BREAKING NEWS
US-Iran talks second round reportedly expected in Pakistan, claims US media • Shaheen Bhatt announces engagement to Ishaan Mehra • Iran signals naval readiness as tensions rise with US over maritime restrictions • Field Marshal Asim Munir concludes 3-day official visit to Iran • HIV cases surge in Islamabad, raising public health concerns • Pakistan stocks rally as KSE-100 posts strong weekly gains amid improved sentiment • Iran restores tight control over Strait of Hormuz, blames US blockade • PSL 11 points table heats up after 26 matches as playoff race intensifies • Moeen Ali explains why he chose PSL over IPL • US President Trump hints at ‘surprise’ on Iran deal • Shah Rukh Khan reacts to academy clip, says he feels like king • Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum • US–Iran talks continue on 3-page plan to end conflict • Pakistani film “Psycho” set for worldwide release on Eid-ul-Adha 2026 • Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’ set for January 2027 release
Advertise with us >

Türkiye

Pakistan, Türkiye consider launching ferry service

by
Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye are exploring the possibility of launching a ferry service to enhance maritime connectivity between the two countries.

The development came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime operations, and ship-breaking industries.

During the meeting, Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry invited Turkish investors to invest in Gwadar’s maritime and port sectors.

In response, the Turkish side informed him that a delegation of investors would soon visit Pakistan to explore potential opportunities.

Earlier, the federal government has approved the first ferry service licence.

Applications by ferry operators have been pending since 2017 -18. Taking a fast-track route, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Monday approved the first ferry service licence to an international ferry operator.

The UK-based company — ‘Sea Keeper’— will operate ferry routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The government is under serious pressure from around one million pilgrims who attend Arbaeen (Chehlum of Imam Hussain) in Karbala, as land travel to Iran has been stopped without any notice recently.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has led the move by fast-track approval to ferry service operators who had filed applications in 2017 and 2018.

The minister emphasised that ferry service will not only provide the pilgrims going to Iraq and Iran a safe and secure travel but it also provides an opportunity for boosting regional connectivity as well as economic activity via sea routes.

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to resume key negotiations in Türkiye

by
Pakistan

ISTANBUL: The second round of high-level talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban is set to begin in Türkiye on Saturday, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and border security mechanisms.

The talks aim to establish a robust and verifiable monitoring mechanism to address the growing threat of terrorism.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi and Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid have confirmed that the meeting will be held in Istanbul.

The meeting will focus on establishing a clear, verifiable, and effective monitoring mechanism to counter the threat of terrorism. “Pakistan supports the creation of a robust and credible framework to combat terrorism,” the spokesperson said.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that an Afghan delegation, led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib, has departed for Türkiye to participate in the talks.

It is worth noting that the first round of negotiations—mediated by Qatar and Türkiye—was held in Doha, resulting in a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan.