DAMASCUS: Syria on Thursday said it had taken control of all military bases previously hosting US forces, who had long been in the country leading an international coalition against the Islamic State group. The foreign ministry in a statement said it &quot;welcomes the completed handover of military sites where United States forces were previously present in Syria to the Syrian government&quot;. It added that &quot;the handover of these sites was carried out... in full coordination between the Syrian and American governments&quot;.&nbsp;

Middle East

Syria says it had taken control of all military bases previously hosting US forces, who had long been in the country leading an international coalition against the Islamic State group

Syria says has taken control of all bases previously operated by US forces

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: United States President Donald Trump on Thursday said a deal with Iran could be within reach and indicated that the next round of negotiations may take place as early as this weekend, with Islamabad remaining a key venue in the diplomatic process.&nbsp;&ldquo;We&rsquo;re very close to make a deal with Iran,&rdquo; Trump told reporters, adding that Tehran had &ldquo;agreed to almost everything.&rdquo;&nbsp;He also suggested he could personally attend if an agreement is finalized in Pakistan&rsquo;s capital. &ldquo;If [a] deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;&ldquo;I would go to Pakistan. Pakistan has been great. They have been so good. &nbsp;Islamabad I might go,&rdquo; he added. If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go. The Filed Marshal [Asim Munir] has been great. The Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] has been really great in Pakistan. So I might go. They want me.&rdquo; He stated that Iran has agreed to &quot;almost everything.&quot;&nbsp;&quot;I&#39;m ⁠not sure it needs to be extended,&quot; Trump told reporters at the White House. &quot;Iran wants to make a ⁠deal ⁠and we&#39;re dealing very nicely with them.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump linked the outcome of the talks to global economic conditions, saying a breakthrough would ease pressure on energy markets.&nbsp;&ldquo;If [a] deal happens, oil goes down, prices go down and inflation goes down,&rdquo; he said, highlighting the broader global stakes tied to the negotiations. His remarks come as diplomacy continues following the initial round of Iran&ndash;US talks in Islamabad, brokered through Pakistan&rsquo;s mediation after a fragile ceasefire paused weeks of conflict.&nbsp;While discussions remain ongoing, Trump said he was &ldquo;not sure&rdquo; the ceasefire needed to be extended, noting that &ldquo;Iran wants to make a deal and we&rsquo;re dealing very nicely with them.&rdquo;

Americas

United Stated President Donald Trump on Thursday said a deal with Iran could be within reach and indicated that the next round of negotiations may take place as early as this weekend, with Islamabad remaining a key venue in the diplomatic process

‘They want me’: Trump says he may go to Islamabad if Iran deal reached

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday highlighted the country&rsquo;s forward-looking financing strategy and renewed engagement with international capital markets, underscoring improving macroeconomic stability and sustained reform momentum during high-level engagements at the IMF&ndash;World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. Speaking in an interview with Maria Bartiromo on the Fox Business Network program &ldquo;Mornings with Maria,&rdquo; the finance minister said Pakistan is preparing to re-enter global capital markets through diversified instruments, including its inaugural Panda bond issuance and potential Eurobond offerings. &ldquo;He noted that the government is preparing for its inaugural Panda Bond issuance, alongside exploring Eurobond and other commercial financing avenues to diversify funding sources and sustain investor confidence,&rdquo; the Ministry of Finance said in an official statement. Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s return to international markets comes after a four-year gap and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen external financing channels and deepen investor engagement. During a separate meeting with Rothschild &amp; Co., the minister outlined plans for re-accessing capital markets through &ldquo;Eurobonds, a Panda bond, and dollar-settled rupee-linked transactions&rdquo; as part of a diversified financing framework. He noted that the Panda bond issuance is at an advanced stage, with regulatory approvals expected shortly. The finance minister also welcomed advisory input on liability management operations, describing them as &ldquo;a strategic tool to help compress Pakistan&rsquo;s yield curve and strengthen market confidence,&rdquo; according to the statement. IMF engagement and external financing outlookIn a separate meeting with Nigel Clarke of the International Monetary Fund, Aurangzeb reviewed programme implementation and Pakistan&rsquo;s external financing outlook, noting that key economic indicators remain broadly on track. He informed that the current account performance has been &ldquo;stronger than expected,&rdquo; supported by robust remittance inflows, particularly during Ramadan, while foreign exchange reserves are being reinforced through financial support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including deposit rollover arrangements. &ldquo;The Finance Minister outlined Pakistan&rsquo;s strategy to diversify its financing sources, including plans to access international capital markets through instruments such as an inaugural Panda bond, Eurobond issuances, and local-currency financing to mitigate foreign exchange risks,&rdquo; the finance ministry said. Aurangzeb also &ldquo;appreciated Mr. Clarke&rsquo;s positive assessment of Pakistan&rsquo;s programme implementation and financing strategy,&rdquo; particularly the emphasis on developing multiple funding avenues to enhance economic resilience. Both sides agreed that geopolitical and regional shocks may persist longer than anticipated, underscoring &ldquo;the importance of maintaining exchange-rate flexibility and preserving fiscal space, rather than pursuing growth through unsustainable public borrowing,&rdquo; according to the official statement. The minister welcomed the forthcoming IMF mission to Pakistan next month for discussions on the federal budget and programme review. Macroeconomic stability and reform momentumAurangzeb said Pakistan&rsquo;s improving economic fundamentals underpin its re-entry into global markets, citing stable macroeconomic indicators and strengthened fiscal and external buffers. &ldquo;He added that the country&rsquo;s macroeconomic indicators remain stable, supported by strengthened fiscal and external buffers,&rdquo; the statement said. The minister noted that remittances remained robust, reaching approximately $3.8 billion in March, while Pakistan also recorded a current account surplus. He expressed confidence that the economy would achieve around 4 percent growth in the current fiscal year and maintain foreign exchange reserves at levels covering about three months of imports. Highlighting Pakistan&rsquo;s track record, he said the country had &ldquo;successfully repaid its USD 1.4 billion Eurobond on time,&rdquo; reinforcing its commitment to meeting sovereign obligations. At multiple engagements during the Spring Meetings, Aurangzeb underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing reform programme supported by the IMF, including fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, and improvements in public financial management. He reaffirmed that Pakistan has secured sufficient external financing to meet its fiscal year 2026 obligations. Global engagement and climate finance pushIn meetings with global leaders, including Ant&oacute;nio Guterres, the finance minister highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s role in promoting regional stability and addressing global economic challenges, particularly the impact of ongoing Middle East tensions on energy and food security. &ldquo;He noted that Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership is actively engaged in advancing diplomatic efforts&hellip; aimed at sustaining the ceasefire and paving the way for further negotiations,&rdquo; the finance ministry said. Aurangzeb also pointed to Pakistan&rsquo;s growing focus on climate finance and sustainable growth, citing support from the World Bank Group under its Country Partnership Framework and collaboration with international partners on blended finance solutions. &ldquo;Both sides agreed on the importance of developing a robust pipeline of blended finance transactions&hellip; to reduce overall borrowing costs,&rdquo; the statement said following discussions with financial institutions. The minister highlighted structural shifts in Pakistan&rsquo;s economy, including digital transformation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and expansion of renewable energy capacity, noting that these reforms are aimed at improving governance, enhancing competitiveness, and attracting long-term investment. Managing global shocksAddressing external risks, Aurangzeb described the ongoing Middle East situation as a &ldquo;major global supply shock,&rdquo; noting its implications for energy procurement, pricing, and logistics. He said the government&rsquo;s immediate focus remains on ensuring supply chain continuity, while monitoring second- and third-order impacts on inflation, growth, and the external sector. &ldquo;The extent of second and third-order impacts&hellip; would depend on the duration and intensity of the conflict,&rdquo; the statement noted.

Economy

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday highlighted the country’s forward-looking financing strategy and renewed engagement with international capital markets, underscoring improving macroeconomic stability and sustained reform momentum during high-level engagements at the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026.

At IMF-World Bank meetings, Pakistan outlines global market return strategy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived in Antalya as part of his official visit to T&uuml;rkiye to attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday, said a statement by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office (PMO). Upon his arrival, Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin warmly received the prime minister and the Pakistani delegation at the airport. &nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to T&uuml;rkiye, Yousaf Junaid, along with senior diplomatic officials, was also present on the occasion, said the statement.&nbsp;During his visit, PM Sharif will attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, as per the statement. In a post on his X account, the prime minister said that he was looking forward &quot;<span style="color: rgb(15, 20, 25); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">to meaningful engagements with fellow leaders&quot; as they work &quot;together to promote dialogue, deepen understanding, and advance lasting peace.&quot; <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-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044861028228296779&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=7200455ce1a46478bee17458957df0cd0a0febce&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2044861028228296779"></iframe></div></div> The prime minister will participate in the &ldquo;Leaders&rsquo; Panel&rdquo; to present Pakistan&rsquo;s perspective during the forum. On the sidelines of the forum, the prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other key global leaders, according to the statement. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and the Prime Minister&rsquo;s spokesperson for international media, Musharraf Zaidi, are accompanying the prime minister as part of the Pakistani delegation, added the statement.

Foreign Affairs

Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin receives Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani delegation at airport; will attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum tomorrow; PM to present Pakistan’s perspective in “Leaders’ Panel”

Pakistan PM in Turkiye to attend 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: capitalize; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: nowrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">FORT LAUDERDALE:&nbsp;Lionel Messi has bought Catalan club Cornella and become the team&#39;s new owner, the Spanish fifth-tier side announced on Thursday. The eight-time Ballon d&#39;Or winner is still playing in the United States for Inter Miami and is expected to play a key role in Argentina&#39;s World Cup title defence this year. &quot;This move reinforces Messi&#39;s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,&quot; the club said in a statement confirming the former Barcelona star&#39;s acquisition. Several top players have come through the ranks at Cornella, based in the Barcelona suburbs, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi&#39;s former Barca teammate Jordi Alba. Cornella have suffered back-to-back relegations in the past two seasons. &quot;Leo Messi&#39;s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club&#39;s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent,&quot; Cornella added. &quot;The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.&quot; Messi came through Barcelona&#39;s academy before spending 17 seasons in the Catalan giants&#39; first team, becoming their all-time leading scorer with 672 goals. The 38-year-old has previously said he would return to live in Catalonia after he retires from football. He is set to play in his sixth World Cup when Argentina start their title defence at the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada against Algeria in Kansas on June 16. Messi&#39;s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo bought a 25-percent stake in another Spanish club, second-tier Almeria, two months ago.

Football

Lionel Messi has bought Catalan club Cornella and become the team's new owner, the Spanish fifth-tier side announced on Thursday

Messi new owner of Spanish fifth-tier club Cornella

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who arrived in Doha on Thursday, held a warm and cordial meeting with Qatar&rsquo;s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office. During their meeting at the Amiri Diwan, which lasted over an hour, both leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East. The emir expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan&rsquo;s pivotal role in supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and to promote diplomatic dialogue that serves regional security and stability. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_8UxM1zp-HY" title="Qatar Air Force jets escort Pakistan PM in Doha skies" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div> For his part, the prime minister of Pakistan renewed his condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries, while reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s full solidarity and support for the leadership and the people of Qatar. Smooth flow of energy supply chainsBoth leaders underscored the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts and enhancing international coordination to ensure the region&#39;s security and stability, particularly the maintenance of the smooth flow of energy supply chains. The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further develop them, especially in the fields of security, defense, and energy, to strengthen the partnership and open new avenues for cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Qatar&#39;s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; the Chief of the Amiri Diwan, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi; and several senior officials. On the Pakistani side, it was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar; Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials. The emir and the prime minister of Pakistan also held a one-on-one meeting, during which they exchanged views on current developments of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly in light of ongoing events and their implications for regional security and stability. &#39;Warm and generous gesture&#39;&nbsp;Following the meeting, the emir hosted a luncheon in honor of the prime minister and the accompanying delegation. Earlier, the Pakistani prime minister was escorted by Qatar Air Force fighter jets upon his arrival in Doha. In a post on X, PM Sharif thanked the amir of Qatar for &ldquo;the exceptionally warm and generous gesture of sending Qatar&rsquo;s fighter jets to escort our aircraft as it entered Qatari airspace.&rdquo;<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-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044717748085723248&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ccd382a539894cff2a9b1a4a4f1d993bfcc1360f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>

The amir expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s pivotal  role in supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and in promoting diplomatic dialogue in a manner that serves regional security and stability.

Pakistan PM, Emir of Qatar discuss regional, international developments in Doha 

ISLAMABAD: India&rsquo;s delimitation battle has become the newest front in the charge that Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s BJP is not merely fighting elections but trying to lock in power structurally.&nbsp; Local media, opposition parties and critics on social media are accusing BJP of reshaping the political system of India itself in a desparate attempt to hold onto power. Delimitation of parliamentCritics in the South say a post-2026 redraw of Lok Sabha seats could shift weight toward the more populous Hindi belt, where the BJP has long drawn its core strength, and dilute the clout of states that have resisted it electorally.&nbsp; The Wire has warned that the plan could marginalise southern states in Parliament, with the opposition saying that even a blanket seat increase carries &ldquo;deeper implications&rdquo; for the federal balance.&nbsp; One Nation, One ElectionBefore that came the push for &ldquo;One Nation, One Election.&rdquo; The BJP calls it efficiency. Critics see something harsher: the compression of state politics into one nationalised contest dominated by the country&rsquo;s biggest political machine, BJP.&nbsp; Digital News outlet Scroll reported concerns that simultaneous elections would erode federalism by subsuming regional issues and identities.&nbsp; CAA Rules, 2024Then came the Citezenship Amendment Act rules, notified in March 2024 on the eve of the general election.&nbsp; The Wire reported that BJP leaders in West Bengal publicly tied implementation to the coming polls, and later said the first citizenship certificates were granted ahead of the final phase of voting in a move that could benefit the BJP in West Bengal.&nbsp; Critics have long argued that the law helps the BJP sharpen Hindu-majoritarian consolidation at election time.&nbsp; Electoral bonds scandalThe electoral bonds scandal, 2024, laid bare the money machine. The Wire reported that the BJP redeemed INR 82.5 billion, just short of half of all bonds sold under the now-struck-down scheme.&nbsp; In blunt political terms, critics say anonymous money helped build a campaign apparatus no rival could match.&nbsp; Restructuring election commissioner appointing committee&nbsp;In 2023, Modi&rsquo;s government changed the law on appointing Election Commissioners, replacing the Chief Justice of India on the selection panel with a Union cabinet minister.&nbsp; Scroll reported that challenges to the law argued it let the executive tighten its grip over the body meant to referee elections.&nbsp; Use of central agenciesRunning underneath all this since 2014 has been the use of central agencies, especially the Enforcement Directorate.&nbsp; Scroll, citing official-data analysis, reported that Enforcement Directorate raids and searches rose 86 times under the Modi government compared with the previous decade.&nbsp;Critics say the Enforcement Directorate helps the BJP stay in power by putting opposition leaders under legal and political pressure, draining their time, money and campaign focus. They also point to a &ldquo;washing machine&rdquo; pattern, in which action against some opposition politicians weakens or stalls after they join the BJP or its allies, creating pressure on rivals to defect and fragmenting the opposition. Taken together, these measures have fueled opposition allegations that the BJP has used changes in representation, election timing, campaign finance, institutions and investigative pressure to strengthen its long-term political advantage.

India

India’s delimitation dispute has renewed opposition allegations that Narendra Modi’s BJP has used seat redistribution, simultaneous poll plans, the CAA, electoral funding, institutional changes and central agencies to build lasting political advantage and weaken rivals since coming to power in 2014.

BJP accused of reshaping India’s political system to retain power

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been recognized for its constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation and ceasefire efforts and facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran. Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said this during a weekly briefing on Thursday. &nbsp; Regarding the ongoing peace process, Andrabi said, &ldquo;Pakistan has been recognized for its constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation, ceasefire efforts, and a broader pursuit of stability between the United States and Iran.&rdquo; <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; line-height: 2;"><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=2044666270524882962&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ccd382a539894cff2a9b1a4a4f1d993bfcc1360f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 641px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&ldquo;Throughout sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad has sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages and help create conditions and space for conducive and meaningful negotiations.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Facilitative and mediatory roleAmbassador Andrabi said, &ldquo;The approach that Pakistan has undertaken underscores consistent commitment to regional stability and international peace, reflecting our preferences for principled dialogue-oriented diplomacy for addressing complex geopolitical challenges and managing complicated disputes and conflicts.&rdquo; &ldquo;In this context, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, and with active engagement of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of the Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open channels of communication with the concerned parties as part of our facilitative and mediatory role.&rdquo;&nbsp;Constructive and stabilizing contributionsHe said, &ldquo;As part of these ongoing efforts, the Prime Minister is currently undertaking visits to key regional countries, while the Chief of Defense Forces and the Chief of Army Staff arrived in Tehran yesterday.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Collectively, these initiatives, these pursuits, reflect our sustained efforts for peace and our commitment that these efforts are best advanced through dialogue and cooperation.&rdquo; &ldquo;And this has been a fact which has been acknowledged in diplomatic circles around the world, Pakistan&#39;s constructive and stabilizing contributions,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Intense diplomatic exchangesBut before embarking on this visit, the prime minister engaged in intensive diplomatic exchanges with his counterparts around the world. This was at the start, before the Islamabad peace talks, and the exchanges continued afterward.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peace talks&nbsp;Regarding the Islamabad Talks, Andrabi said, &ldquo;The talks continued for 21 hours, that is the duration of actual negotiation.&rdquo; &ldquo;Overall, the process continued for well above 30 hours, if you count the movement of the delegations and the momentary breaks for meals and coffees and so on.&rdquo;&nbsp; Ambassador Andrabi said, &ldquo;The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, along with the Chief of Defense Forces and the Chief of Army Staff, helped mediate several rounds of intense and constructive negotiations.&rdquo; &ldquo;You would recall that in his remarks at the conclusion of these talks, the Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, had expressed hope that the two sides would continue with the positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity in the entire region and beyond.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire.&quot;&nbsp; Facilitating engagement and dialogue&nbsp; The DPM has also reiterated that Pakistan has been, and will continue to, play its role in facilitating engagement and dialogue between the two countries in the days to come. &quot;And indeed, these words of the Deputy Prime Minister are being upheld now that our Chief of Defense Forces was in Iran yesterday, arrived in Iran yesterday, and our prime minister has embarked on a three-country visit,&quot; Ambassador Andrabi said.&nbsp; &quot;Let me reiterate that the visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar has, of course, a very strong bilateral component.&quot;&nbsp; The prime minister&#39;s visit to the three countries will take place from April 15 to 18. The visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar is in the bilateral context, he said.&nbsp; Anatolia Diplomacy Forum The visit to Turkiye is in the context of the Anatolia Diplomacy Forum, where the prime minister will participate in a high-level panel discussion alongside world leaders and present Pakistan&#39;s perspective, the ambassador said. Last evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, he added.&nbsp; The prime minister expressed full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the wake of recent regional escalations, and he appreciated Saudi Arabia&#39;s exemplary restraint demonstrated throughout the conflict, and indeed, exemplary patience.&nbsp; The prime minister shared with His Royal Highness the recent developments related to Pakistan&#39;s peace efforts that led to the US-Iran ceasefire and the recently held Islamabad talks between the US and Iran, Ambassador Andrabi said. The Crown Prince appreciated Pakistan&#39;s constructive role in the peace process. Pakistan-Saudi tiesThe prime minister expressed his sincere appreciation to the Crown Prince for the Kingdom&#39;s consistent support for Pakistan&#39;s economic stability. Both countries enjoy a unique relationship; we have a strong strategic defense partnership under the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement. Apart from the prime minister&#39;s engagement, the deputy prime minister also remained busy throughout the last two weeks, holding numerous telephone conversations and direct interactions with his counterparts, the FO spokesperson said in his briefing.&nbsp;

FO spokesperson says, ‘Throughout sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad has sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages, and helps create, helping create, condition and space for conducive and meaningful negotiations.’ 

Pakistan recognized for constructive diplomatic engagement in US-Iran ceasefire efforts: FO

ISLAMABAD: In a resolute display of preparedness and precision-strike capability, Pakistan Navy successfully conducted a Live Weapon Firing of an indigenously developed Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missile, accurately engaging its target with high speed at extended range, said a press release issued by Pakistan military&#39;s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan, along with leading scientists and engineers, witnessed the missile firing.<div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DRLofda8xlI" title="Pakistan Navy conducted a Live Weapon Firing of an Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missile | ISPR" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div>The missile integrates a cutting-edge guidance system and advanced maneuverability, enabling it to evade threats, adapt to dynamic conditions, and deliver with precision and lethality.&nbsp; The successful launch of this indigenously developed missile underscores the fusion of technological excellence and operational expertise.&nbsp; This missile firing is a manifestation of Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s commitment to maintaining credible sea-based deterrence in conventional domain and ensuring maritime security and stability in the region. The president, prime minister, Chief of Defense Forces, and Services Chiefs have commended the participating units and scientists on achieving this milestone, the press release said. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the nation on the successful test of Pakistan Navy&#39;s anti-ship missile.&nbsp; &quot;The successful test of the anti-ship missile is a commendable achievement of the scientists and engineers of the Pakistan Navy,&quot; he said in a post on X.<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-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044665479852343782&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ccd382a539894cff2a9b1a4a4f1d993bfcc1360f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 297px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2044665479852343782"></iframe></div></div>

Security

The missile integrates a cutting-edge guidance system and advanced maneuverability, enabling it to evade threats, adapt to dynamic conditions, and deliver with precision and lethality, says ISPR. 

Pakistan Navy conducts live firing of indigenous ship-launched anti-ship missile

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held a series of meetings on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings and separate engagements in Washington, according to posts the Ministry of Finance shared on X. The minister&rsquo;s meetings covered global economic issues, Pakistan&rsquo;s reform program, debt and development finance, sovereign credit, bilateral cooperation, privatization, capital markets and investor outreach. US Commerce Secretary Howard LutnickIn a meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the discussion focused on advancing trade and broader economic interests between Pakistan and the United States.&nbsp; Both sides discussed avenues to deepen bilateral economic partnership, focusing on enhancing trade, promoting investment flows, and facilitating private-sector engagement.<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=2044554714440782273&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=886b2172d64ae80ba4f3b023633c5cb1ffa39203&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 600px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>The discussions also covered cooperation in key sectors, including mining, energy, and information technology, with an emphasis on unlocking new opportunities for mutually beneficial economic collaboration. United Nations Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio GuterresMinister Aurangzeb also met with United Nations Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres, during which the discussion focused on global economic challenges and international cooperation.&nbsp; The two sides discussed the global economic implications of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, particularly its impact on food and energy security in developing countries.<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-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044602031093280899&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=886b2172d64ae80ba4f3b023633c5cb1ffa39203&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>The UN Secretary-General lauded Pakistan&rsquo;s role in facilitating peace and stability in the region and beyond and expressed confidence in its continued constructive engagement on the global stage. IMF Managing Director Kristalina GeorgievaAccording to Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance, the finance minister also met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who commended Pakistan&rsquo;s reform progress and economic stability. She credited strong program implementation with helping maintain macroeconomic stability and build investor confidence, and said sound policies and deeper structural reforms would be important for sustaining growth. Borrowers&rsquo; PlatformAurangzeb also participated in the launch of the Borrowers&rsquo; Platform. He said that the platform addresses a long-standing gap as borrowing countries have lacked a dedicated forum to share experiences, identify emerging risks, and bring coherence to their collective perspectives.&nbsp; He said that the platform is not intended as a negotiating bloc but rather as a voluntary, Member State-led initiative focused on peer learning, experience sharing and amplifying the voices of borrowing countries in global financial discourse. Fitch RatingsMinister Aurangzeb later met with Fitch Ratings, during which discussions covered Pakistan&rsquo;s credit profile and market strategy. The meeting came shortly after Fitch affirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at B- with a Stable Outlook, citing progress on fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability measures in line with the IMF program. President, Asian Development Bank, Masato KandaThe minister also met with the president of the Asian Development Bank, Masato Kanda, to discuss bilateral cooperation.<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-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044619726949867882&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=886b2172d64ae80ba4f3b023633c5cb1ffa39203&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>According to Radio Pakistan, the finance minister highlighted the recent signing of the Country Partnership Strategy as an important milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank. He thanked President Kanda for ADB&rsquo;s support in providing credit enhancement for the issuance of Pakistan&rsquo;s inaugural Panda Bond. JP Morgan ChaseAurangzeb also met senior management of JP Morgan in Washington and briefed them on Pakistan&rsquo;s planned inaugural Panda Bond issuance as a green bond, acccording to Radio Pakistan. Radio Pakistan said he also discussed privatization, interest in Reko Diq, EXIM Bank participation and Saudi Arabia-Pakistan digital collaboration through the GO AI Hub initiative. Franklin TempletonThe finance minister also met the senior leadership of investment firm Franklin Templeton. The discussion focused on privatization and capital markets.&nbsp; The minister updated the delegation on the government&rsquo;s ongoing privatization program. He also discussed the outsourcing of airports, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Sialkot, as well as the privatization of electricity distribution companies, according to Radio Pakistan. Citi Macro ForumAurangzeb then addressed the Citi Macro Forum, where he briefed investors on Pakistan&rsquo;s economic strategy.&nbsp; He said that Pakistan has reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF for the third review under the EFF and second review under the RSF, with Executive Board approval expected in early May.&nbsp; The finance minister described the Middle East crisis as one of the most significant supply shocks in recent history, outlining a three-stage government response to address its cascading economic effects and expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia&#39;s financial support. On the capital markets front, the minister said Pakistan has launched its Global Medium-Term Note program, with RFPs issued for Eurobonds, Islamic Sukuk, and a novel dollar-settled, rupee-linked bond. Additionally, the country&#39;s first-ever Panda Bond issuance is targeted for May, following the signing of counter-indemnity agreements with the ADB and AIIB. Looking ahead, the finance minister stressed the need to build strategic petroleum reserves and accelerate the shift toward renewable energy as key lessons from the current crisis. He also pointed to emerging opportunities, including rising transit activity at Karachi Port and renewed potential for Gwadar to emerge as a major strategic trade corridor.

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