Despite Trump’s posturing, indications are that backchannels are still active to prevent a worst-case scenario ISLAMABAD: Initial proposals exchanged between Iran and the United States via Pakistan have failed to break the deadlock, as Islamabad now awaits a revised set of proposals from Tehran, seeking an end to the war that has already disrupted oil…
ISLAMABAD: At a time when tensions between Iran and the US continue to cast a long shadow over regional stability, Pakistan on Thursday struck a cautiously optimistic tone, insisting that diplomatic efforts remain alive and active. “The clock on diplomacy has not stopped,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said during his weekly briefing, signaling that…
Concern over disproportionately high allocation to non-development expenditure compared to development spending RAWALPINDI: Authorities concerned have decided to reduce non-development expenditure across 44 cantonment boards (CBs) nationwide, including Rawalpindi and Chaklala, by gradually phasing out surplus staff, enforcing newly approved staffing limits, introducing a paperless administrative system, and establishing a food quality control regime based…
WASHINGTON/DUBAI: Iran said on Thursday it would respond with “long and painful strikes” on US positions if Washington renewed attacks, and also reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating US plans for a coalition to reopen the waterway. Two months into the US-Israeli war with Iran, the vital sea channel remains closed, choking…
Gulf states trust Pakistan’s role; Islamabad leads regional talks, keeps close Saudi, UAE ties Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly receives Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a meeting in Islamabad. Photo: app Ever since the US-Israeli war on Iran broke out on February 28, Pakistan’s efforts to advance mediation have been difficult to ignore. The…
President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf pose for a group photo with Pakistani and Chinese officials during the commissioning ceremony of Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine PNS Hangor in Sanya. PHOTO: NNI ISLAMABAD: The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, took place on Thursday in Sanya, China….
Informal dialogue brings together former officials, experts, and journalists to explore de-escalation pathways A meeting between delegations of Afghanistan and Pakistan for informal talks in Istanbul, Turkiye, April 29. — X PESHAWAR/ PAKISTAN: Informal Afghanistan–Pakistan talks aimed at dialling down tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have begun in Istanbul, with Qatar and Turkiye playing a…
Says initiative to act as powerful economic multiplier Loans of up to Rs10m will be available on easy terms Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif distributes a cheque to a beneficiary during a ceremony in Islamabad. PHOTO: APP ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday launched a landmark five-year, Rs3.2 trillion housing programme, aimed at funding the…
Eight terrorists killed in Mohmand; five killed after intense exchange of fire in North Waziristan Security forces killed 13 terrorists while foiling two separate infiltration attempts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the incidents took place on Tuesday and…
Inter Milan players applaud fans after the match. Photo: REUTERS LONDON: Serie A leaders Inter Milan could be crowned champions of Italy this weekend when they take on Parma at the San Siro, as a brewing referee scandal threatens the integrity of Italy’s top flight. Holding a 10-point lead over Napoli, who are at Champions…