01 FRONT PAGE 25th June 2026 (LHR)_Layout 1 6/25/2026 2:50 AM Page 1
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PakIStaN, Qatar vOW tO SuStaIN mOmENtum aS uS-IraN talkS makE ‘brEaktHrOugH PrOgrESS’ Thursday, 25 June, 2026 | 9 Muharram, 1448
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PM SHEHBAZ, QATARI EMIR EXPRESS SATISFACTION AT 'POSITIVE PROGRESS' IN US-IRAN TALKS, AGREEING TO SUSTAIN MOMENTUM
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SHEIKH TAMIM CONGRATULATES PAKISTAN ON DIPLOMACY LEADING TO ISLAMABAD MOU AS QATAR INTENSIFIES REGIONAL DIPLOMACY WITH FRESH TALKS ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ
PM CREDITS FIELD MARSHAL ASIM MUNIR AND FRIENDLY NATIONS FOR ADVANCING PROCESS, SAYING LAKE LUCERNE SUMMIT PAVED WAY FOR FURTHER US-IRAN TECHNICAL NEGOTIATIONS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 90 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
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LEADERS REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO CONTINUED DIALOGUE AND REGIONAL PEACE EFFORTS
Pm laudS SaudI rEcOgNItION Of PakIStaN’S Hajj SErvIcES aS NatIONal HONOur ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
ISLAMABAD
Saleem Jadoon
RIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday received a telephone call from Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with the two leaders expressing satisfaction over the positive progress achieved in the first round of US-Iran technical talks in Switzerland and reaffirming their commitment to sustaining the momentum through continued diplomacy and dialogue. During the conversation, the Qatari emir congratulated the prime minister on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts that culminated in the signing of the Islamabad
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The two leaders held what was described as a warm and cordial exchange, during which the emir praised Pakistan’s leadership and reiterated Qatar’s support for Islamabad’s peace initiatives aimed at promoting regional stability. Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Qatari leadership for its continued support throughout the peace process and acknowledged the contributions of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other friendly countries, including Qatar, in advancing diplomatic efforts.
Eight policemen, including SHO, kidnapped after bomb-disposal mission in South Waziristan UPPER SOUTH WAZIRISTAN Staff RepoRt
Eight police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO) and members of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), were allegedly kidnapped by unidentified armed men in Upper South Waziristan on Wednesday after successfully neutralising an unexploded ordnance (UXO) in a remote area, prompting authorities to launch a large-scale search and recovery operation. Confirming the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan said security forces and police teams had begun extensive efforts across the region to trace the abductors and secure the safe recovery of the kidnapped personnel. “Those allegedly abducted included Sararogha Police SHO Ahmad Shah and two members of the Bomb Disposal Unit,” the DPO said, adding that the team had been deployed to the remote Partogai area of Sararogha tehsil to neutralise a suspected unexploded ordnance. According to police sources, the BDU successfully defused the UXO and completed all required procedures at the site. However, while returning from the area, the police team was intercepted by unidentified armed men who allegedly held the personnel hostage and took them to an undisclosed location. Preliminary information suggests that the assailants had been lying in wait and carried out the abduction after the police team completed its assignment and began its return journey. DPO Arshad Khan said immediate measures were taken following the incident, with police and security personnel launching coordinated efforts to locate the abductors and recover the kidnapped officials unharmed. As part of the operation, checkpoints and blockades have been established along key mountain routes, entry and exit points, and other sensitive locations to restrict the movement of the suspected kidnappers. “The safe recovery of the abducted personnel remains our top priority. All available resources are being utilised, and investigations are underway from every possible angle,” the DPO said. He added that an initial report had been entered into the daily police register, while further legal proceedings were in progress. The incident has sparked concern among local residents, with tribal elders, community leaders, and civil society representatives urging authorities to take immediate and effective steps to secure the release of the abducted personnel. The kidnapping comes amid a noticeable rise in terrorism and security-related incidents in Upper South Waziristan during the past two weeks. Several shooting incidents have been reported in recent days, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. According to police and local administration officials, security challenges in the region have intensified in recent weeks, contributing to growing concerns among residents about the overall law and order situation. Observers note that such incidents pose serious challenges to law-enforcement agencies and adversely affect normal life and public confidence in the area. Residents have called on both the federal and provincial governments to take urgent measures to improve security, strengthen lawenforcement efforts, and curb the increasing wave of violence in Upper South Waziristan.
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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hailed the international recognition earned by Pakistan’s Hajj 2026 arrangements, describing the honours conferred by Saudi Arabia as a matter of pride for the entire nation and a testament to the government’s sustained efforts to improve services for pilgrims. Speaking during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and recipients of prestigious Saudi awards for Hajj services, the prime minister said the global acknowledgment of Pakistan’s Hajj management reflected the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of all those involved in facilitating pilgrims. “Service, hard work and integrity are the qualities that make nations great,” the prime minister said, accord-
ing to a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing. During a briefing, the prime minister was informed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had honoured three Pakistani private Hajj organizers with the prestigious ‘Labbaytum Excellence Award’ in recognition of the outstanding facilities and services provided to Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj 2026. The award recipients included Muhammad Affan Zeeshan of Al-Meraj Organizer, Muhammad Shahid Rafique of Ibrahim Organizer, and Zaeem Akhtar of Al-Fatah Organizer, who secured first, second, and third positions, respectively. Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro was also awarded the ‘Labbaytum Excellence Award’ in recognition of his exceptional performance and contribution to the successful management of Hajj operations.
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CDF Munir, Libyan military leader discuss expanding defence cooperation RAWALPINDI
Staff CoRReSpondent
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday held talks with Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, to review bilateral defence relations and explore avenues for enhanced military cooperation. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting took place at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the visiting Libyan military leader was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon arrival. During the meeting, both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including regional security developments, defence cooperation and prospects for expanding military-to-military engagement. The two leaders underscored the importance
of further strengthening bilateral defence relations and enhancing collaboration in areas such as military training, professional exchanges and security cooperation. The discussions reflected the growing strategic engagement between Pakistan and Libya and the shared desire to deepen institutional ties between their armed forces. Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and constructive engagement with friendly countries. He highlighted the Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in supporting regional security and fostering defence partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests. According to the ISPR, the army chief emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges and enhancing defence capabilities through collaboration and dialogue.
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Pakistan, Iran agree to expand security cooperation as Naqvi reaffirms commitment to regional peace
ISLAMABAD:
Staff CoRReSpondent
Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, counterterrorism and regional stability, as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni that Islamabad would continue playing an active role in efforts aimed at securing lasting peace in the Middle East. The assurance came during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on the sidelines of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Pakistan. President Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday accompanied by a senior delegation, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. During the visit, the Iranian delegation held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, the two interior ministers reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Iran relations and exchanged views on the evolving regional situation following recent diplomatic developments between Iran and the United States. Naqvi congratulated Momeni on the successful conclusion of the negotiations that culminated in the joint communiqué issued after talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. He observed that the progress achieved in the peace process reflected the sincere efforts of the Iranian leadership and acknowledged Momeni’s personal role in advancing dialogue. “The agreement would not have been possible without the commitment and constructive approach demonstrated by the Iranian government,” Naqvi remarked. The interior minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and stability at both regional and international levels. “Pakistan has always advocated dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts,” he said, adding that Islamabad would continue supporting efforts aimed at achieving durable peace in the Middle East. Naqvi expressed confidence that the ongoing diplomatic process would produce positive and far-reaching consequences for regional security, economic stability and international cooperation. He also voiced hope that the momentum generated by the recent peace initiatives would contribute to reducing tensions and fostering long-term stability across the broader region. The two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in a range of strategic sectors, including security coordination, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, immigration management and law-enforcement collaboration. Officials noted that closer institutional engagement between the interior ministries of both countries would help address shared challenges and strengthen border security mechanisms. The meeting reflected the growing importance both countries attach to coordinated responses against transnational threats and emerging security challenges.