Pakistan confident of weathering Middle East storm

Pakistan is confident it can weather the gathering storm in the Middle East, as tensions surrounding Iran threaten to redraw regional fault lines, senior officials said, insisting that Islamabad's foremost priority remains the protection of its core national interests. Officials familiar with the deliberations told The Express Tribune on Wednesday that Pakistan has been closely monitoring developments amid fears of a wider conflagration involving Iran and Gulf countries. "The situation is fluid, but we have so far managed it well," a senior official said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. "Our focus is to safeguard Pakistan's economic and security interests while avoiding entanglement in any bloc politics." Pakistan has unequivocally condemned the attack on Iran, describing it as a violation of sovereignty and international law. At the same time, Islamabad has also denounced Iranian retaliation targeting Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, with which Pakistan maintains a long-standing security partnership. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently told the Senate that Pakistan had reminded Tehran of its mutual defence agreement with Riyadh. Though couched in diplomatic language, officials described the move as a subtle but clear message to Iran to avoid escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia. "We conveyed our position in a responsible manner," a source privy to the diplomatic exchanges said. "Pakistan has a defence pact with Saudi Arabia. It was important to remind the Iranian side of that understanding so that there is no miscalculation." However, officials were quick to stress that Islamabad is not seeking to antagonise Iran. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the delicate balance Pakistan is attempting to maintain, Dar visited the Iranian embassy on Wednesday to condole the death of Iran's supreme leader. The visit was seen as an effort to underscore Pakistan's desire for stable and cordial ties with its western neighbour despite growing regional turbulence. "Pakistan has maintained contacts with all relevant players," another senior official said. "We are engaging quietly and constructively. The aim is de-escalation, not point-scoring." Officials said the government was actively assessing multiple scenarios, including the possibility of a prolonged conflict, regime instability in Iran, or further spillover into the Gulf. While acknowledging that the situation remains unpredictable, they expressed cautious optimism that the crisis would not spiral into a protracted war. "There is concern, yes, but there is also confidence," one official noted. "Pakistan is not a party to the conflict. Some of the fears being spread that Pakistan could be next have no basis." Security agencies, according to sources, have been tasked with evaluating potential blowback, including sectarian tensions, cross-border security risks and the impact on Pakistani nationals working in the Gulf. "We have plans in place to tackle any eventuality, including possible changes in the Iranian political setup," the source added. The most immediate concern for Islamabad, however, is economic rather than military. Officials said the disruption of oil and gas supplies due to instability in the Gulf, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut or partially blocked, poses a significant risk to Pakistan's already fragile economy. "The energy dimension is the major worry at this stage," another official said. "Any prolonged disruption in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz will have direct implications for us." In anticipation of such a scenario, Pakistan has already reached out to Saudi Arabia to explore alternative arrangements for oil shipments. "We are engaging Saudi authorities to explore alternatives so that our energy security is not compromised," the official said. Pakistan's balancing act reflects its complex geopolitical position, sharing a border with Iran while maintaining deep strategic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Over the years, Islamabad has sought to avoid being drawn into regional rivalries, even offering mediation during previous bouts of Saudi-Iran tensions. Diplomatic sources said that approach remains unchanged. "Our message to all sides is simple: de-escalate, exercise restraint, and avoid steps that could destabilise the wider region," one official said.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/IqcDYlg

NAB promotes 48 assistant directors

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has promoted 48 Assistant Directors (BPS-17) to the rank of Deputy Director (BPS-18), marking a significant step in strengthening its operational hierarchy. Meanwhile, the bureau has promoted four Deputy Directors (BPS-18) to the rank of Additional Director (BPS-19). According to a separate notification issued by NAB Headquarters on Tuesday, the promotions were recommended by the Selection Board and formally approved by the Chairman NAB. The newly elevated officers will continue serving at their present postings, with the promotions taking immediate effect.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/xowsFft

Dry weather to persist across country

The Met Office has forecast that mainly dry weather will prevail across most parts of the country over the next 24 hours. However, cold conditions are likely to persist in hilly areas during the morning and night hours, while partly cloudy weather is forecast for northern regions in the evening and at night. Daytime temperatures in the plains are expected to remain above normal. Minimum temperatures recorded on Tuesday morning were Islamabad 10°C, Lahore 18°C, Karachi 23°C, Peshawar 15°C, Quetta 9°C, Gilgit 5°C, Murree 7°C and Muzaffarabad 12°C.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/0OdzyP2

Imran Khan's vision has 'improved remarkably': PIMS

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said on Tuesday that former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has shown significant improvement in his vision following his second dose of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. “The results are encouraging. His vision has improved remarkably, and it is at a substantially good level at this stage,” read a statement issued by PIMS. Imran has been in custody since August 2023, serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with protests on May 9, 2023. Read More: Khosa raises concern over Imran health The PTI has intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court stated that vision in his right eye had dropped to 15 per cent. Government officials, however, maintain that he is receiving appropriate medical care. A statement issued today by PIMS said further said that Imran's examination was conducted today at Adiala jail by Dr Nadeem Qureshi, head of the Vitreoretinal Department at Rawalpindi's Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, and Professor Dr Arif Khan, head of PIMS' Ophthalmology Department. It added that the medical board performed comprehensive tests, including visual acuity checks, fundoscopy, slit-lamp examinations, and optical coherence tomography on both of Imran's eyes. “The board also provided recommendations for further care, advising Imran to continue with the previously planned treatment regimen,” it stated. The PTI immediately rejected the statement, arguing that "any medical examination conducted without the presence of his personal physicians and immediate family lacks transparency and credibility." It said that for months, "serious concerns have been raised regarding his health, access to independent medical care and the denial of family-supervised evaluations".   PRESS RELEASE Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf categorically rejects the press release issued by PIMS Administration regarding Chairman Imran Khan. Any medical examination conducted without the presence of his personal physicians and his immediate family lacks transparency and… — PTI (@PTIofficial) March 3, 2026 The PTI reiterated its non-negotiable demand that Imran be immediately examined in the presence of his personal physicians and family members. "As per the wishes of his family, he must be shifted without delay to Shifa International Hospital for independent, transparent and comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment," it said. The party condemned the continued refusal to grant independent medical access, stating that it had only deepened public concern and raised serious questions about the handling of Imran's health. Last month, a medical board that examined Imran reported an improvement in his eyesight and did not recommend transferring him to a hospital. According to his medical report, his vision in his right eye has improved from 6/36 to 6/9, while his left eye retains 6/6 vision with the use of glasses. The assessment was conducted by Dr Qureshi and Dr Khan, following a detailed examination at Adiala jail. Read This: Medical board reports improvement in Imran Khan’s eye condition According to the medical report, the anterior segment of both eyes was normal and the cornea was clear. It noted mild intragel haemorrhage at the edge of the right eye and moderate retinal haemorrhage in all four quadrants. Swelling in the macula of the right eye was subsiding, with macular thickness reduced from 550 to 350 microns. The board outlined ongoing medication and treatment and recommended OCT angiography and fundus fluorescein angiography after completion of anti-VEGF therapy, the report added, while no recommendation was made for Imran’s transfer to a hospital.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/s0D78HN

Taliban ammo dump pulverised as operation continues unabated

Pakistani armed forces have destroyed a major ammunition depot in Afghanistan's Khost province during the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil Haq, launched in response to unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban along the border. Security sources said the targeted depot belonged to Fitna al-Khwarij and the Afghan Taliban, and was neutralised as part of strong and effective retaliatory action. According to the sources, following the cross-border escalation, the Afghan Taliban regime and affiliated groups are now facing a broad setback across multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistani security forces had killed 435 Afghan Taliban combatants and destroyed 188 posts since the launch of the operation. Sharing an operational update at 3:00 pm, Tarar said that more than 630 Afghan operatives had been injured during the campaign. He further said that 188 tanks and armoured vehicles had been destroyed, 31 Afghan posts captured and 51 locations across Afghanistan successfully targeted in air strikes. The minister said the operation is a decisive response to cross-border aggression. The latest flare-up comes after months of mounting tensions and tit-for-tat actions between the two countries. Earlier, Pakistan carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan targeting camps of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province following a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing in Islamabad. Pakistani security sources said more than 80 terrorists were killed in those strikes. In response, Afghan forces carried out retaliatory actions along the border, setting the stage for the current round of open confrontation. Islamabad has consistently maintained that TTP leadership operates from Afghan territory - a charge Kabul has repeatedly denied. Tensions had already escalated after a series of explosions in Kabul on October 9 last year. Taliban forces subsequently targeted areas along Pakistan's frontier, prompting cross-border shelling by Islamabad. The exchanges caused casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides and led to the suspension of trade after border crossings were shut on October 12, 2025.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/BT6SWJh

PAA to shut Karachi, Lahore air routes during specific hours citing Middle East crisis

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Monday decided to suspend certain air routes within the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIR) during specified hours, citing the evolving regional situation. Due to the regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, similar to other countries, air operations from Pakistan to the Middle East have been severely disrupted. Along with passengers, air cargo services have also been suspended, halting the transport of various goods, including food items and other supplies. It is still unclear when flights will resume. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by PAA today, the decision was taken in view of changing circumstances in the region and involves the temporary closure of designated air routes at different times. Under the plan, commercial flight routes within the Karachi and Lahore FIRs will remain closed daily from 9am to 3pm between March 3 and March 31. During these hours, the affected airspace will not be available for commercial operations. It said the measure may have been taken due to internal technical requirements and unavoidable operational considerations. Read More: US-Iran conflict disrupts thousands of flights as travel chaos deepens According to data from the PAA, more than 500 flights departing from and arriving at various airports across Pakistan have been cancelled. The suspension of air cargo services has also disrupted the delivery of food and other goods, causing difficulties not only for passengers but also for industrialists. Flights from Pakistani airports, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, and Multan, operated by PIA, private airlines, and foreign carriers to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Sharjah, Dubai, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and other countries have been cancelled. Airport sources stated that some airspaces are closed, leading to the suspension of operations. Currently, there is no information on when flights will resume. Only flights to and from Saudi Arabia are continuing. If the situation persists or worsens, air operations may face further disruptions. According to Khawaja Ayub Naseem, a senior leader of the Travel Agents Association, fear and uncertainty are also causing many Umrah pilgrims to hesitate to travel. Hundreds of pilgrims had booked tickets via Dubai. While ticket refunds are possible, hotel bookings are non-refundable. If the situation continues, travel agents could face losses amounting to millions of rupees. While Pakistan's airspace remains fully available and secure, airlines have adjusted operations in response to the evolving security situation and restrictions in neighbouring airspace. Karachi's Jinnah International Airport witnessed extraordinary activity over the weekend, with dozens of flights of foreign airlines diverted to Karachi, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1990 Gulf crisis.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/0kFjChE

Timing of parliament joint sitting changed

The timing of a joint sitting of the parliament that was scheduled for Monday (today) has been changed. According to a spokesperson of the National Assembly Secretariat, the joint sitting will now be held at 3pm instead of 10:30am. The time of the joint sitting has been revised by President Asif Ali Zardari. The president will address the joint sitting of Parliament, said Radio Pakistan. In the second parliamentary year of the 16th NA which concluded on February 17, 46 bills were passed into law, including 40 government and six private members' bills. Twenty-seven resolutions were also adopted during the year.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/nDip7Um