PM Shehbaz reaffirms push for regional peace, diplomacy in talks with Iran's Pezeshkian

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional peace and security with the support of partners during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Both leaders held a conversation after US President Donald Trump confirmed another round of talks, saying US representatives would travel to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Iran aimed at addressing the Middle East crisis. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation during the call, which lasted around 45 minutes and involved detailed exchanges on ongoing developments. "The prime minister thanked Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for sending a high-level delegation, led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi, for talks in Islamabad on April 11-12," it said. Read: 'My representatives will be in Islamabad tomorrow evening': Trump on US-Iran negotiations “Recent engagements with the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye have been most helpful in building consensus in support of sustained dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that such efforts were aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted for around forty-five minutes, the two leaders engaged in detailed exchanges… pic.twitter.com/Fd8PMkKx3g — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 19, 2026 He also thanked the Iranian leadership for their discussions with the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir during his recent visit to Tehran. "The premier reiterated that Pakistan would remain fully committed to promoting regional peace and security with the support of its partners, and conveyed his regards for Iran’s supreme leader," said the statement. President Pezeshkian, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to peace efforts, saying relations between Iran and Pakistan would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead. Also Read: FM Dar stresses need for continued dialogue to resolve issues in call with Araghchi Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and emphasised the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve ongoing issues. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Dar stressed that continued dialogue and engagement were essential for the timely resolution of current issues and for promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond. “Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and also concurred on a phone call between the president of Iran and the prime minister of Pakistan, later today,” the statement said. After 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month, again focused on the familiar trade‑off of nuclear restrictions for economic relief. When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date had been set for the next round of negotiations, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first. Read More: Pakistan pushes dialogue as standoff lingers There were some signs in the Pakistani capital on Sunday ​of preparations for a resumption of face-to-face negotiations. Though negotiations have yet to formally begin, US President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated that a US delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for a new round of talks with Iran aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, a development seen as offering a renewed ray of hope for diplomacy. “My representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — they will be there tomorrow evening, for negotiations,” President Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The diplomats said a skeletal agreement may be achievable, built around a nuclear package and an economic package. But they warned the nuclear component remained by far the most contentious. Talks are focusing on Iran's stockpile of roughly 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to ​60%, material that could be used for several nuclear weapons if further enriched. Beyond stockpiles lies the deeper dispute over Iran’s right to enrich uranium at all. Trump has publicly pushed for zero enrichment, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes and denies seeking a bomb. The war has hardened Iran’s stance, diplomats said, showing it can ​absorb pressure even as it seeks financial ⁠relief. Tehran’s top demand is a non‑aggression guarantee after being attacked by the US and Israel during earlier diplomatic efforts.

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'IMF board nod awaited for next tranche'

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with approval from the lender's executive board expected shortly. The step would unlock the next tranche of funding as the country signals a return to global financial markets. According to the finance ministry, the minister shared the development during a meeting with representatives of S&P Global Ratings, where discussions focused on Pakistan's improving economic outlook and re-engagement with international markets. He said the staff-level agreement with the IMF had been finalised and was awaiting board approval, after which the next instalment would be released. The minister also noted that Pakistan had successfully repaid a $1.4 billion Eurobond earlier this month, underscoring the country's external repayment capacity. Aurangzeb further highlighted external support measures, including an additional $3 billion in financial assistance from Saudi Arabia and the extension of a $5 billion deposit until 2028.

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Rawalpindi, Islamabad locked down ahead of Iran–US talks

Extraordinary security arrangements have been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the expected final round of Iran–United States talks in Islamabad. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, and over 600 checkpoints have been established across the city. Authorities have announced that, from midnight tonight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed. A complete ban has been imposed on drone flights, pigeon flying and aerial firing. Officials say these measures are aimed at ensuring the security of aircraft carrying high-level foreign delegations. Read: Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US Police confirmed that a red alert has been declared in Rawalpindi, particularly in the vicinity of Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be stationed on rooftops as part of heightened vigilance. Barbed wire blocks a road leading to the President’s House, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, on April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters Special security measures have been enforced within the jurisdictions of New Town, Sadiqabad and Chaklala Police Stations. In the first phase, authorities have ordered the closure of restaurants in these areas from midnight until further notice. In addition, parks, beauty parlours, markets, snooker clubs, fitness centres, paan shops, kiosks, barber shops, banks and bakeries will remain closed. Police have begun distributing warning notices to businesses, cautioning that strict action will be taken against any violations. No decision has yet been made regarding the suspension of public or goods transport. Read More: Iran reimposes control over Strait of Hormuz as ships report gunfire A police spokesperson said that the extraordinary measures are in response to the movement of foreign delegations. A high-level meeting, chaired by Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, was held at Police Lines Headquarters, where directives were issued to ensure foolproof security. Security measures also include the closing down of all boys’ and girls’ hostels within Rawalpindi until further notice. Police have sent notices to all hostel owners, who have been ordered to vacate their hostels by midnight on Saturday. The warning issued has instructed boys and girls staying in the hostels to return to their homes, with legal action to be taken against those who do not comply. Federal capital restricted In view of the expected arrival of delegations from Iran and the United States in Islamabad, extraordinary security arrangements have been made. Security has been put on high alert on sensitive routes in Islamabad as well, with the administration having begun the process of obtaining security certificates from the owners of buildings located on these routes. The authorities say that special measures have been taken for the security of the delegations. The owners of houses, shops, plazas and hotels situated along sensitive routes have been bound by specific security instructions. Hoardings displaying flags of the US, Pakistan and Iran, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, on April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters According to the police, there will be a complete ban on parking along these routes, while entry of unrelated persons will not be allowed. In addition, hotels and guesthouses have been instructed to keep a complete record of guests and submit reports to the relevant police station on a daily basis. ڈی جی سیف سٹی / ڈی آئی جی ٹریفک محمد ہارون جوئیہ کی زیرِ صدارت اہم اجلاس، اسلام آباد میں وفود کی آمد و رفت کے پیشِ نظر ٹریفک و سیکیورٹی مینجمنٹ کے جامع پلان کا جائزہ۔ شہریوں کو بہترین سفری سہولیات اور بروقت ٹریفک اپڈیٹس کی فراہمی یقینی بنانے کی ہدایت۔#WeRIslamabadPolice… pic.twitter.com/sD6xBTETGO — Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 18, 2026 According to sources, movement on roofs, balconies and windows has also been restricted and, in case of any violation, the building owner will be held responsible. The administration has instructed citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity or security concerns; strict legal action will be taken against violators.

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FPSC notifies 327 posts for CSS 2025

The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has advertised vacancies for Central Superior Services (CSS) 2025, while sources indicate a strong possibility that the results may be announced on Saturday (today). The announcement comes as the FPSC moves forward with recruitment planning for the latest competitive examination cycle, outlining a total of 327 posts to be filled under various categories, according to official and departmental inputs. Of these 327 total vacancies, 191 are newly-created vacancies, while 136 have been carried forward from previous years, reflecting accumulated hiring requirements across departments. According to details issued by the commission, 169 seats have been allocated on open merit, with additional quotas reserved for different segments of society. A total of 35 posts have been earmarked for women candidates.

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Barrister Aqeel Malik says US-Iran deal near, calls coming week ‘significant’ for Pakistan

Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Friday the coming week would be “quite significant” for Pakistan, as Islamabad was once again expected to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East war. Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran after the war began on February 28 and has hosted the highest-level talks between the two sides since they snapped diplomatic ties in 1979. Speaking to a private news channel, Malik said the government had completed preparations for the next round of talks, including preventive security measures. He added that, as in the previous round, foolproof security would be ensured, with even stronger arrangements this time. “Within a few hours or by later tonight, things will start becoming clearer. I will not give a specific date or time, but the coming week appears to be very significant for Pakistan, especially for Islamabad,” he said. Malik added that today's announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to open the Strait of Hormuz was part of a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, adding that Pakistan, along with Muslim and friendly countries, had undertaken diplomatic efforts in this regard. Read: Iran FM announces Hormuz's opening for all commercial vessels till ceasefire's remaining duration Terming the development positive, he said matters had largely been settled, citing statements from both Iranian and US authorities. “Things appear to be moving forward in the right and positive direction, which is very good,” he said. Describing Pakistan’s efforts as “par excellence”, the minister said diplomatic engagement from both the military and civilian leadership was continuing to achieve durable and sustainable peace, adding that Pakistan was playing a central role in the process. Responding to a question on the timeline for a possible agreement, Malik said diplomacy was a work in progress and outcomes could not be rushed, particularly in mediation. “Mediation takes time. Both parties begin from strong positions, then talks take place, followed by messaging and shuttle diplomacy, in which Pakistan has played a pivotal role, particularly during last week’s talks in Islamabad,” he said. He added that since last week, progress had been significant and both sides had developed an understanding. “President Trump has said it, and Iranian authorities have also indicated that things have moved forward considerably, which is a very good and positive sign,” he said. He ruled out the participation of other foreign leaders or heads of state in the expected agreement, saying the matter concerned only the US and Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator and leading the efforts. Also Read: Trump says Iran war should end 'soon', Hezbollah should support truce “I think the next meeting will not involve negotiations; it will indicate that everything is final and ready to be signed,” he said, adding that whenever it happens, it would be highly significant for Pakistan and would send a message of peace to the world. The minister’s statement came as Tehran on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for commercial ships — the first time since the war began on Feb 28. Pakistan secured a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8. Tehran imposed control on the key waterway soon after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, affecting global energy supplies and maritime traffic. The US has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports since Monday this week, and President Donald Trump has threatened to continue it. Tehran’s announcement came after Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iran's top civil and military leadership over the past two days in Tehran.

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Sugarcane cultivation banned in Katcha areas

In a move to improve law and order, authorities have imposed a ban on sugarcane cultivation near roads and police check posts in the riverine (Katcha) areas of Rahim Yar Khan and adjoining Rajanpur districts. The restriction has been enforced under Section 144, with both district administrations issuing formal notifications. Officials said the decision aims to limit the movement of criminal elements and assist law enforcement agencies in carrying out effective operations in the crime-prone belt. According to sources, dense sugarcane fields in the katcha areas often serve as safe hideouts for criminals, hindering surveillance and delaying police response during operations. By restricting the cultivation of tall crops in sensitive zones, authorities hope to improve visibility and strengthen security control. Rahim Yar Khan Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar Jappa confirmed the development, stating that the decision was taken on the directives of the Home Department to maintain peace in the region. He said the ban would apply specifically to areas along key roads and around police check posts, where monitoring of suspicious activities is critical. "The measure is aimed at facilitating law enforcement agencies and ensuring timely action against criminal elements," he said, adding that farmers have been advised to switch to alternative crops in the restricted areas. The administration has warned that strict legal action will be taken against those found violating the orders. However, officials also emphasised that the decision is temporary and part of broader efforts to establish long-term stability in the region. The move has drawn mixed reactions from local farmers, many of whom fear financial losses due to the sudden restriction. Sugarcane is a major cash crop in the region, and its cultivation supports a large segment of the rural economy. Meanwhile, sugar mill administrations have reportedly challenged the decision in the high court. A legal expert representing the JDW Group said the Home Department had earlier sought proposals from the deputy commissioners of Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur regarding the cultivation of tall crops in sensitive areas. Following this, authorities identified around 150 locations along roads and near police check posts where restrictions would be enforced. The total affected area is estimated to cover approximately 10,000 acres, including around 600 acres linked to JDW Group sugar mills. The legal expert argued that the abrupt ban could result in substantial financial losses for both farmers and the sugar industry, particularly due to the destruction of standing crops. He warned that the decision may have wider implications for the local agricultural economy. Despite concerns, officials maintain that the measure is necessary to tackle crime in the Katcha belt, which has long been considered a hotspot for criminal activity. They expressed hope that the initiative would enhance security and restore public confidence in the affected areas.

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Gas pipeline explosion in K-P's Haripur leaves 8 dead, 5 injured: officials

At least eight members of a household were killed, and five others were injured after a fire from an explosion in a gas pipeline in Haripur in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Hazara division, officials said on Thursday. The blaze engulfed nearby residential settlements in a suburban area at the Hattar Industrial Estate. Confirming the death toll, Haripur Deputy Commissioner Wasim Ahmad said that eight members of one household were killed in the incident, while five people were injured and six were rescued. “The deceased included three children, two girls, two elderly women, and one man,” he added. He said the fire was brought under control after several hours of efforts and that the rescue operation had been completed. The massive fire erupted in a gas pipeline near Colony Mor, Kot Najibullah, in the Hattar Industrial Estate, spreading panic in a nearby factory. Employees managed to escape, but several people were trapped in the adjacent residential area. Rescue and fire brigade teams reached the site immediately, and given the intensity of the fire, seven additional fire vehicles and firefighters were dispatched from Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan, and Swabi to bring the situation under control, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said. Read: Russian strikes kill 17 across Ukraine in worst attack this year Following the incident, gas supply to the Hazara division was suspended. K-P Chief Minister  Sohail Afridi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. He said the provincial government stood with the grieved families and was providing the best treatment to the wounded. He gave his assurance for all the help to the affected families. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Shafi Jan said that he was deeply saddened by the incident.  “Rescue 1122 and other agencies immediately launched rescue activities as workers from nearby districts were also involved in relief work as best treatment was made certain to the wounded,” he said.  “The chief minister also ordered the best treatment for the injured persons and vowed to provide every possible support,” he added.

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