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Pakistan

Pakistan rejects claims of abandoning Iran-US mediation efforts

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Pakistan rejects

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan rejected suggestions that it has stepped back from efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, saying its diplomatic engagement remains active despite renewed hostilities between the two countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, speaking at a weekly news briefing, said Pakistan continues to believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to resolving disputes.

He stressed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains a valid and effective framework for restoring peace once tensions subside.

Andrabi said Pakistan’s position has remained consistent throughout the crisis, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states while condemning armed attacks.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations, adding that the Islamabad MoU, together with the Pakistan-Qatar joint communiqué issued on June 22, provides a practical roadmap for resuming technical-level talks.

The spokesperson also voiced concern over the impact of renewed regional tensions on global energy markets, trade and food security. He called for the early restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of ensuring freedom, safety and security of maritime navigation for uninterrupted trade and energy supplies.

Andrabi said Pakistan remains in close diplomatic contact with key regional countries to help reduce tensions.

He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the regional situation with the Emir of Qatar and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 10, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue.

The spokesperson also confirmed that trade negotiations between Pakistan and the United States are continuing, describing recent discussions as constructive.

He said both sides had made progress on several issues aimed at expanding bilateral trade, diversifying Pakistani exports and strengthening economic cooperation, adding that communication channels between the two countries remain open.

Pakistan to make historic Miss World debut

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Pakistan to make

LAHORE: Pakistan will officially participate in the Miss World pageant for the first time in the competition’s 73-year history, with Aneeqa Jamal Iqbal selected to represent the country at Miss World 2026.

Aneeqa Jamal Iqbal was crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026 during a ceremony held at a hotel in Lahore. The crown was presented by Dr. Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, in the presence of Mr. Pakistan World Attaullah Gujar.

The Miss Pakistan World Organization, established in 2002, said Pakistan’s debut at Miss World marks a significant milestone for the country’s participation in international beauty pageants.

Organization President Sonia Ahmed said the achievement reflects the growing presence of Pakistani women on global platforms.

While Pakistani contestants have previously competed in international pageants, including Miss Earth, Miss Supranational, Miss International, Miss Grand International and Miss Universe, this will be Pakistan’s first official participation in the Miss World competition.

In 2023, Erica Robin became the first Pakistani contestant to compete in the main Miss Universe pageant, followed by other Pakistani representatives in international beauty competitions. Pakistan’s entry into Miss World adds another milestone to the country’s expanding presence in global pageantry.

PM Shehbaz accuses eastern neighbor of backing terrorism in Pakistan

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PM Shehbaz

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor is involved in terrorism inside the country, vowing that the government and military would jointly eliminate the militant threat.

Chairing a provincial Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan in Quetta, the prime minister said recent terrorist attacks had claimed the lives of police personnel, members of the armed forces and civilians.

The meeting was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the governor and chief minister of Balochistan, as well as federal ministers.

Sharif said security forces had killed 54 militants in recent operations, adding that the campaign would continue until the last militant was eliminated and that the state would thwart their objectives.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, saying the entire nation stands behind its military.

The prime minister alleged that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor was playing a significant role in fueling terrorism by providing militants with weapons, financial support and other assistance. He also claimed that militants were using Afghan territory to launch attacks in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Sharif said Pakistan’s political and military leadership remained united and fully committed to eradicating terrorism, pledging to employ all available resources to eliminate the militant threat.

Erdogan, Sharif pledge enduring Pakistan-Türkiye partnership

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Erdogan

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye and Pakistan will “always stand by each other” during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Friday, as both leaders pledged deeper cooperation in trade, investment and regional affairs.

Welcoming Sharif and his delegation, Erdogan said the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues, expressing satisfaction with the current pace of ties between Ankara and Islamabad.

“We always stand by each other,” Erdogan said, adding that discussions also focused on expanding trade, investment and broader economic cooperation, including coordination on special economic zones between relevant ministries.

He said Türkiye would continue supporting efforts aimed at peace and prosperity and described an “Islamabad memorandum” as important for global stability. Erdogan also praised Pakistan’s initiatives for peace, development and regional cooperation.

During the briefing, Erdogan also accused Israel of attempting to undermine a U.S.-Iran understanding, warning that such actions threaten regional security.

Sharif, in his remarks, thanked Erdogan for the warm welcome and said Pakistan and Türkiye share a deep emotional and historic bond.

He noted that Türkiye had consistently supported Pakistan during wars and natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes.

The Pakistani prime minister also expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s assistance in disaster-hit areas of Pakistan and said both countries are committed to expanding trade to a target of $5 billion.

Sharif said discussions also covered investment opportunities in special economic zones and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Türkiye’s position on Cyprus while acknowledging Ankara’s support on the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan likely to name 16-player test squad for West Indies, England tours

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan is expected to announce a 16-player Test squad for its upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the selection process.

The reports said selectors had initially considered naming a 17-member squad but are now leaning toward a 16-player roster.

Under the revised plan, one batter could be omitted from the squad.

According to the reports, Saud Shakeel is unlikely to be included for the West Indies leg of the tour. However, selectors are reportedly considering adding him to the squad for the three-Test series in England.

Consultations over the final composition of the squad are continuing, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to announce the Test squad in the coming days.

The PCB has not officially confirmed the squad or the reported selection plans.

Pakistan, China reaffirm support for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter and pledged to continue close cooperation in support of dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and promoting lasting peace.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which he congratulated China on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The two leaders discussed the Iran-U.S. peace process, including the first round of high-level talks held in the Swiss city of Bürgenstock with the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar.

Dar briefed Wang on the outcomes of the talks, saying that a high-level committee had been established in Islamabad to oversee the mediation process under a recently signed memorandum of understanding.

He said three working groups had also been formed to address issues related to the nuclear program, sanctions, monitoring mechanisms and dispute resolution, with the goal of facilitating a final agreement between the parties within 60 days.

Dar praised China’s continued support for the peace process and highlighted the importance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal and the joint Pakistan-China five-point peace initiative.

Wang congratulated Pakistan on the successful facilitation of the talks and the signing of the memorandum of understanding, commending Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, mediation role and continued engagement in support of regional peace and stability.

Reaffirming China’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, Wang said disputes must be resolved peacefully in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Both ministers pledged to maintain close coordination in encouraging a negotiated settlement between the parties, with the aim of achieving a lasting reduction in tensions, sustainable peace, shared development and mutual prosperity.

FIH issues unconditional apology to Pakistan over incorrect flag display

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FIH issues

ISLAMABAD: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has issued an unconditional apology to the Pakistan Hockey Federation after Pakistan’s national flag was incorrectly displayed before a Pro League match against India in London.

In a letter addressed to Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani, FIH Pro League Director Hilary Atkinson expressed deep regret over the incident, which occurred during the national anthem ceremony before the match. The Pakistani flag displayed at the venue omitted the white stripe, an integral part of the country’s national flag.

Atkinson said a national flag represents a team’s identity, pride and heritage, and acknowledged that the error had caused distress to the Pakistan team, its supporters, the Pakistani public and the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

She accepted full responsibility for the incident, describing it as an administrative error, and offered an unconditional apology.

“At the FIH, we deeply regret the mistake and the hurt it caused,” the letter said.

Atkinson said the organization would conduct a comprehensive review of its administrative and operational procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that the identity and dignity of participating nations are properly respected.

The FIH also praised the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the national team for their participation in the Pro League, saying that maintaining professionalism and respect toward all teams remains one of its top priorities.

The incident sparked criticism on social media and within hockey circles, with many questioning how such a mistake went unnoticed at an international event. Some critics also questioned why Pakistan’s team management failed to identify the error before the ceremony began.

Pakistan, Iran hold high-level talks in Islamabad

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held separate meetings with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the two sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional peace.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Zardari and Pezeshkian discussed bilateral relations, regional connectivity and economic cooperation. The leaders reiterated their resolve to deepen Pakistan-Iran relations and work jointly for peace and stability in the region.

Welcoming Pezeshkian on his first visit to Pakistan following the recent conflict, Zardari said the trip reflected the two countries’ commitment to standing by each other in times of both joy and adversity. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Zardari congratulated the Iranian president on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and expressed hope that technical-level negotiations would lead to lasting peace. He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently opposed unilateral actions and supported dialogue as a means of resolving regional and global challenges.

The Pakistani president also stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim world and underscored the significance of maintaining strong brotherly relations with Gulf countries.

According to the statement, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its positive and constructive efforts to promote peace and dialogue and appreciated Islamabad’s support during recent difficult circumstances.

The Iranian president said Tehran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and seeks to expand cooperation in political, economic, security and regional affairs.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with Pezeshkian, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the meeting, while delegation-level talks between the two countries were also scheduled.

Pakistan and Iran pledge closer cooperation on regional issues

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:  Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, with the two leaders discussing regional developments and peace initiatives, according to Pakistan’s military.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the meeting focused on efforts to promote regional stability and reduce tensions.

President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role” in fostering dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability. He also acknowledged Islamabad’s continued efforts to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes and promote understanding among regional stakeholders.

Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to peace and stability in the region, the statement said.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of promoting peace, prosperity and stability across the region.

The meeting took place during Pezeshkian’s one-day visit to Pakistan.

The Iranian president was received at Nur Khan Air Base by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

Gold prices in Pakistan fall by more than Rs10,000 per tola

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Gold prices

KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan recorded a sharp decline on Tuesday, with the price of the precious metal falling by more than Rs10,000 per tola, according to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association.

The association said the price of 24-karat gold dropped by Rs10,400 per tola to Rs432,236.

The price of 10 grams of gold also declined, falling by Rs9,360 to Rs368,985.

The decline mirrored losses in international markets, where gold prices fell by $104 to $4,098 per ounce.

Gold prices in Pakistan are closely linked to movements in global markets and fluctuations in the value of the Pakistani rupee.