ISLAMABAD: The United States and Iran are preparing for direct negotiations “very soon” in Pakistan, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Friday, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies to halt a Middle East war that has killed thousands, disrupted global energy supplies and driven oil prices above $110 a barrel.
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ECC redirects Rs100 billion development spending to cushion consumers from petroleum volatility
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet approved a Rs100 billion supplementary grant for the prime minister’s austerity fund on Thursday to finance subsidies on petroleum products and shield consumers from price swings linked to developments in the Gulf region.
Barrick delays Reko Diq project as security worsens, Iran war disrupts supplies
KARACHI: Barrick is delaying development of its flagship Reko Diq copper and gold mine in Pakistan, citing the war in the Middle East and a sharp deterioration in security across Balochistan province, where the project is located, FT reported on Thursday.
Islamabad asks provinces to share fuel subsidy load to keep pump prices frozen
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is pressing provincial authorities to share the rising cost of imported fuel, in a bid to keep domestic petrol and diesel prices unchanged for consumers despite swings in global markets, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Pakistan’s top leaders urge unity as Iran war disrupts oil supplies and heightens security risks
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari convened Pakistan’s most senior civilian and military officials on Thursday to chart a unified response to the economic and security strains triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran, emphasising national consensus and tighter coordination across government institutions as the conflict enters its second month.
Pakistan resumes targeted operation against Afghan Taliban after Eid pause ends
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office said on Thursday that a temporary pause in its military operation against the Afghan Taliban had ended, and strikes would resume immediately and continue “until its objectives are achieved.”
Israel backs off targeting Araqchi and Qalibaf after US steps in at Pakistan’s request – report
ISLAMABAD: Israel has removed Iran’s foreign minister and the speaker of its parliament from its list of targets for elimination, after Pakistan asked the United States to intervene and prevent their deaths, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Thursday.
Falling debris claims another Pakistani life in Abu Dhabi, bringing toll to four since strikes on Iran began
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani national was killed Thursday when debris from the interception of a ballistic missile struck Sweihan Street in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Media Office said, marking the fourth death of a Pakistani citizen in the United Arab Emirates from such incidents since the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran.
Pakistan says US and Iran are exchanging messages through Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister said Thursday that the United States and Iran are engaged in indirect talks, with Islamabad relaying messages between the two sides as they seek to end the conflict that has roiled the Middle East for nearly a month.
India’s Problem With Peace
The news from Islamabad this week should have registered as standard middle-power diplomacy in a region on fire. Pakistan, citing its long border with Iran, its ties to both Washington and Tehran, and its newly burnished personal relationship between its army chief and President Donald J. Trump, has positioned itself as a potential host and facilitator for direct talks aimed at ending the fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran.