ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday predicted a rain alert for Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) from April 12 to 17.
As per the NDMA advisory, intermittent rain was expected in Punjab, K-P, Azad Kashmir and G-B, accompanied by thunderstorms, dust storms, and strong winds, with chances of hailstorms at isolated spots.
It further added that rainfall is expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali, and Mandi Bahauddin.
The NDMA also stated that snowfall was also expected in the mountainous areas of G-B, Azad Kashmir, and K-P over the next week.
It also said that in K-P, various districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur, are likely to get rain with thunderstorms. Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan may also witness rain accompanied by strong winds.
“strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms may damage weak structures, trees and power lines. Rainfall could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in upper areas may affect movement,” The NDMA warned.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has left for the United States to participate in the World Bank Group–International Monetary Fund (IMF) spring meetings 2026, where he is set to engage international financial leaders, policymakers and investors in a packed schedule of over 50 meetings, the Pakistani finance ministry said on Saturday.
According to the finance ministry, the IMF-World Bank spring meetings, scheduled to be held in Washington on April 13-18, will bring together central bankers, finance ministers and private sector leaders to discuss the global economy and financial stability, featuring seminars, briefings and plenary sessions, including the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC).
Mr Aurangzeb’s visit includes discussions with officials from the US administration, including the State Department and the Treasury, as well as a meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to strengthen economic cooperation and support reform initiatives of Pakistan.
Among important multilateral engagements, Aurangzeb will attend the G-24 finance ministers’ meeting and the coalition of finance ministers for climate action, and attend the policy dialogues on global economic stability, climate finance and financial reforms.
The finance ministry further added the visit highlights Pakistan’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, structural reforms and strengthening partnerships with international financial institutions and global stakeholders to achieve “sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met US Vice President JD Vance, along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad.
According to the prime minister office, he was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
“Commending the commitment of both delegations to engage constructively, the prime minister expressed the hope that these talks would serve as a stepping stone toward durable peace in the region,” read the statement.
The PM reiterated that Pakistan would continue to facilitate efforts by both sides to make progress towards a sustainable resolution of the conflict.
“A temporary ceasefire has been announced, but now an even more difficult stage lies ahead: the stage of achieving a lasting ceasefire, of resolving complicated issues through negotiations,” PM Shehbaz Sharif stated.
“This is that stage which, in English, is called the equivalent of ‘make or break.’”
Mr Sharif added leaders from both countries were attending at Pakistan’s invitation and pledged that his government would “make every possible effort to make these talks successful”.
“In response to my sincere invitation, the leaders of both countries are coming to Islamabad. There, negotiations will be held for the establishment of peace,” he said in an address to the nation.
The PM was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
The talks, which is being hosted by Islamabad, would be the first direct high-level engagement between Washington and Tehran since 1979.
Tehran and the United States are holding talks in Islamabad under heavy security, as part of efforts to build on a fragile two-week ceasefire.
Earlier, Iranian’s officials arrived in Pakistan early Saturday to participate in important talks with the United States, aimed at securing a lasting solution of their ongoing war.
The 14-member delegation led by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, former IRGC commander Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr and others.
Also, the US voice president JD Vance and his delegation arrived Islamabad under tight security arrangements ahead of the talks. The delegation includes Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have extended their heartfelt greetings to Christians around the world and in Pakistan.
they made the remarks in their messages issued on the occasion of Easter as the Christian community is celebrating Easte across Pakistan with religious devotion, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“I also extend my best wishes of traditional festivities of Easter to all citizens,” the PM stated in a statement.
“The Christian community in Pakistan is rendering commendable and admirable services across all professional fields and continues to play an active and invaluable role in the country’s economic and social development.” He highlighted.
The premier Shehbaz affirmed that ensuring the protection of the religious, economic and educational rights of all citizens, especially minorities, remains a key priority of the government.
The PM stressed that sincere efforts of all segments of society are crucial for national unity and for achieving the goal of a welfare state, noting that religious harmony and a multicultural society reflected “our diversity as a nation”.
President praises Christian community’s role
President Zardari in his message on X, stated the day symbolised compassion, hope, renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of good over evil. He also admired the role of the Christian community across Pakistan, stating their contributions are integral to society and deserve recognition and respect.
“In Pakistan, these values are not abstract. They are reflected in everyday life. Christian men and women serve in our schools, hospitals, public services and armed forces,” the president underscored.
NA speaker greets to Christians on Easter
On the joyous occasion of Easter, Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also has extended heartfelt greetings to the members of Parliament belonging to the Christian community and entire Christian community in Pakistan.
The speaker stated that Easter conveys a universal message of love, hope and peace.
“The Christian community residing in Pakistan is playing a key role in the country’s development and progress.” he acknowledged.
Ayaz Sadiq stressed that religious festivals serve as an essential means to promote interfaith harmony, mutual respect and brotherhood.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday announced a massive increase in petrol and diesel prices, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising global energy costs.
While addressing a press conference along with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the petroleum minister stated the price of petrol was being increased to Rs458.41 per litre and that of high-speed diesel to Rs520.35 per litre.
“The new petrol price has been fixed at Rs458.41 per litre, marking a rise of Rs137.23 per litre. Diesel will now cost Rs520.35 per litre, up by Rs184.49 per litre,” announced the minister.
authorities attributed the hike to unprecedented volatility in global energy markets and mounting economic pressures.
Aurangzeb said a committee formed on the prime minister’s directive had been reviewing prices over the past four weeks before approving the increase.
To provide relief to lower-income groups, the government announced a three-month subsidy of Rs100 per litre for motorcyclists. The measure aims to ease the burden on daily commuters amid soaring fuel costs.
Petroleum Minister Malik said the government was compelled to take “difficult but responsible decisions” in the current circumstances. He noted that crude oil and diesel prices had risen to record levels internationally, leaving limited room for domestic adjustment.
He added that the government had already extended Rs129 billion in subsidies but was now shifting from broad-based relief to targeted support for vulnerable segments.
Malik said austerity measures were also being implemented, including restricting the use of official vehicles, to manage fiscal challenges.
He stressed the need for national unity, adding that all decisions were being taken in the country’s broader interest.
ISLAMABAD: Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Saturday said the government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and two ships will cross the strait daily.
He announced the move on Saturday, posting on X that two ships would cross daily under the arrangement.
“This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation. It is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region. This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction,” he added.
He described Iran’s decision as “a harbinger of peace”, which could help restore stability to a region on the edge, hailing it as a “welcome and constructive gesture”.
Notably, he addressed his post directly to US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi, a signal that Islamabad, which is engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the war, views the deal as far more than a bilateral shipping agreement.
Pakistan has taken centre-stage in a process to mediate between the US and Iran, being carried out in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo.
Today, Islamabad will also be hosting the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt for “in-depth discussions” on a variety of issues, including efforts to reduce the ongoing tensions in the region amid the war on Iran.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan intensified its diplomatic outreach to ease tensions in the Middle East as Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for an official visit.
According to the sources, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Egyptian top diplomat is visiting Pakistan During the visit,
Dr. Badr Abdelatty will hold consultations on regional developments and call on the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The visit reflects the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Egypt and their continued coordination on regional and international issues, according to the Foreign Office.
Islamabad will host high-level talks starting Sunday with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt as part of intensifying diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing war in the Middle East, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud; Turkiye’s Hakan Fidan are scheduled to visit Islamabad from March 29 to 30.
During the visit, the ministers will hold in-depth consultations on a range of regional and international issues, with a particular focus on efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
The visiting dignitaries will also meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with the three countries, describing them as “brotherly nations,” and noted that the visit would help strengthen cooperation and coordination on matters of mutual interest.
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a key diplomatic facilitator amid the ongoing conflict, maintaining channels with both Iran and the United States.
Islamabad has played a role in relaying messages between the two sides as tensions continue, leveraging its ties with Tehran and its close relationships with Gulf states.
ISLAMABAD: A plantation event was organised by Pak-EPA Islamabad in collaboration with Zong Telecom on Thursday in Islamabad.
Addressing a plantation ceremony at Shakarparian, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik announced the campaign would continue for at least one to two months, covering multiple locations across the city.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to plant 10 trees for every one cut in Islamabad, adding that implementation of the pledge had now begun in practical terms. He invited the media and the public to observe the plantation activities and independently assess progress on the government’s commitments.
Dr Musadik Malik added rising temperatures, increasing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases were intensifying extreme weather events, including floods and accelerated glacier melt. “Trees are essential for maintaining ecological balance as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen,” he said.
The federal minister emphasised that forests play a critical role in slowing down climate change by acting as natural carbon sinks, while also helping mitigate its adverse environmental, social and economic impacts. Trees, he noted, reduce the intensity of floods by enhancing water absorption, stabilise soil, prevent land erosion and lessen the damaging effects of strong winds during stormy weather conditions.
The minister said increasing tree cover also contributes to improving the livability of cities by lowering urban temperatures, reducing air pollution and creating healthier environments for residents. “Urban forestry is not just an environmental priority but a public health and quality-of-life imperative,” he added.
He noted that trees planted in earlier drives were being protected and had shown healthy growth, terming it a positive indicator of continuity and seriousness in government efforts.
Emphasising public participation, he stressed that awareness and community engagement, particularly among young people, were critical for building a culture of environmental responsibility. He appreciated schoolchildren for actively taking part in plantation activities, calling their involvement “encouraging and vital for the future.”
Recognising the role of the media, the minister said it had played a powerful part in sensitising the public about the importance of forests and their community-based protection and conservation. He urged media organisations to further step up awareness efforts, particularly on tree plantation and fuel-saving practices for the general public.
Malik also highlighted that fuel conservation under the government’s austerity policy would contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, underscoring the link between economic discipline and environmental benefits.
Calling for a whole-of-society approach, the minister underscored the importance of active participation by communities, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the corporate sector in tree plantation campaigns, as well as in the protection and conservation of forest resources. He said such collective efforts were essential to support the government’s drive to increase national tree cover.
He further reaffirmed the present government’s commitment to the protection and conservation of forest resources, stating that these efforts were essential to achieving broader goals of environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
Minister for Forests Sardar Javed Ayoub and senior forest department officials were also present on the occasion and briefed the prime minister on the ongoing drive, its targets and progress.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing its 86th Pakistan Day on Monday with traditional enthusiasm nationwide, though celebrations are being marked with simplicity.
This year’s observances exclude parades and large public events, with only flag-hoisting ceremonies being held.
The day began with a 21-gun salute in Lahore and Peshawar, where soldiers raised slogans of ‘Allahu Akbar,’ ‘Pakistan Zindabad’, and ‘Pak Army Zindabad.’
On the occasion, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan Day underscores the importance of unity in strengthening the nation.
The president said the country has made its defence capability invincible, acquired nuclear capability, and fought a long and successful unconventional war against terrorism.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed concern over recent tensions in the Middle East and said Pakistan, as a responsible state, is pursuing balanced and active diplomacy.
He added that despite challenges, the country’s economy is on a path of sustainable development, with positive indicators reflecting the right direction.
PM said the armed forces had given a befitting response to the enemy in Operation Bunyan Al-Marsoos and paid tribute to soldiers and law enforcement personnel.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of occupied Kashmir.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, March 23, 1947, reflects national resolve marked by faith, hope and perseverance, adding that Pakistan is progressing on a path of development under democracy.
The statement said the fight against terrorism and extremism is ongoing, and that the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and the public remain united.
Separately, a Change of Guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore, where a Pakistan Air Force contingent assumed guard duty.
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Shahid Afzal attended the ceremony as the chief guest and recorded his impressions in the guest book.
Also, the armed forces leadership, including Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Zaheer Babar, congratulated the nation.
ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the National Rahmatul lil Aalameen wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority Khurshid Ahmad Nadeem has said on Saturday that Islamophobia has become a deeply sensitive and alarming issue for Muslims in the contemporary world.
He shared these views while addressing a ceremony held on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, He noted that it is a positive development that the international community, including the United Nations, has recognized the seriousness of this issue and emphasized the need for measures to address it.
Policymakers, scholars, and intellectual circles across the world are increasingly realizing that Islamophobia is not only a problem for Muslims but also a dangerous trend that can promote hatred, division, and intolerance within societies.
He emphasised that the core teachings of Islam are based on peace, justice and respect for humanity.
The life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم provide a universal example of coexistence, dialogue and mutual respect among followers of different religions and cultures.
Therefore, he said, Islamophobia should be addressed not through hostility or reaction, but through knowledge, dialogue, and a deeper and more accurate understanding of Islam.
Mr Nadeem further stated that in the present global environment, it has become essential to address religious prejudices and misconceptions.
If the world seeks to become more peaceful and harmonious, it must seriously confront and correct the negative perceptions that are being spread about religions.
He said that it is not merely a matter of prejudice against a particular religion, but a phenomenon whose consequences can extend to global peace, social harmony and interfaith relations.
He added that the National Rahmatul lil Aalameen wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority will continue its efforts, in light of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, to promote tolerance, dialogue and respect for humanity, so that the message of peace, moderation, and mutual respect may reach people around the world.
