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PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir discuss Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between US and Iran

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday reviewed the “progress of Pakistan’s mediatory efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the region”. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said CDF Munir called on PM Shehbaz. “The dignitaries reviewed the progress of Pakistan’s mediatory efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the region. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far and stressed upon the need for maintaining peace and ceasefire by all parties,” it said. “The leadership appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate and provide all-out support to both sides to arrive at a peacefully negotiated settlement,” the statement said. The statement said the premier lauded the commitment of the parties involved in the process and wished them success in their pursuit of peace. “He also renewed his invitat...
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Nadra warns of penalties for those who delay obtaining, renewing identity documents

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) on Thursday warned citizens of additional fees and penalties for those who delay obtaining or renewing their identity documents. In a press release , the authority said that identity documents were issued for a specified time and it was every the responsibility of every adult citizen to ensure the timely renewal of their identity documents, particularly CNICs, before their expiry. “Failing this, essential services linked to these documents, including bank accounts, mobile phone SIMs, and other verification-based services may be adversely affected or suspended,” it said. “Furthermore, citizens whose identity cards have expired may not be able to avail themselves of various government and welfare programmes, such as the Benazir Income Support Programme, government subsidy schemes, including the recently announced fuel subsidy scheme, as well as transactions like property and vehicle transfers,” it added. “This result...
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In pictures: Security beefed up in Islamabad ahead of highly anticipated US-Iran talks

Security has been beefed up in the Red Zone in the federal capital and local holidays have been declared in the twin cities as Pakistan is gearing up to host talks between the United States and Iran. Due to the sensitivity and importance of the talks, comprehensive security measures have been put in place, involving all law enforcement agencies and security forces. VVIP protocol under the Blue Book will be extended to the delegations during their movement, stay and meetings. Police, paramilitary troops and other security forces will perform duties under strict guidelines outlined in the Blue Book and other applicable standard operating procedures. Separate routes are also being prepared for the movement of the delegations. Journalists gather in front of shipping containers after authorities blocked roads in the Red Zone area in Islamabad on April 9, 2026. — AFP A bus is seen on a deserted street after authorities blocked roads in the Red Zone area in Islamabad on April 9, 202...
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Rawalpindi board postpones matric exams scheduled for April 10

The Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education on Thursday postponed the matric examinations scheduled to be held on April 10 (Friday) — when the federal capital will be abuzz with diplomatic activity during talks between the US and Iran. In a statement, it said that the exams at 64 examination centres across the city had been postponed. However, it said that exams in other districts of Rawalpindi Division would continue as per the schedule announced. According to a statement issued by the Rawalpindi BISE, the postponed exams included compulsory Urdu and geography. A new date for the postponed papers would be announced later, and the candidates would be duly informed, the statement said. The district authorities of the twin cities have declared two local holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on April 9 (today) and April 10 (Friday) to ensure security for the scheduled peace talks between Iran and the United States. Due to the sensitivity and importance of the talks,...
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How Pakistan emerged as the peacemaker between the US and Iran

Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Iran and the United States to secure a temporary ceasefire and host negotiations to end the war in the Middle East. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the US and Iran — and their allies — had agreed to a ceasefire “everywhere” following mediation by Islamabad. PM Shehbaz said the two-week truce — which Washington and Tehran had announced early on Wednesday — would next lead to talks in Islamabad. The announcements brought a sigh of relief to the world, which had been on its toes as US President Donald Trump’s April 8, 8pm ET deadline (5am PKT) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was about to end. Dawn takes a look at how Islamabad positioned itself as the peacemaker in the war, with its persistent efforts despite moments of dwindling hope of securing calm. The initial contacts The newly secured hope for sustainable peace is a result of intense diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, which was actively trying to pre...
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Pakistan condemns storming of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation forces

Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation forces, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The reaction comes a day after far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed East Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque compound, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa . The report quoted the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem as saying that the minister toured the mosque’s courtyards, entering through the Mughrabi Gate and proceeding to the Chain Gate before returning via the same route, amidst a heavy deployment of occupation police. “He has stormed the mosque approximately 14 times since assuming his position in 2023, as part of an escalating policy towards the mosque,” the report said. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FO said, “Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation forces.” It noted that the “reprehensible act constitutes a direct assault on the sanctity and...
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Achakzai suggests formation of ‘national government’ to build political consensus

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Tuesday suggested the formation of a “national government” to build consensus among the country’s political parties. Speaking in the NA during a debate on the Iran situation, Achakzai said, “We should at least agree on some points.” Stating that the time had passed when they used to blame each other for mistakes, the opposition leader said, “We will have to move toward a national government.” “The system that came after the elections has collapsed,” he claimed, referring to the PML-N-led coalition government formed after the Feb 8, 2024, general elections . This country, Achakzai said, could only move forward through “collective wisdom”. He maintained that the “establishment” tried to break ex-premier and PTI founder Imran Khan but failed. Achakzai, also the head of the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), warned of “resistance” if any effort was made to sideline Imran. “We will h...
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