed to perpetuate the conflict notably by killing potential negotiating partners in Tehran, according to Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations “Without doubt, the Israeli assassination campaign has provoked a shift in Tehran towards an even more hardline and securitised leadership Geranmayeh told TAC She said that Israel is trying to lock Washington and Tehran in a forever conflict

Despite Israel’s best efforts, there may be some Iranian leaders still living whom the White House can talk to There’s been a

lot of chatter but not a lot of evidence that the U S and Iran are arranging high-level talks to end the war Regardless, the biggest obstacle to peace remains: Israel Netanyahu “is concerned Trump might strike a deal that falls well short of Israel’s objectives Axios reported Tuesday

The proposal of any deal that Iran could be expected to sign would likely transform Netanyahu s concern into panic Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute told TAC that Trump would need to offer Iran sanctions relief, and that he had better do so fast “Both sides will need a way to declare victory in order to take an off-ramp Parsi said But if this war goes on for too long chances are that neither will find such a narrative and all offramps will be lost Geranmayeh says the U S would also need to address “Iran’s security concerns about a war resuming in a few months’ time as part of a game of Whack-a-Mole by the U S and Israel To get a deal she added Trump will need to be firm with Israel that his negotiating partners cannot be eliminated Parsi like Mills, Kent, and Geranmayeh thinks Trump needs to put Israel in its place before he can reach any kind of stable peace agreement with Iran U S and Israeli interests vis-a-vis Iran strongly diverge, and as long as Trump continues to defer to Israel, it will be Tel Aviv s and not Washington’s interest that will be prioritized ” Parsi said The U S president may be wising up to that divergence of interests Axios reported on Wednesday that last week after Netanyahu suggested urging Iranians to protest their government, Trump replied, Why the hell should we tell people to take to the streets when they’ll just get mowed down?” It’s a good question and a good sign that the president posed it But opponents of the Iran war shouldn t get their hopes up just yet Trump has in the past proven that he can say no to the Israelis, but he has not proven that he can sustain that no, Parsi observed Trump may be worried that Israel and its American supporters will cause political problems for him if he tells Netanyahu

banning them But his death at the hands of the United States and Israel last month could clear a path for the regime’s hardest-line factions to rethink the ruling The public discourse in Iran is already heading that way The nuclear fatwa is dead Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft told CNN Elite opinion as well as public opinion has shifted dramatically on this, which shouldn’t be surprising since Iran has been bombed twice in the midst of negotiations by two nuclear-equipped states ” For years the former supreme leader resisted internal pressure to authorize the building of a nuclear weapon, particularly after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear pact negotiated between Iran and the Obama administration in 2018

Faced with escalating American and Israeli hostility Khamenei instead adhered to his doctrine of what experts call strategic patience He allowed Iran to steadily advance its uranium enrichment program, bringing the material ever closer to weapons-grade levels without crossing the threshold into actual bomb development MOJTABA’S NUCLEAR POSITION

UNCLEAR: The calls to pursue a nuclear bomb grew louder with Israel s unprecedented military operation against Iran last year which killed several of the country’s military and nuclear leaders The calls increased again with Trump s order to strike three of Iran s most important nuclear sites Even before those strikes Iran s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned that Tehran was prepared to shift its nuclear posture “A reversal of Iran’s nuclear doctrine and policies including a shift away from previous considerations is likely and conceivable said Ahmad Haqtalab the IRGC commander responsible for protecting Iran s nuclear facilities, in 2024 Iran hasn’t yet publicly reversed its doctrine However, it possesses more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium That would be enough to produce several nuclear weapons if Khamenei s son and Iran s new supreme leader Mojtaba reverses his father s fatwa Asked if Iran s nuclear policy would change under the new leadership, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

MORE US TROOPS ARRIVE IN MIDEAST AS HOUTHIS ALSO ENTER WAR AMID HECTIC REGIONAL DIPLOMACY

Marine Expeditionary Unit who have been dispatched by President Trump to the Middle East are part of the U

Israel police prevent Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch from entering Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

JERUSALEM

Netanyahu orders expansion of securit y buffer zone in southern Lebanon

at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP Given the increased maximum thrust, this indicates its intention to possess ICBMs with global strike range, as well as the ability to overwhelm missile defence systems ” he added Photos released by KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un inspecting what appeared to be part of the engine flanked by officials Another image showed flames erupting from a ground-mounted engine, illuminating the surrounding test site in orange light Kim said that North Korea s defence capabilities had entered “a significant phase of change” in building up its strategic forces M U LT I-WA R H E A D I C B M S?

The North has already demonstrated it has mastered the engine technology needed to launch a missile capable of reaching the US mainland with a lower-thrust engine, said Lee Ho-ryung of the Korea Institute for Defence Analyses They have already passed that mark,” she said The question is no longer whether a missile could reach the United States but whether it could carry multiple

to fundamentally change the situation in the north " Netanyahu said in a video statement from the Northern Command He said the decision aimed to strengthen Israel s security posture along the northern frontier, amid ongoing tensions along Israel's northern border, where crossborder hostilities have raised fears of a broader regional escalation Meanwhile the Israeli military announced earlier that a fifth soldier had been killed in combat in southern Lebanon, underscoring the growing regional scope of the conflict In Tehran Qatari news channel Al Araby TV said an Israeli missile struck the building housing its office causing extensive damage and forcing the suspension of live broadcasts “An Israeli missile targets the Al Araby TV channel building in the capital Tehran extensive damage and the suspension of live broadcasting the channel said in a post on X

Footage from inside the office showed shattered glass, broken windows and debris scattered across the newsroom Images from outside showed damaged surrounding buildings and streets covered with rubble The risk of a broader regional war increased further after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched its first attacks on Israel since the conflict began officials said Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday the US could achieve its aims without ground troops, but that it was deploying some to the region so Trump would have "maximum" flexibility to adjust strategy

The Pentagon was also expected to deploy thousands of soldiers from the US Army s 82nd Airborne Division Iran s IRGC said it will target Israeli or US-affiliated universities in the region in retaliation for the attacks on Iranian universities

They said The US has until 12 on Monday March 30 Tehran time, to condemn the bombing of Iranian universities; otherwise, Israeli and American universities in West Asia will be targeted " They warned students staff and nearby residents to stay at least one kilometre away from these universities

One of Iran s oldest universities, the University of Science and Technology, was bombed by USIsraeli forces on Saturday The extent of casualties remains unclear Iranian media said at least five

people were killed in a US-Israeli attack on a residential unit in the northwestern city of Zanjan Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan who hosts talks from Sunday with the Turkish, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers on ways to ease regional tensions

The Israeli military said on Sunday it had targeted Tehran s weapons manufacturing infrastructure, including dozens of storage and production sites the day before Five people were killed in a strike on a pier in the southern port city of Bandar-e-Khamir that also destroyed two vessels Iranian state media reported on Sunday

It also hit targets in Lebanon resuming its war against Iran-backed Hezbollah, killing three Lebanese journalists in a strike on a media vehicle Lebanon's Al Manar TV reported as well as a Lebanese soldier A follow -up strike on the rescue workers sent to assist them also caused fatalities Israel s military said it had targeted one of the journalists, accusing him of being part of a Hezbollah intelligence unit and saying he had reported on locations of Israeli soldiers Iran kept up attacks on Israel and several Gulf states after hitting an air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday and wounding 12 US military personnel, two of them seriously, in one of the most serious breaches of US air defences so far

sions from Tehran but risks drawing the US into a more protracted conflict with any commitment of boots on Iranian soil likely to anger many American voters Another possible scenario, experts say, would be for the US to wage a final major air assault in "Operation Epic Fury" to further degrade Iran’s

ched the site promptly and initiated rescue operations They pulled two people alive from the debris while two others were found dead Two injured persons were shifted to Nawaz Sharif Hos

g MARYAM NAWAZ ROLLS OUT MAJOR

The 11th Pakistan Footwear Material & Machinery Show (PFMMS) 2026 was formally inaugurated at Expo

Centre Lahore by Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, in the presence of leading representatives of the footwear industry international exhibitors trade associations and members of the business community

Organized by the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA), the three-day exhibition is being held from March 27 to March 29, 2026, and has brought together more than 100 international companies along with local manufacturers material suppliers machinery experts and key stakeholders of the footwear sector On the occasion, Mr Ahmed Fawad Farooq, Chief Organiser and Host of the event welcomed the chief guest distinguished participants and exhibitors especially the international associations and exhibitors, for their valuable participation He said that such events play an important role in strengthening mu-

tual business relations promoting collaboration and creating new opportunities for trade and industrial development between Pakistan and international partners

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association Mr Rashad Islam said that Pakistan is the 6th largest shoe manufacturer in the world and holds tremendous potential for further growth and development He said that the 11th edition of PFMMS reflects the confidence of both local and international companies in Pakistan s footwear industry He added that the exhibition has created a strong platform where international companies, trade associations, and Pakistan’s footwear industry can

come together to build partnerships explore business opportunities and promote modern technology and innovation in the sector Mr Rashad Islam thanked the Chairman Senate for gracing the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest and urged the government to formally recognize footwear as an important industrial sector of Pakistan He emphasized that the footwear industry is contributing positively to the national economy and has strong export potential He also appealed to the government to reduce customs duties on raw materials particularly to support footwear exporters, so that Pakistani manufacturers can compete more effectively in international markets

Bata Pakistan, Pindiz announce exclusive three -year strategic partnership for PSL

ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t

While reinforcing its position as the premier university of Pakistan the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) has made significant headway in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and global competitiveness

that caters to all We are looking forward to launching a collection that brings the spirit of the game directly to the feet of the fans

Echoing this sentiment, Ahsan Tahir Owner of Walee & Pindiz remarked: Partnering with Bata to launch a co-created product is a major milestone for Pindiz It reflects our vision to build a franchise that goes beyond the game and creates meaningful retail experiences for our community ” A Transformative Vision This alliance represents a transformative step for Bata Pakistan as it continues to modernize its legacy brands and engage with the next generation of sports enthusiasts Through digital acceleration, player image rights integration and highimpact retail activations scheduled for Q3 and Q4 both organizations are set to redefine the intersection of sports and retail in Pakistan

SUFFICIENT PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AVAIL ABLE TO MEET

NATIONAL DEMAND: PM

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance

Minister Muzzammil Aslam on Thursday clarified the provincial government s decision to walk out of the Subgroup-VII meeting of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) calling the move a necessary step to defend the constitutional and fiscal rights of the Merged Areas according to an official statement In a statement, the KP finance minister said that the NFC preparatory meeting, convened to discuss overdue fiscal adjustments arising from the 25th Constitutional Amendment that merged former FATA into KP has been widely covered in the media However, KP officials said several aspects were misreported or misunderstood, prompting this detailed explanation of the government’s position intent and legal reasoning

Speaking to reporters Minister

Aslam said the walkout was a measure of last resort after months of assurances, commitments, and procedural delays that have prevented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from receiving its constitutionally mandated share of revenues This is

not a political demand or a reaction to broader issues Our participation in the NFC is based on principle, law, and national interest,” he said, stressing that the issue concerns both equity and the stabilization of Pakistan s western border

The minister highlighted that the NFC process and mechanisms are explicitly defined under Article 160 of the Constitution NFC Awards are meant to last five years after which a fresh analysis and new award are required to account for demographic and economic changes This constitutional wisdom ensures that fiscal federalism is responsive and dynamic, not static It allows timely adjustments to meet the changing needs of the nation he explained He recalled that the 7th NFC Award completed its term in 2015 Instead of instituting a new award, the federal government issued a modification order under Article 160(6), extending the previous award without updating the formula shares in accordance with constitutional requirements The 2018 merger of FATA into KP legislated through the 25th Amendment, immediately altered the province’s population and area These changes automatically im-

pacted the variables used in the NFC formula and necessitated an update of provincial shares to reflect the new constitutional reality “Under Article 160(6) the President may amend or modify the law governing revenue distribution before a new NFC Award is issued This mechanism has been applied before for instance, when Balochistan’s share was amended in 2015 However for KP postFATA merger no such update was implemented Annual modification orders continued using outdated shares ignoring the Merged Areas entirely, Aslam said He added that the failure to revise the formula has rendered all subsequent fiscal transfers constitutionally invalid and deprived the Merged Districts of their rightful share The minister emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has consistently raised this constitutional violation over the past eight years Despite repeated notifications meetings and technical submissions no meaningful progress was made Funds that should have gone to the Merged Areas, supporting both development and security on the western border, have been diverted to other provinces

(FBR)

from court rulings in previously disputed tax cases officials said on Saturday The IMF imposed the condition as a prior action after deeming the FBR s revenue performance below expectations The required collection includes principal taxes and late payment surcharges of up to 25 percent, mainly from super tax cases Authorities said most of the disputed taxes have already been recovered and the target is expected to be met before the IMF executive board convenes in early May Upon approval, Pakistan will receive $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and $210 million under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RSF) raising total disbursements under

both programmes to roughly $4 5 billion The FBR has missed its first eight months’ revenue target by Rs640 billion, citing weak collections in power oil and gas sectors Half of the shortfall was offset by higher petroleum levy collections provincial cash surpluses, lower-than-expected flood relief expenses, and repayments from state-owned enterprises related to power sector circular debt

To strengthen revenue administration Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set up a task force to overhaul FBR s legal and litigation framework Chaired by Shad Mohammad and including senior tax lawyer Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad Khokhar the panel will review litigation processes from initial adjudication to appellate tribunals and superior courts The task force will examine structural weaknesses, procedural bottlenecks, and integration issues with the Litigation Management System recommending reforms for a

more coordinated data-driven approach

The IMF stressed the need for continued fiscal discipline, energy sector reforms, and SOE restructuring highlighting risks from volatile energy prices and tighter global financial conditions due to the ongoing Middle East conflict IMF Mission Chief Iva Petrova noted Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining fiscal and macroeconomic stability deepening structural reforms and strengthening social protection The Fund reaffirmed prewar targets, including a primary budget surplus of 1 6 percent of GDP for FY26 and 2 percent for FY27 supported by broadening the tax base and stricter expenditure discipline Authorities were urged to maintain inflation within the 7 5 percent target, with the central bank ready to raise interest rates if necessary, while ensuring exchange rate flexibility to absorb external shocks