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.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan intercepted and shot down drones launched from Afghanistan over Islamabad, senior security officials said, as authorities temporarily suspended passenger flights at the capital’s airport as a precautionary step to ensure public safety.
As per the security officials, the drones were successfully destroyed on Friday in Islamabad.
As part of security measures, flight operations at Islamabad International Airport were temporarily suspended to ensure passenger safety, the officials said.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s security forces also shot down two drones in Kohat district of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the officials added.
Sources said Pakistan’s air defence system successfully intercepted and destroyed two Afghan drones near the Rawalpindi–Islamabad interception in the I-8 sector of the federal capital.
Authorities temporarily suspended flights at Islamabad International Airport for a short period to ensure public safety.
Pakistan’s precision strikes against terrorists
Earlier today, Pakistan said it had conducted “precision strikes” against terrorist infrastructure inside Afghanistan.
Since last month, Pakistan has launched Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, targeting sanctuaries of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a terrorist group responsible for attacks in Pakistan.
A Pakistani security official confirmed on Friday that the strikes were carried out last night, destroying “four key locations,” including the infrastructure of a corps headquarters and an ammunition dump in Kabul, a terrorist training camp in Kandahar, an oil storage facility in Kandahar, and a militant camp in Paktia.
“The message is clear: no let-up, no negotiations, and no delegation sent by Pakistan,” the official said.
“There is just one consistent demand from the Afghan Taliban regime: stop supporting terrorists and harbouring terrorist leadership or face the consequences.”
ISLAMABAD: Police detained multiple women’s rights activists, among them Aurat March members, as they prepared to hold a rally for International Women’s Day on Sunday in Islamabad.
According to the police, 14 people — including 11 women and three men — were taken into custody in Sector F-6 while participating in the march. Authorities said the group included both organisers and participants of the demonstration.
The detained included prominent activist Dr Farzana Bari, along with other Aurat March organisers and participants. Police confirmed. The police argued that the activists were arrested under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) imposed in the federal capital.
The gathering was an “illegal activity” and the district administration had denied a no-objection certificate (NOC) to Aurat March, the police sources added. Aurat March Islamabad also shared a video on their official Instagram account, showing Bari and other women sitting inside what appeared to be a police vehicle.
Civil society members and activists reacted to the detentions, expressing concern over the restrictions placed on the demonstration. The Aurat March is organised annually by women’s rights groups to highlight the issues like gender equality, workplace rights and protection from violence against women in Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: Information Minister of Pakistan Attaullah Tarar said Monday that 435 Afghan Taliban militants were eliminated during the continuing military operation, Ghazb lil Haq.
In a post on X, Tarar shared an update on March 2 detailing what he described as significant losses inflicted on Afghan Taliban positions inside Afghanistan.
According to the minister, Islamabad continues retaliatory action after cross-border attacks by terrorists and Afghan forces.
The minister highlighted that more than 630 terrorists have been injured since the start of the operation. He added that security forces have destroyed 188 check posts and captured 31 positions during coordinated ground and aerial engagements.
The update further stated that 188 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces have been destroyed. Additionally, 51 locations across Afghanistan were struck through precision air operations.
Operation Ghazb lil Haq was launched following an unprovoked Taliban attack from across the border. Officials said the operation remains ongoing and is focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure posing a threat to Pakistan’s security.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had earlier said in Kabul that the authorities were ready to resolve the crisis through dialogue.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan want to resolve this matter through dialogue,” Mujahid said.
Pakistan described the operation as an “immediate and effective” response to terrorist attacks originating from across the border.
The latest escalation follows years of strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of supporting “anti-Pakistan terrorists” who it blames for carrying out suicide attacks in Pakistan.
This is a claim disputed by the Taliban government, which has repeatedly said the territory of Afghanistan is not being used to threaten the security of other countries.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the importance of avoiding further regional escalation and paving the way for renewed diplomatic engagement, the APP reported.
He held a telephonic conversation with Sultan of Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq today.
The two leaders discussed the prevailing regional situation that aggravated after Israel’s attack on Iran and subsequent hostilities that endangered the peace and security of the entire region.
Mr Sharif stated the escalation took place at a time when diplomatic efforts were underway to reduce US-Iran tensions, facilitated by Oman.
He said the attacks have not only derailed the delicate diplomatic process, but also undermined efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the region.
While conveying his deep appreciation for Oman’s mediatory role, the Prime Minister commended Muscat’s constructive efforts in facilitating dialogue and building trust among regional and international stakeholders.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring calm and ensuring lasting regional stability.
ISLAMABAD: The live transmission of Geo News was hacked on Sunday night, during which a subversive message was broadcast on screen.
The management of Geo News said in a statement that for the past 24 hours, attempts were being made to hack the channel — which was on the communication satellite PAKSAT — and disrupt its broadcast.
The management further stated that for some time now, the channel had been facing continuous disruptions.
“Geo News’ screen was hacked to display an inappropriate message,” the statement said, adding that the situation had nothing to do with the channel.
It urged authorities to take immediate notice of the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
