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PM Shehbaz arrives in Antalya for third phase of peace mission

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.

PM Shehbaz meets Saudi Crown Prince, discusses regional stability and bilateral ties

PM Shehbaz

Jeddah: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on ongoing Iran–U.S. negotiations and emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the region.

Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia expressed their resolve to further deepen cooperation across political, economic, and strategic domains.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was also present during the meeting, reflecting the significance of the engagement.

Prime Minister Sharif arrived in Jeddah on an official visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation. Upon arrival, he was warmly received by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Saudi Arabia and coordinating closely on key regional and international issues.

PM Shehbaz briefs President Zardari on US-Iran talks

PM Shehbaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and took him into confidence on all aspects of the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

During the meeting, the prime minister provided a detailed briefing on various stages of the talks and shared progress achieved through Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He also informed the president about his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

President Zardari noted that conflicts have far-reaching impacts on regional stability as well as global security, economy, and politics.

He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the US-Iran dialogue and commended the contributions of the prime minister, the Field Marshal, and other state institutions.

He said Pakistan has further strengthened its position as a responsible and key state and has reinforced its image as a peace-loving nation on the global stage.

The president emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the United States, Iran, and other regional and global powers, stating that sustained diplomatic contacts are essential to ensure continuity of the peace process and promote regional harmony.

PM Shehbaz meets US Vice President JD Vance, discusses regional peace

PM Shehbaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, during which both sides discussed bilateral relations and key regional issues.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was also attended by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner from the US side, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accompanied the prime minister.

Discussions focused on regional peace, stability, and prospects for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Both sides agreed to work together for promoting peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting, the prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue its efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

The White House also confirmed the meeting, highlighting its significance in the context of ongoing diplomatic engagements.

The prime minister appreciated the constructive participation of US and Iranian delegations in the Islamabad talks, expressing hope that the negotiations would prove to be a key step toward sustainable and lasting peace.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, stating that continued engagement would help build trust and cooperation between the parties involved.

PM Shehbaz tasks IB to monitor government austerity drive

PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assigned the Intelligence Bureau (IB) the task of overseeing the implementation of the government’s austerity campaign.

According to an official notification, the IB will monitor compliance with the austerity measures across federal ministries, divisions, and autonomous institutions.

The notification further stated that the bureau will also supervise the implementation of the austerity campaign in the secretariats of the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Senate of Pakistan.

Under the directive, the IB will submit weekly reports on the progress of the government’s austerity measures to the prime minister and the relevant committee.

The prime minister has instructed authorities to ensure 100 percent implementation of the national austerity campaign.

Earlier, while chairing a meeting to review relief measures for the public, Shehbaz Sharif said that economic stability and public relief remain the government’s top priorities.

He added that due to timely decisions by the government, the country currently has an adequate supply of petroleum products, while nationwide measures to promote savings and austerity have already been implemented and further steps are underway.

PM Shehbaz to attend Gaza Peace Board meeting

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the Gaza Peace Board meeting, accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to the Foreign Office.

Speaking at the weekly news briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that the Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation and will meet former US President Donald Trump during his visit to the United States.

The spokesperson further noted that Pakistan has shared evidence of ISIS presence in Afghanistan with international partners, highlighting that the mastermind behind recent attacks is operating from Afghanistan. He emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself.

Regarding India, the Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan has requested details about the construction of new dams and urged India to avoid unilateral actions. Andrabi reiterated that India is bound to honor the Indus Waters Treaty.

On cricket, the spokesperson claimed that India intends to use the sport as a political tool against Pakistan and that the decision to avoid playing against India was aimed at preventing cricket from being weaponized.

PM Shehbaz, WB President praise cooperation across multiple sectors

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with World Bank President Ajay Banga, who is on his first official visit to Pakistan in his capacity as head of the global financial institution.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed Ajay Banga and appreciated the World Bank’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic growth and reform agenda.

 He said the government is implementing a comprehensive reform program tailored to national needs, with a strong focus on sustainable and inclusive economic development.

The prime minister emphasized that the government remains committed to wide-ranging administrative reforms aimed at promoting job-led economic growth.

He also acknowledged the World Bank’s assistance in key sectors, including infrastructure development, agribusiness, digital transformation, energy, and the promotion of private sector investment.

Shehbaz Sharif further termed the cooperation under the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework as commendable, noting its importance in supporting Pakistan’s long-term development objectives.

World Bank President Ajay Banga thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and hospitality, and lauded the Government of Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to further deepening collaboration with Pakistan under the “One World Bank Group” approach.

PM Shehbaz announces reduced electricity rates for industries

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a reduction in electricity prices for industrial units, aiming to provide relief to the business community and boost production.

Addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad in honor of the country’s leading exporters and business leaders, the Prime Minister stated that electricity rates for industries will be lowered by Rs 4.04 per unit.

He emphasized that the government’s role is not to run businesses but to create a conducive environment for industrial and commercial activities.

Shahbaz Sharif highlighted that economic stability cannot be achieved without industrial growth, and that the government is taking measures to facilitate industrialists and investors.

“The country must now move towards growth, and the proposals of the business community will be given due consideration,” he added.

The Prime Minister referred to traders and industrialists as the backbone of the economy and stressed that their experience will be used to formulate better economic policies.

He further assured that consultation with the business community will be ensured when drafting economic policies so that decisions are aligned with ground realities.

Shahbaz Sharif also noted that cooperation between political and military leadership has opened new avenues for national development. All institutions are aligned, and the positive impact of this coordination is now visible on the economy and business environment.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister pledged that the government will continue to take practical steps to resolve industrial challenges, with the reduction in electricity prices being a part of this ongoing effort to stabilize the industrial sector and strengthen the national economy.

PM Shehbaz, Turkmen President reiterate resolve to enhance trade cooperation

PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov  reaffirmed their determination to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing on stronger trade and economic linkages.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Turkmen President for assisting in the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict.

He said Turkmenistan could benefit from enhanced access to Pakistan’s ports in Karachi and Gwadar to expand its regional connectivity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated his invitation to the Turkmen President to undertake an official visit to Pakistan next year.

The Turkmen President thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his visit and participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, expressing his country’s desire to deepen cooperation with Pakistan across various fields of mutual interest.

Earlier, Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand partnership across multiple sectors.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

PM Shehbaz, Erdogan discuss regional cooperation in Baku

PM Shehbaz

Baku: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir engaged in discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey and expressed a shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and across the Muslim world.

During the meeting, both sides agreed on a forthcoming visit by a Turkish ministerial delegation to Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistan-Turkey friendship reflects the strength of deep and enduring ties between the two countries.