The writer is Head of News at Pakistan Today. He has a special focus on current affairs, regional and global connectivity, and counterterrorism. He tweets as @mian_abrar and also can be reached at [email protected]
Top HeadlinesPM Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdoğan reaffirm stronger Pakistan–Türkiye strategic partnership at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, backing Middle East ceasefire momentum and planning the 8th HLSCC session in Ankara.
PM Shehbaz Sharif met Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, urging urgent de-escalation through dialogue to prevent wider conflict and protect energy security.
Gen Asim Munir’s Tehran talks aim to bridge the US–Iran nuclear standoff. Iran reportedly accepts third-party monitoring, while Washington weighs options on enrichment and sanctions relief.
Pakistan’s Finance Minister says Saudi Arabia will add $3B in deposits and extend an existing $5B deposit beyond the prior rollover. The support targets FX reserves and external financing needs.
PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Jeddah for a key meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to boost Saudi investment, energy cooperation, defense ties, and align positions on regional developments.
Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir visits Tehran as Iran and the US continue backchannel exchanges via Islamabad. Iran insists on nuclear rights while enrichment levels stay negotiable—Trump hints talks could resume soon.
China’s Wang Yi says Beijing will play a “constructive role” in Iran peace talks after the first Iran-US round in Islamabad ended without progress, urging diplomacy to sustain ceasefire momentum.
Xi Jinping unveiled a four-point proposal to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, stressing security frameworks, sovereignty, and international law. He also strengthened China-UAE strategic ties with expanded cooperation plans.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credits Pakistan’s mediation for a US-Iran ceasefire after marathon talks in Islamabad. He says Pakistan will continue diplomatic efforts as the truce holds despite no final deal.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad as Pakistan hosts high-stakes “Islamabad Talks 2026” to de-escalate the US-Iran conflict and seek lasting regional peace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iran’s delegation as the US-Iran “Islamabad Talks” formally began. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to mediate and push for a lasting diplomatic settlement amid regional tensions.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar gains support from France and the UK for Pakistan’s mediation on an Iran-US ceasefire as Lebanon violence and ceasefire violations raise tensions.
