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Pakistan News

US-Iran ceasefire nears deadline as Islamabad set to host crucial round of talks

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US-Iran ceasefire

Islamabad: The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is nearing its expiration, with just one day remaining before the deadline, while a second round of high-stakes negotiations is likely to begin in Islamabad.

The current truce is set to expire at midnight on April 21, placing urgency on both sides to reach a decision on its extension. Officials indicate that the future of the ceasefire will be determined during upcoming talks between the two countries.

Sources suggest that the second round of negotiations is expected to commence in Islamabad, with a U.S. delegation scheduled to arrive later today. U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that his negotiating team is heading to Pakistan for the discussions.

The talks aim to de-escalate tensions and potentially transform the temporary ceasefire into a long-term peace agreement.

The first round of negotiations, previously held in Islamabad, ended without a final deal but both sides agreed to continue diplomatic engagement.

Meanwhile, stringent security arrangements have been put in place in the federal capital. Movement in the Red Zone has been restricted, and additional personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations, signaling the significance of the anticipated .

Diplomatic efforts by Pakistan continue to intensify, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently holding a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has also engaged with counterparts from multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye, to facilitate dialogue.

While some concerns have been raised by Iran over recent developments, officials remain hopeful that Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives will help bring both sides closer to a lasting resolution.

Security forces kill two militants in Bannu operation

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Security forces

RAWALPINDI: security forces have killed two militants, including a highly wanted ring leader of Fitna al-Khawarij, during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation was launched after receiving reports of militant presence in the area.

During an intense exchange of fire, both militants were neutralized, and a suicide vest, weapons, and ammunition were recovered from their possession.

The statement identified the slain ring leader as Waheedullah alias Mukhtiar, who was involved in multiple terrorist activities and was on the list of most-wanted terrorists. A suicide bomber was also among those killed.

ISPR further stated that Waheedullah was responsible for attacks on security personnel and civilians, and was the main facilitator behind the February 21, 2026 suicide attack in Bannu, in which Lieutenant Colonel Gul Faraz embraced martyrdom.

The military said the operation was carried out to bring the perpetrators to justice and avenge the heinous act. It added that the timely action also thwarted a potential major incident.

Security forces have launched a clearance operation in the area and vowed to continue actions against all militants under ongoing counterterrorism efforts until complete elimination of terrorism.

US-Iran talks second round reportedly expected in Pakistan, claims US media

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US-Iran talks

CNN has reported, citing Iranian sources, that the second round of talks between the United States and Iran is expected to take place on Monday in Pakistan. However, the United States has not officially confirmed the reported schedule.

According to the report, the first round of discussions had already been held in Islamabad, where both sides engaged in preliminary diplomatic engagement.

The US delegation was reportedly led by Vice President JD Vance, along with Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The Iranian delegation was led by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Following the Islamabad talks, both sides reportedly reached preliminary understandings on certain issues and agreed to continue discussions in a follow-up meeting.

Field Marshal Asim Munir concludes 3-day official visit to Iran

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Field Marshal Asim

RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Asim Munir and Mohsin Naqvi have concluded a three-day official visit to Iran along with a high-level delegation, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed that during the visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and held separate meetings with Speaker of the National Assembly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Major General Ali Abdollahi, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters.

During the meetings, Field Marshal Munir emphasized the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and sustained diplomatic engagement for resolving regional issues.

He also expressed gratitude to the Iranian leadership and people for their warm hospitality.

According to ISPR, the army chief conveyed best wishes from the President, Prime Minister, and people of Pakistan, and reiterated the commitment to further strengthen the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.

Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum

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Few issues remain

ANTALYA: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that only a few points remain unresolved in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said Pakistan has been engaged in diplomatic efforts from day one to help resolve the Iran-US dispute.

Dar termed Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks between Iran and the United States after 47 years as a matter of pride, adding that the prolonged conflict has adversely affected regional economy and trade.

He noted that despite a population of around 2 billion, the region’s combined GDP stands at only 4 trillion dollars, highlighting the lack of a structured trade system among regional countries.

Emphasizing the need for greater regional connectivity, he said South Asian countries must work harder to enhance trade ties, adding that Pakistan is ideally positioned as a transshipment hub in the region.

He also welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping following the Lebanon ceasefire, describing it as a positive development.

Dar added that only a few issues remain to be resolved in the US-Iran talks, expressing hope for a breakthrough in the near future.

Trump praises Pakistan’s Leadership for mediation role after Strait of Hormuz reopening

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Trump praises

Trump praises Pakistan’s Leadership for mediation role after Strait of Hormuz reopening

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has lauded Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their “excellent role” in mediation efforts following Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you Pakistan, thank you to its Prime Minister and Field Marshal both great personalities.”

In a separate post, Trump also thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for their “great courage and support” in helping maintain regional stability.

The development comes after Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in the context of the Lebanon ceasefire.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media that all commercial shipping through the strategic waterway would remain fully open for the duration of the ceasefire.

The move is being seen as a key step toward easing regional tensions and restoring confidence in global trade and energy supply routes.

PM Shehbaz approves Rs 32.12 per litre reduction in diesel price

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a reduction of Rs 32.12 per litre in the price of diesel, providing relief to consumers.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the price of diesel has been reduced from Rs 385.54 per litre to Rs 353.43 per litre following the approval.

The prime minister said that the impact of the reduction in petroleum prices will be passed on to the public as quickly as possible.

Sources in the Petroleum Division said that it has been decided to keep petrol prices unchanged for now.

8 dead as gas pipeline blast triggers fire in Haripur industrial area

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8 dead

Haripur: A tragic fire broke out after a gas pipeline explosion at the Hattar Industrial Estate in Haripur, leaving at least eight people dead and eight others injured, officials confirmed.

According to District Police Officer Shafiullah Gandapur, the victims and injured all belonged to the same family. He said the fire erupted after a gas pipeline burst in the industrial zone, causing widespread damage.

Emergency response teams from five districts participated in firefighting operations, with police also assisting Rescue 1122 personnel in relief and rescue efforts.

Authorities said five bodies were shifted to Kot Najibullah Hospital, while three others were taken to the trauma centre for further procedures.

Investigations into the cause of the pipeline explosion are underway, officials added.

PM Shehbaz arrives in Antalya for third phase of peace mission

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PM Shehbaz

Antalya: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in the Turkish city of Antalya as part of the third phase of Pakistan’s ongoing peace mission.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin warmly received the premier and the Pakistani delegation at the airport.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Yousaf Junaid and other senior diplomatic officials were also present on the occasion.

The prime minister is scheduled to attend the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he will participate in the “Leaders Panel” and present Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global issues.

On the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other world leaders.

The Pakistani delegation accompanying the prime minister includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and spokesperson for international media Musharraf Zaidi.

Earlier, during his visit to Qatar, the prime minister met Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, where both sides discussed the regional situation and emphasized the importance of de-escalation and dialogue for peace and stability.

The premier also condemned recent attacks on Qatar and other Gulf countries.

In the first phase of his peace mission, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks in Jeddah with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, briefing him on developments related to US-Iran ceasefire efforts and Islamabad negotiations. The Saudi leadership appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace in the region.

COAS Asim Munir visits Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya HQ

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COAS Asim

Tehran: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, where he was received by Commander Major General Ali Abdollahi, according to Iranian media.

During his visit, the Pakistani military chief also held a meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, where both sides discussed key regional issues and matters of mutual interest.

Earlier, upon his arrival in Tehran, Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi thanked Pakistan for hosting and facilitating ongoing negotiations, emphasizing the shared commitment of both countries to promote peace and stability in the region.

He welcomed the Pakistani military chief and expressed confidence in continued cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to support mediation initiatives between the United States and Iran and to help remove obstacles in achieving a lasting ceasefire.