Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Former Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Dr Ali Awadh Asseri has hoped that consultations between the leadership of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would yield positive results not only for the two countries but also for the wider region. Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme The Newsroom, Dr Asseri, while referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, said the engagement was particularly significant given the challenging situation in the region.&nbsp; He expressed optimism that high-level engagement between their leadership would contribute to regional peace and stability. The former envoy said relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remained unique, profound and durable.&nbsp; &ldquo;I have no illusion whatsoever that the visit of the prime minister and the consultation between the two leaderships will achieve good, hopefully peace and tranquility for both nations to begin with and for the whole region,&rdquo; he said. Dr Asseri said Pakistan-Saudi relations had deep historical roots and continued to grow stronger with successive governments in both countries.&nbsp; &ldquo;The unique thing about this relationship is that it is a people-to-people relationship, and that is what makes it special,&rdquo; he said, adding that while leaders may change, the relationship continues to be reinforced by new leadership in both countries. Highlighting the scope of cooperation between the two countries, Dr Asseri said the relationship encompassed economic and military cooperation, including a defence pact.&nbsp; He also pointed to the presence of around 2.5 million Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia as a key pillar of bilateral ties. The former ambassador also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.&nbsp; He said Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries had supported dialogue between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Oman&rsquo;s foreign minister, in the hope that it would yield positive results. He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states were keen to see tensions reduced as the conflict served neither the Islamic world&rsquo;s interests nor the global economy, particularly amid disruptions to global oil supplies and rising prices.

The Newsroom

Former Saudi ambassador Dr Ali Awadh Asseri said Pakistan-Saudi leadership consultations, including Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, could strengthen bilateral ties, reduce regional tensions, and promote peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation.

Consultations between Pakistan, Saudi leaderships to yield positive results for wider region: former envoy

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces intercepted and brought down two rudimentary drones near Rawalpindi using electronic countermeasures, security sources said Friday. The drones were detected flying adjacent to the garrison city before being neutralised, according to the sources. No casualties were reported and the situation was brought under control quickly. &ldquo;Both drones were intercepted and brought down through electronic measures,&rdquo; security sources said, adding that the devices were rudimentary in nature. Authorities briefly closed airspace in the area as a precaution during the interception. &ldquo;Airspace was temporarily closed as a safety precaution and has since been reopened,&rdquo; the sources said. Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later said the drones were linked to terrorists operating with the backing of the Afghan Taliban authorities. In a statement posted on X, the ministry&rsquo;s fact-checking wing said: &ldquo;Two rudimentary drones of terrorist FAK, nurtured by Afghan Taliban regime, were successfully intercepted by the Pakistan security forces using electronic counter measures.&rdquo; The statement added that no military installation or critical infrastructure was struck. &ldquo;No military or other infrastructure was hit, other than minor damage due to debris of the forced crashing of drones,&rdquo; the ministry said. It further criticised claims circulating from Taliban-linked sources, saying such assertions lacked credible evidence. &ldquo;The Taliban regime claim includes no verifiable evidence as always,&rdquo; the ministry said, adding that official Taliban accounts were known to circulate misinformation and propaganda, including earlier claims about Pakistani aircraft being shot down. The drone interception comes as Pakistan&rsquo;s retaliatory military campaign, Operation Ghazab lil Haq, enters its third week after launching on Feb. 26 in response to cross-border attacks. Pakistani officials say the operation is aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure operating from Afghan territory, including camps, logistical bases and networks used for attacks inside Pakistan. Authorities said the security situation around Rawalpindi remained normal following the drone incident and that monitoring of aerial activity continues.

Security

Authorities say aerial surveillance systems detected suspicious activity near the garrison city, triggering precautionary safety measures before the situation was secured, with monitoring continuing to ensure no further threat to critical installations.

Pakistan says Afghan-linked terrorist drones intercepted near Rawalpindi, no damage

PARIS: Beneath a hail of bombs, few Iranians have the heart to prepare for Nowruz, the Persian New Year, as war casts a shadow across the country. &ldquo;People just aren&rsquo;t thinking about it,&rdquo; said a resident of the northern city of Bukan, reached by phone from Paris. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the first time in my life that I&rsquo;ve forgotten how to grow sabzeh,&rdquo; a mother said, referring to the sprouted lentils grown for Nowruz. Yet the holiday is a central moment in Persian culture, typically marked by weeks of anticipation. Nowruz, meaning &ldquo;new day,&rdquo; will ring in the year 1405 on the Persian calendar and the arrival of spring on the afternoon of March 20. But this year, the festive spirit eludes many. The dazzling &ldquo;fire festival&rdquo; (Chaharshanbe Suri) that kicks off the holiday season will be closely watched on Tuesday evening. It is the first moment for Iranians to gather in public outside state-organized rallies in support of the authorities. On the night of bonfires, Iranians jump over flames to ward off misfortune and welcome renewal. Over the past two decades, the ancient celebration has become a powerful outlet for young people despite the disapproval of authorities and much of the Shia clergy, who deem it a &ldquo;pagan&rdquo; ritual. Whether Iranians will be allowed to gather at all this year is unclear. Security forces are out in large numbers across major cities and the country remains in a 40-day mourning period following the death of supreme leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war. &ldquo;Normally in the days before Nowruz, everyone is cleaning their home and getting ready for the holiday,&rdquo; the Bukan resident said. &ldquo;This year that feeling is completely gone.&rdquo; &lsquo;The children know&rsquo; In Tehran and many other cities, bazaars &mdash; typically the heart of pre-holiday life &mdash; are nearly empty. Many shops and markets remain shut two weeks after the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28. In Piranshahr, in the northwest, &ldquo;the lively, energetic mood of past years has disappeared,&rdquo; said a 40-year-old man, also contacted by AFP from Paris and requesting anonymity. The downturn is another blow to shopkeepers who normally make much of their annual income during the pre-Nowruz rush. &ldquo;My cousin has a clothing shop, but he hasn&rsquo;t been able to open because it&rsquo;s in a city where there are many explosions,&rdquo; said a resident of the capital Tehran. A 48-year-old Afghan migrant who has returned home to seek safety said the streets and bazaars should be packed at this time. &ldquo;But when I went to the market, I didn&rsquo;t see anyone.&rdquo; Even so, many families are trying to find some joy for their children, for whom Nowruz is also a holiday of gifts and treats. &ldquo;I have a six-year-old boy who has no real sense of the war. All he wants are new clothes, sweets and traditional cakes for Nowruz,&rdquo; the Bukan resident said. &ldquo;People try to buy chocolates and snacks for their kids. They want to reassure them,&rdquo; said a father living near Tehran. &ldquo;But the children know and understand everything.&rdquo;

Middle East

As war devastates Iran, Nowruz feels distant. Iranians struggle to prepare amidst bombings and loss, with empty bazaars and halted traditions. Despite hardships, families seek to create small moments of joy for children.

Persian new year looms as war steals Iranians’ joy

ISLAMABAD: The 33rd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Pakistan Standards &amp; Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) was held in Islamabad on Friday, where key reforms aimed at institutional strengthening and improving employee welfare were approved.&nbsp;The Board greenlit measures to overhaul PSQCA&rsquo;s digital infrastructure, aligning the Authority with international best practices. The move is part of Pakistan&#39;s broader &quot;Digital Pakistan&quot; initiative, which seeks to enhance the country&#39;s technological landscape.&nbsp;In addition to the digital reforms, the Board also sanctioned expanded health insurance and welfare benefits for all PSQCA employees, underscoring the Authority&#39;s commitment to staff wellbeing and social security.&nbsp;Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi addressed the meeting, directing officials to implement the approved measures with efficiency, transparency and speed.&nbsp;&quot;These reforms are in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s vision to strengthen governance, improve national standards, and promote a modern, competitive economy,&quot; Magsi stated.&nbsp;The Minister emphasized the government&rsquo;s focus on improving regulatory oversight, facilitating business ease for local industries, and ensuring consumer protection.&nbsp;&quot;Our commitment is clear: to enhance the national quality infrastructure and support the country&rsquo;s economic transformation,&quot; Magsi added.&nbsp;With these reforms, PSQCA is positioned to become a more agile, employee-centered, and tech-forward institution.&nbsp;The changes are expected to bolster its role in standardization, quality assurance, and consumer protection, supporting Pakistan&rsquo;s larger reform agenda.&nbsp;The meeting was attended by key officials, including Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shahid Iqbal Baloch; Director General of PSQCA, Dr. Sayeda Zia Batool; Director of Trade Policy, Attaullah Khan; and other senior members of the Authority.

Economy

The Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority approves major reforms to modernize its digital infrastructure and enhance employee welfare. The changes align with the government’s "Digital Pakistan" vision and aim to improve regulatory oversight and governance.

Pakistan authorities approve reforms to boost digital modernization, employee welfare

ANKARA: A Turkish-owned ship was able to cross the Strait of Hormuz with Iran&#39;s permission, Turkey&#39;s transport minister said Friday.&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route that Iran has closed since Israel and the United States attacked it on February 28.&nbsp;&quot;We have 15 Turkish-owned ships in the Strait of Hormuz and were able to get one of them through after obtaining permission from the Iranian authorities,&quot; Abdulkadir Uraloglu told journalists late Thursday, in comments only published on Friday.&nbsp;Uraloglu did not say when the ship crossed the Strait, a crucial sea route for the global fuel trade, which has been virtually blocked by Iran in order to inflict pain on the global economy.&nbsp;&quot;We are trying to stay in contact with the Iranian side,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;Fourteen of our ships are waiting, they currently have no problems,&quot; he added, noting that there were &quot;no Turkish-flagged ships&quot; in the region.

Turkey’s transport minister said one Turkish-owned ship crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian permission, while 14 others wait. Iran has closed the route since February 28, a crucial sea route for the global fuel trade.

Iran let Turkish-owned ship cross Hormuz strait: Minister

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan security forces have killed 663 Afghan Taliban and affiliated terrorists and injured more than 887 others during the ongoing cross-border campaign conducted under Operation Ghazab lil Haq, as the operation enters its third week.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar released the latest operational summary on Friday, saying the military campaign continues to target terrorist infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, Tarar said the operation has resulted in the destruction of 249 check posts and 224 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery systems linked to the Afghan Taliban and associated terrorist groups.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2032430603661111557&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles&sessionId=40893888f87bca9bc9630755cd101612bb851e9b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 786px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;According to the minister, 70 locations linked to terrorists and their support infrastructure across Afghanistan have also been effectively targeted through air operations.&nbsp;&ldquo;It is pertinent to mention that on the night of March 12&ndash;13, 2026, Pakistan successfully targeted terrorists&rsquo; affiliated installations in Afghanistan,&rdquo; Tarar said.&nbsp;He added that sites in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar were struck, including terrorist logistical bases camps and operational hubs.&nbsp;Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq following what officials described as repeated cross-border attacks from Afghan territory targeting security forces and civilian areas in Pakistan&rsquo;s northwestern regions.&nbsp;Islamabad says the campaign is aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil and preventing further infiltration into Pakistan.&nbsp;Pakistani officials have repeatedly stated that the strikes are directed at verified terrorist infrastructure rather than civilian targets.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan is targeting only the infrastructure of terrorists and their support networks,&rdquo; Tarar said, adding that the operations are conducted on the basis of &ldquo;accurate intelligence information.&rdquo;&nbsp;The information minister also rejected claims circulating from the Afghan Taliban authorities and reports attributed to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan suggesting civilian casualties from the strikes.&nbsp;Tarar said the UN mission&rsquo;s information in Kabul relies on data provided by the Taliban authorities and does not reflect Pakistan&rsquo;s operational assessments.&nbsp;He also dismissed battlefield claims made by Afghanistan&rsquo;s interim government, describing them as inaccurate.&nbsp;&ldquo;The claims of battlefield victories against Pakistan are incorrect and merely propaganda,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has drawn international attention in recent days, with several governments urging restraint and calling for dialogue to prevent wider regional instability.&nbsp;Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the operation is a defensive response to terrorism and that Pakistan remains committed to regional stability while safeguarding its national security.&nbsp;Islamabad has repeatedly said its demand to the Taliban authorities remains unchanged: verifiable action to ensure that Afghan territory is not used by terrorist groups to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

Pakistan says its forces continue precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure across Afghanistan, targeting camps, logistics hubs and support networks as Operation Ghazab lil Haq advances into its third week amid ongoing regional tensions.

Over 660 Afghan Taliban, terrorists killed as Pakistan operation enters third week

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting the Taliban&rsquo;s military positions in Afghanistan last night, security sources said on Friday. According to the security sources, airstrikes targeted the Brigade Headquarters in the Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul, Afghanistan. The airstrikes also targeted the Kandahar Airport. The airstrikes targeted the Taliban&#39;s military positions in Chamkani District of Paktia Province of Afghanistan, the sources said. They said that Taliban positions in Khost have also been struck.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting the Taliban’s military positions in Afghanistan last night, security sources said on Friday.

Pakistan conducts airstrikes targeting Taliban’s military positions in Afghanistan: Security sources 

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with support from the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank and in partnership with the Government of Balochistan, has handed over 118 climate-resilient homes to flood-affected families in Hanna-Urak, Quetta District, said a press release issued by UNDP on Friday. The houses provide safer shelter for families whose homes were destroyed during the devastating floods in 2022, supporting communities to rebuild their lives while strengthening resilience to future climate shocks. The handover ceremony was attended by Mr. Mir Murad Baloch, Honorary Consul of Germany in Balochistan, and senior representatives from the Government of Balochistan, including Mr. Zeeshan Javed, Secretary of the Planning and Development Department (P&amp;DD); Ms. Batool Asadi, Chief of Foreign Aid, Planning and Development Department (P&amp;DD); and Mr. Naveed Ahmed Sheikh, Director Planning &amp; Coordination at the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), alongside local authorities and community representatives. The housing initiative forms part of the Flood Reconstruction and Coordination Program, through which UNDP is supporting the construction of 700 climate- and disaster-resilient houses in Balochistan.&nbsp; Over 150 houses handed over&nbsp;With the latest handover, 158 houses have now been completed and handed over, while the remaining houses are expected to be completed over the course of the coming months as the project continues to progress on schedule. The houses incorporate climate- and disaster-resilient features, including raised plinths to reduce flood risk, reinforced structural elements for improved seismic safety, and improved ventilation to better adapt to rising temperatures. Dr Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, noted that the initiative reflects the importance of strong partnerships in supporting communities to recover from climate disasters.&nbsp; He emphasized that together with the Government of Germany and the Government of Balochistan, UNDP is committed to helping flood-affected families rebuild safer homes while strengthening long-term resilience to climate impacts. Beyond housing reconstruction, the program is also supporting resilient community physical infrastructure, benefiting thousands of people in Hanna-Urak, contributing to safer, stronger, and more resilient communities in Balochistan.

With the latest handover, 158 houses have now been completed and handed over, while the remaining houses are expected to be completed over the course of the coming months as the project continues to progress on schedule.

UNDP, Germany support climate-resilient housing for flood-affected families in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, announced Friday the launch of a new feeder shipping service from Karachi Port to the United Arab Emirates, marking a key step toward transshipment capabilities. According to a statement issued on Friday, Chaudhry said that Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL), which is KPT&rsquo;s major business partner, will be supported by a dedicated feeder service linking Karachi with the UAE ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, strengthening maritime connectivity for Pakistan&rsquo;s trading community amid evolving regional shipping dynamics. Regular shipping linkChaudhry said the new service establishes a regular shipping link between Karachi and two of the region&rsquo;s key transshipment hubs, enabling Pakistani importers and exporters to maintain reliable access to global container shipping networks. &quot;The service will call at KGTL, part of AD Ports Group&rsquo;s international operating arm, Noatum Ports. The first vessel of the service arrived at KGTL on the evening of 11 March, officially marking the start of regular operations,&quot; the minister added. Chaudhry noted the new feeder link supports supply chain continuity through KGTL and helps ensure Pakistan&rsquo;s trade maintains dependable access to international markets. Cargo routed through Fujairah and Khor Fakkan will benefit from seamless connectivity to regional and international shipping networks, supported by the UAE&rsquo;s advanced logistics infrastructure. Containers can be efficiently transferred via integrated road and rail corridors to major commercial hubs and logistics centers across the UAE. Talking on the new feeder service, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Retd), chairman, Karachi Port Trust, said, &quot;The introduction of this feeder service further enhances Karachi Port&rsquo;s connectivity with key regional hubs and supports Pakistan&rsquo;s growing trade requirements.&rdquo; Strengthening Pakistan&rsquo;s maritime connectivityHe added, &quot;Strengthening maritime links with the UAE will help facilitate smoother cargo movement while providing greater flexibility for the country&rsquo;s trading community as per the vision of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Choudhry.&rdquo; &nbsp; Khurram Aziz Khan, chief executive officer of Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL), said, &ldquo;The commencement of this feeder service reflects KGTL&rsquo;s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan&rsquo;s maritime connectivity and supporting the country&rsquo;s trading community. By linking Karachi directly with major UAE transshipment hubs, this service provides importers and exporters with reliable access to global shipping networks while reinforcing the role of Karachi Gateway Terminal as a key gateway for international trade.&rdquo; Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan&rsquo;s economy relies heavily on maritime trade, and strengthened connectivity with regional transshipment hubs provides additional resilience for exporters, importers, and supply chains.

Pakistani maritime affairs minister says the new service establishes a regular shipping link between Karachi and two of the region’s key transshipment hubs, enabling Pakistani importers and exporters to maintain reliable access to global container shipping networks.

UAE, Pakistan launch new feeder service to strengthen maritime connectivity

NEW YORK CITY: The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday debated Iran&rsquo;s nuclear program amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Pakistan telling the 15-member body that an enduring situation lies in embracing diplomacy rather than abandoning it &ldquo;for short-sighted policies.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;It is clear that dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement remain the only viable way forward. And yet, diplomacy has been forfeited in favour of military means,&rdquo; Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations (UN), said during a discussions on the UN &lsquo;Committee 1737&rsquo;, which oversees international sanctions on Iran regarding its nuclear and missile programs. &ldquo;The developments since last June as well as the ongoing situation that started with the unprovoked and unwarranted attacks on Iran have deeply impacted the context of Iran nuclear file,&rdquo; he said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2032313042986271046&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=c248310fe0919f799bba80033d73f620b941b880&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 841px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>Regretting the breakdown of diplomacy on the Iranian nuclear issue, the Pakistani envoy said the validity of the fundamental principles and the multilateral spirit that led to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, remained intact as also the consensus adoption of resolution 2231 in 2015. (But President Donald Trump, during his first term announced in 2018 the withdrawal of the United States (US) from JCPOA, terming it a &ldquo;horrible,&rdquo; &ldquo;one-sided&rdquo; deal that failed to protect US national security interests.) &ldquo;More than ever, and even during the current conflict and heightened tensions, it is clear that an enduring solution lies in embracing those time-tested principles rather than abandoning them for short-sighted policies,&rdquo; Ambassador Asim Ahmad said. The JCPOA, he said, &nbsp;was a &ldquo;unique instrument &ldquo;, manifestation of an approach based on dialogue, diplomacy and pragmatism, highlighting that it was the outcome of painstaking and arduous, yet constructive negotiations that charted a roadmap to comprehensively address the concerns of the parties based on reciprocal actions and thus embodying peaceful resolution of disputes that is at the heart the UN Charter. &ldquo;Pakistan lent its support to the negotiated settlement of the issue, and it remains our core position till today&rdquo;, he added. &ldquo;We have condemned all use of force, targeting of civilian infrastructure, and strikes on nuclear sites under IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards&rdquo;, the Pakistani envoy said, pointing out that strikes against nuclear facilities carried huge environmental and safety risks for the local population and people all around the region.He warned against disrupting IAEA&rsquo;s crucial verification mandate, saying that the agency is responsible for verifying compliance with respective nuclear safeguards obligations of Member States in an objective, impartial and credible manner on technical grounds. &ldquo;The IAEA should be enabled to fulfill this statutory function and its verification activities in Iran should resume unimpeded,&rdquo; the Pakistani envoy said.Pakistan, he said, &nbsp;calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, and urged all parties to show maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, institute a permanent ceasefire, and resume dialogue. &ldquo;All our efforts aim in that direction&rdquo;, he said.

Foreign Affairs

Pakistan told the UNSC that diplomacy, not military action, remains the only viable solution to Iran’s nuclear issue, urging restraint, ceasefire, renewed dialogue, and unimpeded IAEA verification activities.