ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Friday blamed provincial governments for delays in the completion of various highway projects.

Presiding over a National Highway Authority (NHA) review meeting, the minister issued a decisive mandate to accelerate the completion of critical infrastructure, signalling a shift toward federal intervention where provincial commitments have faltered.

Expressing formal dissatisfaction with the progress of projects involving the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments, Khan noted that delays would no longer be tolerated, as these delays were impeding progress on many vital projects.

He specifically highlighted that after waiting for over five months for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to fund the Peshawar Northern Bypass, the NHA decided to complete the project independently if provincial funds were not released.

Khan also observed that the Punjab government had remained unable to deliver its promised share for the Rawalpindi-Kahuta project, prompting him to direct the NHA to assume full responsibility for completing the unfinished transit corridors.

Alongside these administrative directives, the minister ordered the expansion of the motorway network, directing that the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway be widened from four to six lanes and that the Sialkot-Kharian and Kharian-Rawalpindi sections be built as six-lane motorways.

He emphasised the need to meet strict technical and timeline targets, directing that the feasibility studies of all NHA projects achieve 100pc accuracy and that the final phases of ongoing works — particularly the bridges on the Peshawar Northern Bypass — be completed before the July monsoon season.

The meeting, attended by the communications secretary and the NHA chairman, also provided the federal minister an opportunity to express displeasure over the slow pace of work.

Khan reiterated that he would prioritise the rapid completion of projects to improve the efficiency of the national transport infrastructure.

The Northern Bypass project, envisioned as part of efforts to complete the Ring Road around Peshawar, has remained stalled due to delays in releases under the federal Public Sector Development Programme and other issues over the past 17 years.

Last year, the KP government formally agreed to arrange bridge finance of Rs4 billion for the early completion of the Northern Bypass, though the project had a target of Rs5.3 billion required to complete the project’s final phase on schedule.

ISLAMABAD: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday said that the government had not contacted him or his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, regarding a constitutional amendment.

His remarks came amid media reports about the government’s intention to have the 28th constitutional amendment passed by parliament.

“President Zardari and I remain in contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but the government has not contacted the PPP regarding any constitutional amendment,” the PPP chief said at a press conference after chairing the parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad.

Responding to questions, Bilawal said that without the PPP, the passage of constitutional amendments and the federal budget would not be possible.

“The PPP’s role in the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments is evident to everyone. We did not allow the rights of the provinces to be reduced; instead, we expanded them. Through our amendments, Balochistan’s representation in the Senate increased,” he added.

Bilawal said the people of the country were facing severe hardships due to inflation. He noted that the PPP was continuously raising these issues at both the federal and provincial levels.

When the prime minister decided to provide relief to the public, the PPP welcomed the move, he said.

“Through consultation, all provinces agreed to support measures aimed at reducing inflation, including relief for motorcycle users. The PPP has helped millions of farmers through the Benazir Kisan Card,” he added.

Clarifying the PPP’s stance on national issues, he said the party stood with the government on every constitutional amendment and national matter.

Referring to tensions with India, he said that during the war he raised his voice on international media platforms in defence of the country as a patriot.

The PPP chairman added that during Iran-US tensions, the PPP fully supported the federal government. “As Pakistanis, we are united on such matters,” he added.

Bilawal said economic difficulties appeared to be increasing rather than decreasing, and the upcoming budget was likely to be challenging, adding that the government would have to take relief-oriented decisions while keeping economic hardships in mind.

Regarding the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments, the PPP chairman said the party had clearly conveyed its position to the government that, historically, the PPP had sought the abolition of NAB.

“Due to the government’s compulsions, the PPP supported the new amendments, but if the government failed to fulfil its commitments to the PPP, the party can reconsider its decisions,” he said.

He said the economic situation remained serious and that hardships were expected to increase further. “Even if an Iran-US agreement is reached, difficulties would persist,” he feared.

Bilawal stressed that the government should prepare the budget while taking economic challenges into account. He announced that the PPP’s senior committee would present its budget proposals to the government.

For this purpose, a four-member team comprising Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Saleem Mandviwalla, Sherry Rehman, and Naveed Qamar has been formed.

Bilawal said PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were making efforts for peace and for ending Iran-US tensions.

“We want the situation to return to normal, after which we will discuss the government’s performance and promises,” he added.

He further said Pakistan’s foreign policy was moving in the right direction and was being shaped in the national interest.

ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Liaqat, a railway employee who thwarted a suicide attack in Attock, was among several Pakistani nationals and foreigners who were conferred civil awards by President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday in recognition of their outstanding services in various fields.

President Zardari posthumously awarded the Sitara-i-Shujaat to Liaquat for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, following the recommendations from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider. The civil gallantry award was received by the deceased’s mother.

Liaqat embraced martyrdom after courageously intercepting a suicide attacker near the Mankoor check post in the Jand tehsil of Attock district, preventing what officials described as a major tragedy and saving numerous lives.

The investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-i-Sadr, where various personalities were conferred with civil awards in recognition of their services in health, education, literature, journalism, public service, research, diplomatic affairs, sports and the economy.

President Zardari confers civil awards on prominent Pakistani and foreign nationals

The ceremony was attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, federal ministers, the Senate chairman, parliamentarians, members of civil society, diplomats, media representatives and a large number of guests.

Nishan-i-Imtiaz (posthumous) was conferred upon late Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, and late Irfanul Haq Siddiqui in recognition of their outstanding services to the country.

The recipients of Nishan-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-i-Imtiaz included Attaul Haq Qasmi, Shahid Khan Afridi, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Muhammad Ali, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Senator Taj Haider (posthumous), Moazzam Jah Ansari, Engineer Jamaluddin Ahmed, Mirza Rizwan Baig, Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Dr Ameer Muhammad, Professor Dr Ikram ul Haq, Zahra Majid Ali, Shehroz Kashif, Malik Ata Muhammad Khan (posthumous), Ehtesham ul Haq, Azeezuddin, Bahraini diplomat Mohammad Ebrahim and Mohammad Abdul Qadir.

The recipients of Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous) are: Javedullah Khan Mehsood, Nawab Ali, Senator Hidayatullah, ASI Muhammad Akram, SI Taj Meer Shah, Constable Abdullah, Constable Samand Khan, Constable Zameel Badshah, Abdul Hameed, Constable Muhammad Siraj, Constable Muhammad Javed, Hafeezullah, Inspector Shariq Rizwan, Jawad Qamar, Naek Gulzar Ali, Sepoy Uzair Khan, Sepoy Khatab ul Rehman, Sepoy Gul Umarzai, Sepoy Abdul Sameed, Sepoy Imran Khan, Naib Subedar Muhammad Jan, Lance Naek Syedur Rehman, Sepoy Hazratullah, Sepoy Khunzada, Sepoy Mushtaq Ahmed, Sepoy Baseerullah, Sepoy Mehtabur Rehman, Sepoy Sher Rehman, Sepoy Fazal Kareem and Sepoy Syed Amin, Sepoy Muhammad Yousaf, Constable Muhammad Shehryar, Faisal Ismail, Abdul Wakeel, Fazal Manan, ASI Noor Hakeem, Constable Zahidullah and Liaqat Ali.

The recipients of Hilal-i-Shujaat (posthumous) included Shah Wali Khan, ASI Muhammad Ejaz Khan, SI Laiq Zada, Constable Alam Zeb, Constable Muhammad Ejaz, Waseem Ahmed Khan and Sepoy Azhar Mehmood.

The personalities who received Sitara-i-Imtiaz included Interior Secretary Muhammad Agha, Dr Muhammad Fakhar-i-Alam, Nabeel Munir, Iftikhar Amjad, Sohail Ashraf, Dr Naseem Faraz, Javed Akbar Riaz, Brigadier Faisal Shaukat Jehangiri, Ahmed Abdul Moeez Khawaja, Irfan Ahsan, Hamza Tabani, Dr Arshad Rehan (US/Pakistani), late Munir Ahmed Chaudhry, Muhammad Yaseen Khan, Arshad Wali Muhammad, Ahmed Raza, Prof Sarwar Muhammad Khawaja, Hamra Abbas, late Justice Syed Deedar Hussain Shah, Nadeem Hussain and Nadeem Mehboob.

Rashid Waheed Khawaja and Zahid Ahmed received Pride of Performance award, while Muhammad Saeed Sheikh received Sitara-i-Khidmat and Shahid Hussain received Tamgha-i-Shujaat.

Those who received Tamgha-i-Imtiaz included Sindh IGP Javaid Akhtar Odhoo, Nadir Shafee Dar, Dr Muhammad Shahbaz Chaudhry, Muhammad Kashif Ashfaq, Ch Amanat Hussain Mahr, Dr Farhat Akhtar Raja, Dr Khurum Hayat Khan, Dr Muhammad Shabi Ahmed, Dr Zeeshan Ali, Syed Zahid Hussain Shah, Raja Suleman Raza, Sajid Abbas, Naveed Anwar Chaudhry, Abdul Waheed Khan, Abdul Wahab Sheikh, Waqasul Hassan, Shazia Sikandar Rana, Mohsin Nawaz, Muhammad Arsalan Zafar, Abdul Muhai Shah, Dr Rao Kamran Ali, Dr Imran Syed, Dr Muhammad Naeem Malik, Nasir Aftab, Prof Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri, Aamir Javed Sheikh, Dr Anam Fatema, Qazi Ali Raza, Chaudhry Awais Afzal, Sahibzada Muhammad Yousuf, Waseem Ahmed, Professor Muhammad Tayyeb, Nadia Jehangir Seth and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar.

Amjad Iqbal in Taxila also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026

• Asks ministries to explore alternative fertiliser imports from Central Asia
• Reiterates Balochistan’s development as federal govt’s top priority
• Says waste-to-energy projects can reduce fuel imports, carbon footprint

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to ensure the timely provision of fertiliser to farmers at all costs and ordered continuous monitoring of fertiliser supplies to safeguard the country’s food security.

Chairing a meeting on food security and fertiliser reserves in the capital, the prime minister said fulfilling the agricultural sector’s requirements remained the government’s top priority to ens­ure national food security, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

He directed the relevant ministries and institutions to formulate contingency plans for alternative fertiliser supplies from Central Asian states in view of possible disruptions in supply chains from Gulf countries.

The prime minister also instructed authorities to ensure sufficient fertiliser stocks for both kharif and rabi crop seasons and emphasised accelerating work on projects aimed at increasing local fertiliser production through the installation of new plants.

During the meeting, he directed strict action against artificial shortages and hoarding of fertiliser to protect farmers from exploitation and maintain stable supplies in the market.

The meeting was informed that the uninterrupted supply of natural gas to fertiliser factories was continuing in line with national requirements to sustain local production. The participants were also told that adequate fertiliser stocks were available for kharif crops.

Federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema and Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and senior officials attended the meeting.

Balochistan development

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated that the development, prosperity and welfare of the people of Balochistan remained the federal government’s top priority.

Meeting a delegation of senior politicians and senators from Balochistan at the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier said the province was rich in natural resources and stressed that the government was making every possible effort to ensure that its people fully benefited from them.

He said the federal government, in collaboration with the provincial administration, was actively working for the progress and uplift of Balochistan and undertaking measures aimed at improving the living standards of its people.

The delegation included Senator Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Balochistan Minister for Public Health Engineering Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, MPA Sardar Changez Marri and Mir Khuda Bakhsh Marri.

The participants also discussed matters relating to the province’s overall development and public welfare.

Solid waste management

In another meeting, the prime minister directed the relevant authorities to introduce a modern and sustainable solid waste management system across the country in coordination with provincial governments.

He also decided to formulate a comprehensive roadmap for generating electricity from solid waste as part of the government’s strategy to promote renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources.

The prime minister directed the formation of a task force to prepare a detailed action plan for converting solid waste into energy.

He said the task force would develop recommendations in light of modern technology and international best practices, and instructed officials to include private sector representatives and internationally renowned experts to make the initiative more effective and result-oriented.

PM Shehbaz said generating energy from solid waste would help reduce dependence on imported fuel and save valuable foreign exchange reserves.

He added that an improved waste management system would also significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable development.

Law and order

Later, the prime minister was given a briefing on the overall law and order and security situation in the country.

On the occasion, he directed authorities to ensure merit in law enforcement agencies and eradicate corruption within them.

He said safeguarding people’s lives and maintaining peace remained the government’s top priority.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday discussed regional developments and peace efforts regarding the Middle East conflict with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders held a phone call on Tuesday to discuss peace efforts in the region, while also reaffirming the bilateral ties between the two countries.

The two leaders exchanged greetings and reaffirmed the “strong fraternal bonds of friendship” between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to President Aliyev for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum, which will be held in Baku next week, the statement said.

He expressed confidence that under Azerbaijan’s stewardship, the forum would serve as a “valuable platform for advancing the global urban development agenda”.

The premier also expressed his regrets that pressing commitments would make him unable to personally attend the forum, but noted that he had ensured that Pakistan would be well-represented at the event.

According to the PMO, the two leaders “expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, while reiterating their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across areas of mutual interest including trade and investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts”.

They also discussed regional developments of common concern, particularly the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East, it said.

“President Aliyev expressed his deep appreciation at Pakistan’s remarkably successful initiatives to bring about a ceasefire between Iran and the US. This was a clear reflection of the trust and confidence of the international community in Pakistan and its leadership,” the statement highlighted.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact and looked forward to meeting in person later this year, according to the statement.

The prime minister also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

In a separate statement on X, PM Shehbaz said that he was “pleased” to have spoken with the Azerbaijani president.

“I deeply appreciate President Aliyev’s kind words regarding Pakistan’s sincere efforts to advance peace, dialogue, and diplomacy in the region,” he said.

Pakistan remains engaged in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, even as military pressure and fears of renewed confrontation continue to shape the crisis.

While a deal for a complete end to the war is yet to happen, the hostilities have been largely ceased since the two sides agreed on a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8.

Following the ceasefire, a first round of historic direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with Pakistan playing the role of a mediator. The talks had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown.

With challenges in convening a second round, Islamabad has shifted back to its role as a facilitator and go-between.

In November of last year, the premier held a bilateral meeting with Aliyev at the Presidential Palace in Baku, while on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan at the president’s invitation.

At the time, he extended an invitation to Aliyev to visit Pakistan, which the PMO said was “graciously accepted”.

The premier had also visited Azerbaijan in May 2025, as well while on a four-nation tour. He had met the Azerbaijan president, and the two had renewed their pledge to diversify the strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial avenues.

ISLAMABAD: With no end in sight to the conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered that a countrywide austerity drive be extended until June 13.

Meanwhile, with rumours of a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment swirling, the premier and his team also met with President Asif Ali Zardari and his aides on Monday, even as both houses of parliament were in session.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla were also present at the meeting.

A source privy to developments told Dawn that if enacted, the 28th Amendment would entail “a complete rollback of the 18th Amendment”, which was introduced by the PPP-led government in 2010.

It is feared that this piece of legislation may envisage the return of subjects such as health, population, education, and mines & minerals from the provinces to the Centre, and lead to the re-introduction of the concurrent list.

Meets President Zardari as rumours swirl of possible move to roll back 18th Amendment

Insiders say that President Zardari is not in favour of a fresh amendment, and wants to delay the issue at least until the announcement of the forthcoming federal budget, expected on June 8.

National Assembly officials said that once budget debate begins, no further legislation can be introduced until the process has ended.

However, an official readout issued by the Presidency did not make any mention of this proposed legislative package, simply saying that President Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz discussed overall situation of the country, matters related to Afghanistan and evolving situation in the region.

The meeting paid tribute to the martyrs of Marka-i-Haq, applauded the professional capabilities of the armed forces, and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to national defence.

The president said despite difficult geographical and regional situation, tensions in the Middle East and disruption of supply chains, maximum relief should be provided to the people.

President Zardari directed that possible measures be taken to reduce inflationary pressures, ensure availability of essential goods and provide relief to the common man.

Austerity measures

“The prime minister, on consideration of the recommendations of the committee for monitoring and implementation of fuel conservation and additional austerity measures, has been pleased to extend the applicability of the following additional austerity measures up till 13th June, 2026 with immediate effect,” said a Cabinet Division notification issued on Monday.

The measures extended include a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles, with exemptions for operational vehicles such as ambulances and public buses.

Other steps included grounding 60pc of official vehicles and a complete ban on foreign visits by ministers and government officials, excluding those deemed essential to the country’s interests, as specified previously.

“Other additional austerity and fuel conservation measures, as notified from time to time vide this Division’s notifications of even number, shall continue to remain in force over the periods specified in the respective notifications,” the notification read.

“Measures in the case of which no period or end date has been specified, shall remain applicable till further orders,” it added.

Among the previously announced austerity measures, the working week for all government offices was reduced to four days, from Monday to Thursday.

However, the additional holiday was not availed by banks. It also did not apply to the agriculture and industrial sectors, or essential services such as hospitals and ambulance services.

On April 30, the premier also decided to extend fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, as well as public and goods transport, by one month.

The subsidies were part of the targeted relief measures announced for bikers, farmers, and transporters to cushion the impact of global oil price shocks amid the US-Israel war on Iran.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended the countrywide austerity drive till June 13.

The Middle East war, which began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, has given rise to a global oil crisis. In order to deal with the situation, the government had announced unprecedented austerity measures on March 9.

A notification of the Cabinet Division, available with Dawn, said: “The prime minister, on consideration of the recommendations of the committee for monitoring and implementation of fuel conservation and additional austerity measures, has been pleased to extend the applicability of the following additional austerity measures up till 13th June, 2026 with immediate effect.”

The measures extended included 50 per cent reduction in fuel allowance for official vehicles, with the exemption of operational vehicles such as ambulances and public buses.

Other steps included grounding 60pc of official vehicles and a complete ban on foreign visits by ministers and government officials, excluding those deemed essential for the country’s interests, as specified the last time.

“Other additional austerity and fuel conservation measures, as notified from time to time vide this Division’s notifications of even number, shall continue to remain in force over the periods specified in the respective notifications,” the notification read.

“Measures in the case of which no period or end date has been specified, shall remain applicable till further orders,” it added.

Among previously announced austerity measures, the working week for all government offices was reduced to four days — Monday to Thursday.

However, the additional holiday was not availed by banks. It did not apply to the agriculture and industrial sectors, or essential services such as hospitals and ambulance services.

Under the measures, the salary of parliamentarians was to be cut by 25pc, while employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and government-supervised institutions were to see their salaries cut by 5pc-30pc.

Expenses of government departments were reduced by 20pc, along with a ban on purchasing vehicles, furniture, air conditioners and other items for government departments.

PM Shehbaz had tasked the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to carry out a third-party audit of the implementation of the austerity measures.

On April 30, the premier had also decided to extend fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, and public and goods transport by one month.

The subsidies were part of the targeted relief measures announced for bikers, farmers and transporters to cushion the impact of global oil price shocks amid the US-Israel war on Iran.

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Karachi, has frozen four more high-value properties of Bahria Town on the instructions of an accountability court.

Sources in the NAB said the action was carried out under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010, following investigations that established that these assets were purchased through the laundering of crime proceeds.

The bureau has attached the Bahria Icon Tower in Clifton, Karachi, where investigations revealed that Rs8 billion in crime proceeds had been laundered for its construction. The property was being held under a front company, M/s Galaxy Construction Pvt Ltd.

Similarly, the Bahria Town Tower on Tariq Road, Karachi, was attached after it was established that the project was held in the name of Muhammad Awais, a “benami” frontman for Malik Riaz Hussain and M/s Bahria Town.

Beyond Karachi, the operation extended to significant land holdings. The bureau has attached 817 kanals of prime land in Sheikhupura and 2,029 kanals of land in Peshawar intended for Bahria Town Peshawar, owned by M/s Lifestyle Development (SMC) Pvt Ltd. Both entities have been identified as front companies used to facilitate the laundering of illicit funds.

NAB’s action underscores its commitment to identifying and freezing assets acquired through financial malpractice.

By dismantling the use of front companies and “benami” owners, the bureau, according to the sources, continues to ensure that proceeds of crime are brought under legal accountability.

Legal proceedings regarding these properties are currently being processed in accordance with the law.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a telephone call from Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During their “warm and cordial” conversation, the two leaders held a productive exchange of views on the current regional situation.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to facilitating ongoing efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, according to an official press release by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Recalling his recent visit to Doha on April 16, the prime minister said that his meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the rest of the Qatari leadership was “most helpful” in forging a consensus for the peace efforts.

He noted that the people of Pakistan were looking forward to a visit from the emir of Qatar at a convenient date, adding that the visit would help to further strengthen bilateral ties between the countries.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s premier expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, the PMO added.

The Qatari premier assured PM Shehbaz that Doha would continue to support the diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Pakistan to ensure the security and stability of the Middle East.

“Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on all issues of mutual interest,” the PMO said.

PM Shehbaz also posted about the call on X, saying that he conveyed his gratitude to his “dear brother, the emir of Qatar” for his leadership, as well as for Qatar’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to “advance regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy”.

The premier had also met Qatar’s emir in February while on an official visit to Doha, saying that the two countries would continue to work together for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

During the same visit, he held a meeting with the Qatari premier, where the two discussed regional issues, including developments in Gaza and broader Gulf security dynamics.

Pakistan initially positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process between Tehran and Washington after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, setting off a conflict that gave rise to a global fuel crisis. Later, the White House and Iran acknowledged it as the “sole mediator” in the process.

The first round of historic direct US-Iran talks, held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown, as a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire was then extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump.

While Pakistan’s leadership is seeking to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table, an impasse remains.