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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation to combat drug smuggling, narcotics use, and illegal trafficking, as the two countries agreed to deepen collaboration on internal security, counterterrorism, and organized crime. The agreement was signed during a meeting in Dhaka between Pakistan&#39;s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Salahuddin Ahmed, according to Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Interior. Under the MoU, both countries agreed to &quot;extend full cooperation to each other to prevent the illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics&quot; while jointly working to curb the growing use of drugs and their impact on society, the ministry 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-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=2052965761602449912&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4b61def7fe1e0c4264d7987d79e119f4f5f05ec1&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 598px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> The two sides also agreed to devise a &quot;joint strategy&quot; to break the illegal sale and supply chain of narcotics and improve coordination between relevant agencies. Enhancing bilateral cooperation&quot;The relevant agencies of both countries will exchange timely information about drug smugglers and networks,&quot; the ministry said, adding that &quot;training of personnel, use of modern technology, and best practices for drug prevention will be shared&quot;. &quot;The interior ministers also exchanged views on joint measures for counter-terrorism,&quot; the ministry said, adding that detailed discussions were held on enhancing bilateral cooperation regarding organized crime, internal security, and financial fraud. Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation in training programs for officers at police academies and civil armed forces institutions. Naqvi invited his Bangladeshi counterpart to visit Pakistan, while Salahuddin Ahmed thanked him for offering Pakistan&rsquo;s support for Bangladesh&rsquo;s Safe City Project, the ministry said. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Saem, Cabinet Secretary Naseem Ghani, Interior Secretary Manzoor Chaudhry, and Pakistan&rsquo;s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider also attended the meeting.

Bangladesh Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and visiting Pakistan Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi held a meeting at InterContinental Dhaka. (Photo: BSS)

Foreign Affairs

Security

Both nations agree to extend full cooperation to prevent the illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics, while also exchanging views on joint measures to enhance bilateral cooperation on organized crime, internal security, and financial fraud.

Pakistan, Bangladesh sign MoU to combat drug smuggling

Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Pak Suzuki Motor Company has launched the Suzuki Fronx in Pakistan, entering the country&rsquo;s fast-evolving crossover segment with what the company says is Pakistan&rsquo;s first locally assembled XUV, as automakers respond to shifting consumer demand beyond hatchbacks and sedans. The Suzuki Fronx price in Pakistan starts at Rs5.999 million ($21,512), placing it in the premium compact crossover category, a segment gaining traction as Pakistani buyers increasingly seek SUV-inspired styling, higher seating positions, and added technology in urban vehicles. The launch is significant for Pakistan&rsquo;s automobile industry, where local assemblers are under pressure to diversify product lines amid changing consumer preferences, rising fuel costs and growing interest in hybrid and fuel-efficient mobility. The Fronx, powered by a 1.5-liter K-Series engine, comes in multiple transmission options, including manual and automatic variants, while offering features such as Apple CarPlay, cruise control, parking sensors, rear camera systems, and six airbags, features that signal rising competition in Pakistan&rsquo;s upper-tier passenger car market. At the launch event in Islamabad, early buyers pointed to both design and fuel efficiency as key buying factors. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a very good effort by Suzuki,&rdquo; Sheikh Mohammad Irfan, a businessman attending the launch, told Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp; &ldquo;This car is better; it looks better than all of them,&rdquo; he said, comparing the Fronx to Suzuki&rsquo;s earlier models including the Alto, Cultus, Wagon R and Swift. But Irfan also highlighted a broader trend shaping Pakistan&rsquo;s car market: fuel economics. &ldquo;Nowadays, due to petrol prices, people are moving towards electric cars,&rdquo; he said. While calling Suzuki&rsquo;s mild-hybrid system a positive move, he added, &ldquo;If they had made it a full hybrid, this car would have been the best.&rdquo; That reflects a wider industry transition, as Pakistan&rsquo;s auto buyers increasingly weigh fuel economy alongside resale value and after-sales support. Pak Suzuki&rsquo;s dealership network also sees the Fronx as a shift in product strategy. &ldquo;This is the first time that we are launching an SUV,&rdquo; said Sania Zahra, a sales representative at Suzuki Islamabad Motors. &ldquo;Before, we used to do hatchback cars, but now we are launching an SUV.&rdquo; She said customer turnout and early booking interest at the launch had been strong, underlining market appetite for crossover vehicles. For Pakistan&rsquo;s auto industry, local assembly remains central to the business case. Domestic production helps sustain industrial activity, parts localization, and employment at a time when imports remain expensive and supply chains volatile. &ldquo;If we buy things made in Pakistan, it is a benefit for our country,&rdquo; Irfan said, linking local vehicle production directly to economic activity. For Pak Suzuki, long dominant in Pakistan&rsquo;s small-car market, the Fronx launch is more than a product expansion. It is an industry test of whether the country&rsquo;s car market is moving decisively toward crossovers. A category that has already reshaped consumer demand across global auto markets.

Pakistan's first-ever XUV, the Suzuki Fronx (Photo: Facebook/@SuzukiPakistan).

Economy

Pak Suzuki launches the Fronx in Pakistan at Rs5.999 million, entering the crossover segment with what it calls the country’s first locally assembled XUV amid shifting consumer demand toward premium compact vehicles.

Suzuki Fronx launch tests Pakistan’s growing crossover car market 

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said Pakistan remains engaged in regional diplomacy to support de-escalation between the United States and Iran following the announced pause in &quot;Project Freedom&quot; in the Strait of Hormuz. At the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had welcomed the timely announcement of a pause in military activity in the Strait of Hormuz and expressed hope that the current momentum will lead to a &quot;lasting agreement&quot; that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond.&nbsp; Marka-e-Haq anniversaryThe spokesperson moved on to describe the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq as a defining moment in Pakistan&rsquo;s national journey, citing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar&rsquo;s remarks that Pakistan&rsquo;s response under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was &quot;measured, lawful, and in line with the UN Charter.&quot; On May 5, Dar briefed the diplomatic corps on the anniversary, highlighting the military campaign as a symbol of Pakistan&rsquo;s unity, resilience, and the Armed Forces&rsquo; resolve to defend sovereignty, the briefing said.&nbsp; Regional diplomatic effortsThe spokesperson said Foreign Minister Dar had remained in contact with several counterparts as part of Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic outreach. On May 4, Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi regarding the regional situation and Pakistan&rsquo;s mediation efforts. According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian side appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s &quot;constructive and mediation role,&quot; while Dar stressed that dialogue remained the only path to peace. The briefing added that following diplomatic engagements, 22 crew members held aboard the seized Iranian container ship MV Touska were evacuated to Pakistan and later repatriated to Iran in what Islamabad described as a &quot;major confidence-building measure&quot; by the United States. The spokesperson said Dar also spoke with Kuwait&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on May 2, Jordan&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on May 3, and UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on May 4. The Foreign Office also reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained central to regional instability and warned against unilateral actions related to the Indus Waters Treaty. On Gaza, Pakistan, in a joint statement with Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, South Africa and Spain, &ldquo;condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla,&rdquo; a civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Repatriation of nationalsThe Foreign Office said Pakistan&rsquo;s missions abroad facilitated the repatriation of dozens of nationals detained in Cambodia and Uganda, including 54 Pakistanis arrested during a raid on a scam compound in Cambodia and 85 detained in Uganda for unauthorized employment.&nbsp; Officials said most of those held had already returned home, while Pakistani embassies provided consular access, emergency travel documents, food, water and medical assistance during their detention, and also extended support to Bangladeshi, Nepali and Sri Lankan nationals in similar circumstances. Maritime rescue operation&nbsp;The briefing concluded with details of a maritime rescue operation carried out by the Pakistan Navy in the Arabian Sea after the offshore vessel MV Gautam, carrying six Indian and one Indonesian crew member, suffered a technical failure. Upon receiving the alert from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Mumbai, Pakistani authorities deployed the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship Kashmir to provide the stranded crew with food, medical support, and technical assistance.

FILE: Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi (Photo: Associated Press of Pakistan)

Pakistan said diplomatic efforts continued with regional and international counterparts, while the Foreign Office also detailed the repatriation of detained nationals abroad and a maritime rescue operation involving an Indian-crewed vessel in the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan highlights mediation efforts, diplomacy at Foreign Office briefing 

ISLAMABAD: Australia&#39;s men&#39;s national cricket team will tour Pakistan later this month for a three-match One-day International (ODI) series, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday. According to the schedule released by PCB, Australia will arrive in Islamabad on May 23, with the first ODI scheduled for Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30.&nbsp; The remaining two matches of the series will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and June 4. Australia, which played a T20 series in Pakistan earlier this year, will defend its 50-over title at the World Cup co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October 2027. It will be the team&#39;s first bilateral ODI series in Pakistan since March-April 2022, PCB said. The Australian team also featured in matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, including a five-wicket victory over the England cricket team at Gaddafi Stadium on Feb 22.&nbsp;

3rd T20I - Pakistan vs Australia at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore ( Photo: Pakistan Cricket Board)

Cricket

Australia will arrive in Islamabad on May 23 ahead of matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore, marking the teams’ first bilateral ODI tour of Pakistan since 2022, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced.

Pakistan to host Australia for three-match ODI series next month

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq symbolizes Pakistan&rsquo;s courage, unity, and resolve. He praised the armed forces and reaffirmed support for dialogue in the region. In a message to the nation released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) marking one year since the military conflict with India that took place from April 22 to May 10, 2025, Dar paid tribute to Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces and citizens, saying the country had responded to &quot;imposed aggression&quot; with restraint and principle under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. <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=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2052254949841818087&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=1020b0725deadd7a0416a8dfc400a125cae13c44&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 576px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Referring to Pakistan&rsquo;s response under Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos following Indian conventional strikes on civilian infrastructure on the night of May 6, 2025, he noted that Pakistan had exercised its right to self-defense in line with the UN Charter, according to the Foreign Office. The FM said the response -- led by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir -- targeted only military installations and was &quot;determined, decisive and proportionate.&quot; He also praised the role of the Pakistan Air Force under Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, saying it had shot down multiple Indian fighter jets and neutralized key military targets. The Pakistan Navy, led by Naveed Ashraf, remained fully prepared to counter any maritime aggression, he added. Pakistan&#39;s response &#39;lawful and restrained&#39;&quot;Pakistan stands for peace, but it will never compromise on its dignity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence,&quot; Dar said. He maintained that Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic outreach during the critical period helped present the country&rsquo;s position at bilateral and international forums, describing Islamabad&rsquo;s response as &quot;lawful and restrained.&quot; Dar reiterated that lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s support for dialogue and diplomacy, he warned that any threat to the country would be met with &quot;national unity, unshakeable resolve, and strength through all means available.&quot; The anniversary of Marka-e-Haq should also serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen Pakistan&rsquo;s economy, education system, and social sectors, while empowering youth and promoting national unity, the statement said. &quot;Let this day renew our collective pledge: to stand united; to reject division; to work tirelessly for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan,&quot; he said. A &lsquo;defining chapter&rsquo; for PAF : ISPRMeanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq marked a &quot;defining chapter&quot; in Pakistan&rsquo;s military history, particularly for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). In a press statement, the military&rsquo;s media wing said the conflict had &quot;strengthened national confidence, reaffirmed institutional resolve and validated the PAF&rsquo;s efforts towards modernisation and operational capability enhancement&quot;. According to ISPR, the PAF&rsquo;s use of multi-domain operations demonstrated its preparedness for the evolving nature of modern warfare and highlighted the force&rsquo;s &quot;professional excellence&quot;. &quot;Pakistan is a peace-loving country, and its Armed Forces remain dedicated to preserving peace, promoting stability and ensuring security in the region&quot; the statement said, adding that &quot;peace for Pakistan has always been inseparable from honour, dignity and sovereign equality&quot;. ISPR warned that Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces remained fully aware of the evolving regional security environment and any &quot;hostile design&quot; against the country would be met with &quot;greater strength, precision and resolve&quot;.

FILE: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar (Photo: X/@ForeignOfficePk)

Politics

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pays tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens, saying the country had responded to 'imposed aggression' with restraint and principle under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan's response to Indian aggression 'lawful and restrained', says FM on Marka-e-Haq anniversary

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the United States&rsquo; decision to pause Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is a step toward regional peace and stability. In a post on X, the PM expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for what he described as &ldquo;courageous leadership&rdquo; and a timely announcement of the pause. <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-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=2051937780352381197&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=a23dda0325938b3ad6c21cea4c55302a2773fddf&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div> </div>He said the decision came in response to requests from Pakistan and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, and acknowledged the role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in supporting de-escalation efforts. &ldquo;Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy,&rdquo; the PM said. He also expressed hope that &ldquo;the current momentum would lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability in the region and beyond.&rdquo;

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on April 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy: PMO)

Expresses gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his 'courageous leadership;' hopes the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Pakistan PM welcomes Project Freedom pause, hopes for regional stability

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has expressed concern over rising military tensions in the region, calling for de-escalation, restraint, and support for Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts to achieve a political solution.&nbsp;In an official statement, the Kingdom warned that continued escalation could push the region toward further instability, stressing that such a scenario would not serve the interests of regional or global peace. It underscored the importance of dialogue and supported Pakistan&rsquo;s mediation role in defusing tensions.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia also highlighted the need to restore normal maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, urging the international community to ensure safe and unrestricted passage of vessels to safeguard global trade routes. <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" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" 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=2051590497739665606&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=2d04233a2166bf1bd07dbae69b0b0ad230b8a510&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The development comes as Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned recent missile and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;In a statement, Sharif expressed full solidarity with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Emirati people, reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s support during what he described as a difficult time.<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" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; 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=2051560804416360773&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=2d04233a2166bf1bd07dbae69b0b0ad230b8a510&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&ldquo;It is absolutely essential that the ceasefire be maintained to create diplomatic space for dialogue,&rdquo; the prime minister said, emphasizing that peaceful engagement remains key to achieving lasting regional stability.&nbsp;In a statement, Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the missile and drone attacks carried out against the UAE.&nbsp;He further added that Pakistan stands with the people of UAE and express full solidarity with the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.&nbsp;<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" allowtransparency="true" 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=2051718385432764744&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=1d9cce6f127584c2d18b071423411fc9278ec03c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2051718385432764744">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>FM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to continue efforts for lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond. The coordinated calls from Riyadh and Islamabad reflect growing international concern over escalating tensions, with both sides urging restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar receives Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 06, 2026. (File photo: MOFA) 

Middle East

The statement comes as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned recent missile and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia backs Pakistan mediation, calls for restraint

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, has stated that no temporary ceasefire is currently in place with Afghan Taliban. Ambassador Andrabi, on Saturday, clarified that there had only been a time-bound pause lasting three days during Eid. He said, &quot;There is no temporary ceasefire in place. There was only a time barred three days pause at Eid. Which was over at that time.&quot; Meanwhile, earlier, on Saturday, Pakistan rejected what it called &ldquo;one-sided&rdquo; remarks by a British official regarding developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, urging a more balanced and informed understanding of the situation. In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson said comments by the British Special Representative for Afghanistan did not reflect ground realities and lacked a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced along the border. The spokesperson said cross-border aggression and terrorist infiltration attempts from the Afghan side have continued despite Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;goodwill gesture&rdquo; of a temporary pause announced in March 2026. He added that since then, attacks by the Afghan Taliban and activities by their &ldquo;supported proxies&rdquo; inside Pakistan have resulted in the deaths of 52 civilians and injuries to 84 others.

Says, 'There is no temporary ceasefire in place. There was only a time barred three days pause at Eid. Which was over at that time.'

Pakistan says 'no temporary ceasefire in place' with Afghan Taliban

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a second consecutive month of improving security indicators in April, with terrorist attacks and related casualties falling sharply, according to new figures released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. The Islamabad-based research and monitoring organization, which tracks conflict and terrorism trends across Pakistan, reported 85 verified terrorist attacks in April, down from 146 in March, marking a 42% decline. Fatalities from terrorist attacks also dropped significantly, from 106 in March to 60 in April, extending a downward trend that began in March, when overall violence-related deaths had already fallen by 35%. The report comes as Pakistan continues to assess the impact of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, its cross-border military campaign launched in late February against terrorist infrastructure and support networks operating from Afghan territory. Pakistani officials have repeatedly said the operation, combined with intensified domestic security measures, has reduced the operational capacity of terrorist groups and contributed to a broader decline in violence. According to PICSS, total combat-related deaths in April stood at 291, including those killed in terrorist attacks and security operations. The report said 224 terrorists were killed in security operations during the month, accounting for 77% of all combat-related deaths. That figure remains close to March&rsquo;s total of 228 terrorists killed, reflecting what PICSS described as sustained operational pressure by security forces. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces for foiling two recent infiltration attempts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Mohmand and North Waziristan, where the military said 13 terrorists linked to &ldquo;Fitna al-Khawarij&rdquo; were killed. Sharif said the operations reflected the professionalism of the armed forces in preventing cross-border infiltration and protecting national security. &ldquo;We will continue the fight against the scourge of terrorism until it is completely eradicated from the country,&rdquo; Sharif said in a statement, referring to the military operations that thwarted the infiltration attempts. &ldquo;The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with our brave armed forces in the unwavering resolve to defend our homeland,&rdquo; he added. In total, according to the PICSS report, security forces have killed 988 terrorists in the first four months of 2026. Losses among security forces also declined sharply, dropping from 59 in March to 28 in April. A 53% reduction. Civilian deaths remained largely stable at 37, compared to 39 in March. The report said overall injuries fell from 210 in March to 131 in April, a 38% decline. Civilian injuries dropped from 98 to 54, while injuries among terrorists declined from 57 to 31. Injuries among security personnel fell slightly from 48 to 46. The highest concentration of terrorist activity remained in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, though both regions recorded improvements. In northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa&rsquo;s tribal districts, attacks fell by 40%, while deaths linked to those attacks dropped by 82%, according to the report. At the same time, security forces intensified operations there, killing 120 terrorists, up sharply from 24 in March. Southwestern Balochistan province also recorded a 69% decline in attacks, falling from 59 to 18. Security forces killed 66 terrorists in the province during April. PICSS reported no terrorist attacks in Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir or Islamabad during the month. However, intelligence-based operations in those regions led to multiple arrests. The report noted that while terrorist groups continue to carry out attacks, their operational effectiveness appears to be declining under sustained military and law enforcement pressure.

PM Sharif commends security forces for foiling cross-border infiltration attempts as a new PICSS report shows terrorist attacks and casualties declined for a second straight month, reflecting sustained operational pressure across Pakistan.

Pakistan records second straight drop in terrorist violence: Report

Ibrahim Babakhel

ISLAMABAD: The family and associates of former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan have no information about his condition or whereabouts, his aide said Thursday, after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters, raising fears over whether he is alive, in custody, or among activists reportedly thrown into the sea during the &ldquo;illegal raid.&rdquo;&nbsp;Khan was among 211 activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a 58-vessel humanitarian convoy attempting to challenge Israel&rsquo;s blockade on Gaza, according to organizers.&nbsp;The flotilla says it was intercepted by Israeli naval forces near the Greek island of Crete early Thursday.&nbsp;The incident comes as Israel&rsquo;s war on Gaza continues to draw international scrutiny over the humanitarian toll and restrictions on aid entering the besieged enclave.&nbsp;Activist flotillas have increasingly emerged as symbolic attempts to challenge the blockade and deliver relief supplies directly to Gaza.&nbsp;&ldquo;The flotilla was peacefully sailing in international waters when multiple vessels&rsquo; radio communications were suddenly jammed,&rdquo; the flotilla&rsquo;s ground team said in a statement, describing the boarding as an &ldquo;illegal raid.&rdquo;&nbsp;Organizers said at least 22 vessels were stormed by Israeli forces.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our boats were approached by military speedboats, self-identified as &lsquo;Israel,&rsquo; pointing lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons, ordering participants to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;Khan&rsquo;s spokesperson, Daniyal Abdullah, said communication with the former senator was lost during the operation.&nbsp;&ldquo;As of now, we are not sure about the whereabouts of the former senator,&rdquo; Abdullah told Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp;He said flotilla organizers confirmed that Khan was aboard the vessel Marea, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, but no further information was available.&nbsp;&ldquo;Before the navy boarded the ships, there were multiple drone attacks. That was the last time I heard from him,&rdquo; Abdullah said.&nbsp;Abdullah added that organizers had informed him some activists were allegedly forced overboard during the raid.&nbsp;&ldquo;I have no information whether the former senator was also thrown into the water or not,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The flotilla also alleged that one of its vessels was set on fire during the interception.&nbsp;Khan had previously joined a similar Gaza flotilla last year and was detained by Israeli authorities before being deported.&nbsp;Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has repeatedly called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.&nbsp;According to human rights groups, despite the 2025 ceasefire, Israel has committed over 2,400 documented violations, resulting in 766 fatalities and 2,147 injuries in just five months.

Former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is among 211 activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters near Crete.

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