In Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district, unidentified gunmen opened fire on an anti-narcotics police team returning from an operation against poppy cultivation. Three policemen were killed and five injured, including a DSP.
Ahsan Iqbal says Pakistan is honoured to host the Islamabad Peace Talks, stressing dialogue and restraint to avert wider conflict. He warns prolonged hostilities could harm global economies and push millions into poverty.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb departs for the U.S. to attend the WBG-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, meet IMF and World Bank leadership, and discuss Pakistan’s macro outlook and reforms, including engagements in Boston.
Russia says a “window of opportunity” has opened to de-escalate tensions in the Persian Gulf and supports US-Iran talks in Islamabad, urging all parties to act responsibly and address root causes of the crisis.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, pledging deeper cooperation and strategic coordination as both countries respond to shifting global dynamics.
Pakistan has established a fully equipped media centre at the Jinnah Convention Centre to enable seamless global coverage of ongoing US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed full financial backing for Pakistan during a visit by its finance minister. Talks covered a $5 billion loan, extended credit lines, and expanded oil financing as Pakistan faces major debt repayments.
PTI postponed its April 9 Rawalpindi rally after Imran Khan’s directive linked to sensitive US-Iran talks. Now the party plans a major public gathering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within ten days.
Pakistan’s federal government has fully exempted call centers and BPO firms from energy-crisis operating hour restrictions, allowing 24/7 service. Islamabad/Rawalpindi holiday rules won’t apply, and PSEB will resolve complaints within 24 hours.
CTD Sindh, with federal intelligence, arrested Muhammad Farhan Khan near University Road and recovered a 9mm pistol. Authorities say he confessed to an imam’s 2023 killing and sectarian attacks; raids continue.
Xi Jinping met KMT chair Cheng Li-wun for the first high-level talks in a decade, urging peaceful cross-strait development, adherence to the 1992 Consensus, and expanded people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated To Lam on his election as Vietnam’s president, saying Pakistan will deepen warm ties and expand cooperation in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
