Blaze News - Pakistan

Ever since the US-Israeli war on Iran broke out on February 28, Pakistan's efforts to advance mediation have been difficult to ignore. The federal government has shuttled multiple peace proposals between both capitals, stretched its diplomatic bandwidth to get conflicting parties to the negotiating table, and, despite limited success in early April talks in Islamabad, it continues to acquire considerable support from both Iran and the United States in brokering a consensus on the path to de-escalation. The value of having no skin in the game These dynamics merit a deeper understanding of what constitutes Pakistan's role as a pivotal mediator in the conflict and the drivers that propel it to that status. First, Islamabad does not carry some of the constraints associated with Gulf countries and traditional US-focused mediators. For instance, Islamabad does not host any US military bases, making it a critical player in earning the trust of Tehran, which has attacked Middle Eastern...

Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday announced that the federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s first-ever National Vaccine Policy, paving the way for local vaccine production in the country. The approval was granted during a meeting of the federal cabinet held in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. Speaking on the occasion, the minister termed the development a major milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system. He noted that the country had, until now, lacked a comprehensive national policy on vaccines, adding that the newly approved framework was developed through extensive consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a robust and sustainable approach. Kamal highlighted the role of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in shaping the policy...

The United Arab Emirates' decision to withdraw from the Organisation ​of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ gives Abu Dhabi greater control over its oil production policy and could increase pressure on the producer alliance over time. However, its immediate impact on commodity markets is likely to be limited, as the ongoing war involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to dominate supply concerns, experts said. The UAE’s move marks a significant shift for one of OPEC’s most important Gulf producers, which has invested heavily in expanding its production capacity in recent years and has repeatedly sought more room to raise output. Read: UAE leaves OPEC and OPEC+ in huge blow to global oil producers' group Carole Nakhle, CEO of Crystol Energy, said the decision had been “building for some time”, driven by Abu Dhabi’s discomfort with output constraints and uneven compliance among members of the producer group. “The UAE has invested heavily...

In a rare display of political unity, a joint jirga led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday unanimously condemned ongoing drone strikes in tribal districts, deciding to convene a series of gatherings on the issue. The jirga, which included lawmakers from both government and opposition benches representing tribal districts, was told that relentless drone attacks continued to result in repeated civilian casualties and damage to local property. Participants agreed that the current situation was no longer tolerable, with innocent lives being lost to both terrorism and drone strikes. They agreed to hold a special provincial assembly session on Thursday, a cabinet meeting on Friday, and a grand tribal jirga at the Chief Minister’s House on Saturday. وزیر اعلی خیبر پختونخوا کی سربراہی میں حکومت اور اپوزیشن کا مشترکہ جرگہ، ڈرون حملوں کی مشترکہ مخالفت#CMKP #tribalaffairs #peaceinkp pic.twitter.com/uWjqVFkL05 — Information Department KP (@infokpgovt) April 29...

Captain Babar Azam struck a fluent 57-ball hundred as Peshawar Zalmi outclassed Islamabad United by 70 runs in the first qualifier of the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League at the National Stadium, Karachi, sealing a place in the final for a record fifth time. Put into bat after Islamabad United won the toss and opted to field, Zalmi made a strong start as Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris laid a solid foundation, taking the score to 68 inside the powerplay. United struck their first breakthrough in the seventh over when Haris, who made 35 off 16 balls, failed to find the gap and was caught at long-off by Mark Chapman. Peshawar Zalmi cruising to cover 200+👀#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/YsJE6r3jiM — PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 28, 2026 Babar then anchored the innings alongside Kusal Mendis, with whom he has formed several productive partnerships this season. The pair added 84 runs for the second wicket, blending control with acceleration to keep Zalmi o...

President Donald Trump's approval rating ‌fell to the lowest level of his current term, as Americans increasingly soured on his handling of the cost of living and an unpopular war with Iran, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The four-day poll completed on Monday showed 34% of Americans approve of Trump's performance in the White ​House, down from 36% in a prior Reuters/Ipsos survey, which was conducted from April 15 to 20. The majority of ​responses were gathered before the Saturday night shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, ⁠where Trump was due to speak. It remains to be seen if the incident, in which a gunman was stopped before he ​could enter a hall where Trump was dining, might affect people's views of the US leader. Federal prosecutors have charged the accused ​shooter with attempting to assassinate the president. Trump's standing with the US public has trended lower since taking office in January 2025, when 47% of Americans gave...

The Punjab Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 by a majority vote on Monday following a detailed and heated debate between treasury and opposition members, alongside key legislative business and a question hour session. The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began with a delay of 53 minutes. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari termed early marriages harmful to girls’ health and education, stressing that young girls should be allowed to complete their education rather than being married off prematurely. During the proceedings, Uzma raised strong concerns, stating that for the first time, members were not provided copies of the bill. She stressed that it was essential for all lawmakers to have access to the draft legislation before its passage. On her complaint, the speaker directed that copies of the bill be immediately distributed among members. Read More: Punjab amends child marriage law Speaking on the bill, Uzma emphasised that early m...

The information ministry on Monday rejected Afghan media reports alleging that the Pakistan Army carried out missile or air strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, calling the claims “false” and “frivolous”. In a statement posted on X, the ministry’s fact-checking account shared a picture from Afghan news outlet TOLOnews claiming that “Pakistani military conducted missile/jet attacks on Kunar province on April 27, targeting Sayyed Jamaluddin Afghan University and residential areas, killing three people and injuring 45 (mostly women and children), as per Najibullah Hanif.” The ministry dismissed the allegations, saying the claim “is a blatant lie and an attempt to gain sympathy to cover up support by the Afghan Taliban to Fitna al Khwarij”. Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “Pakistan’s targeting is precise and intelligence-based. No strike has been carried out at Sayyed Jamaluddin Afghan University. The c...

The centuries-old Shahi Khatta, a historic royal sewer system passing through the inner city of Peshawar, is rapidly deteriorating, with its walls and roofs becoming dangerously weak. In a worrying incident on Monday, the fragile roof of the Shahi Khatta in the Kohati area collapsed under the weight of a passing tractor, causing the road to cave in. The tractor driver sustained injuries in the accident. According to local accounts, the Shahi Khatta, believed to date back several centuries, has seen its condition worsen significantly in recent years. Built originally for stormwater and wastewater drainage, the historic structure now suffers from widespread encroachments. Shops, cabins, and illegal constructions have sprung up at multiple points along the sewer, particularly in areas such as Kohati, Qissa Khwani, Mohalla Khudadad, Peeple Mandi, the old vegetable market, Reti Bazaar, and Ashraf Road, eventually emerging at Shahi Bagh. Residents say that due to these encroachments and the ...

The government has notified the Transit of Goods Order 2026, formally allowing the transportation of goods to Iran through Pakistan under a defined legal and regulatory framework, a notification said on Sunday. Issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, and in pursuance of the 2008 Pakistan-Iran agreement on international transport of passengers and goods by road, the order has come into force immediately. “The Transit of Goods through the territory of Pakistan Order 2026 shall come into force at once,” the notification stated. Read: Pakistan-Iran transit corridor formally opens According to the notification, new transit routes had been announced under the order, with Gwadar, Karachi and Taftan designated for transit cargo movement. The order defined transit as the movement of goods through Pakistan as part of a journey that began and ended outside the country, and transit transport corridors as specified routes for such movement. It also defined cross...

Peace is not just a yoga class word that people throw around in speeches. Real peace is something that actually has to be worked for, quietly, behind closed doors, sometimes without anyone even saying thank you. Pakistan knows this better than most. The critics do not. And the opposition between those contrasting clauses is the entire point of this article. With that in mind, let us talk about the United States and Iran because, honestly, this is the part where the critics should just put their phones down and pay attention. The United States and Iran are not exactly sending each other birthday cards. These are two bitter geopolitical foes that have been at each other's windpipes since before most of us were born. The distrust runs so deep that direct conversation between them is practically a miracle, even to attempt. So who steps in? Pakistan does. Not the critics. Pakistan. Through calls, meetups, and the kind of patient, people-to-people diplomacy that takes weeks to show resul...

The federal capital’s district administration on Saturday announced the restoration of transport services, allowing all types of public and goods transport to enter the city after a temporary suspension imposed for security reasons for possible US-Iran talks that never materialised. The development comes amid a fresh setback in the peace process after US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. According to a statement issued by the deputy commissioner’s office, all bus terminals across Islamabad were reopened, except for the Faizabad bus terminal, which would remain closed until further notice. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan The Punjab Mass Transit Authority announced the resumption of Metro bus and electric bus services from Sunday. In Islamabad, the Metro bus would operate between Saddar Station and Shaheed-...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday jacked up prices of both high-speed diesel (HSD) and petrol by Rs26.77 per litre despite no increase being required in the rates of petrol. The premier imposed a nearly Rs27 per litre additional tax on the fuel to push its price higher. Accordingly, the HSD price has been fixed at Rs380.19 per litre, up from Rs353.42 per litre. This marks a 7.5% increase. Diesel prices are still significantly lower than their peak of Rs520.4 on April 10. Diesel is considered the most inflationary fuel due to its widespread use in freight transportation and the agriculture sector. The prime minister approved an increase in petrol prices to Rs393.35 per litre, up from Rs366.6. This shows an increase of 7.3% over the existing prices. Petroleum Division officials said that there was no change in the petrol prices in the international market and the rates had to be jacked up due to an increase in the tax. Read: PM Shehbaz approves Rs32.12 per litre cut in high-speed d...

The Islamabad Police arrested a man for allegedly equating the Tarnol railway crossing to the Strait of Hormuz, it emerged on Friday. Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran's trade by sea, while Iran has prevented ships from sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway at the entrance to the Middle ​East Gulf. Nearly two months after the US and Israel began their war on Iran on February 28, there is little sign of peace ​talks resuming during an uneasy ceasefire. The closure of the strait has disrupted the supply of a fifth of the ⁠world's oil and gas supplies and caused a global energy crisis. A first information report registered at Tarnol Police Station by Sub-Inspector Shahid Asghar on Tuesday under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), Section 341 (punishment for wrongful restrains) and Section 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or for a shorter term) of the Pakistan Penal Co...

Light-hearted chatter ripples through a tent in the central Gaza Strip as a boy in a wheelchair gently strokes a white rabbit and another stands entranced by a bright green bird. For a moment, this group of young children who have lived through the devastation wrought by two years of gruelling conflict are captivated by the joy provided by the animals around them. "The natural presence of animals and birds, with their vibrant colours, absorbs negative energy," said Rashid Anbar, who runs animal-assisted psychological support sessions in Al-Zawayda camp. "Interacting with them fosters an atmosphere of happiness and positive energy," he added, saying the children's reactions left him feeling "encouraged" too. Displaced Palestinian children, who fled their homes due to Israeli strikes, play with one of the cats belonging to the Harb family who survived Israeli airstrikes, at a tent camp in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip November 8, 2023. REUTERS T...

The federal government has increased taxes on used imported mobile phones after raising their customs valuation by up to 175%, making 62 models of various brands more expensive. According to documents available to The Express Tribune, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised the customs valuation of imported mobile phones through its Directorate General of Customs Valuation, issuing a new valuation ruling under which taxes will henceforth be collected based on revised values. Officials said the increase in customs valuation has directly raised the tax burden on imported mobile phones. Following the new ruling, 62 models of various well-known brands have become costlier. The new framework applies to all used mobile phones regardless of their condition. It further requires that imported mobile phones must have been activated at least six months before import, and importers are required to provide activation details, which will be verified by customs authorities. The previous valuat...

Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has taken serious notice of power off-take from small power producers (SPPs) and captive power plants (CPPs) by distribution companies (DISCOs) at tariffs exceeding the prevailing national merit order, according to a statement issued on Wednesday. The matter was revealed during a stock-taking of DISCOs. The minister directed an immediate halt to the practice and ordered it to be brought in line with NEPRA's Grid Code, Distribution Code and directions. He also ordered an inquiry into the matter. The minister further directed coordination with the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) to include SPPs and CPPs in the dispatch process based on economic merit order (EMO) principles, ensuring least cost for consumers. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/TUjvheN

The United Nations on Wednesday expressed outrage over the destruction of a statue of Jesus by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon. Responding to Anadolu's question on the incident, the secretary-general's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told a news conference that the UN is aware of the incident and called it "shocking". He welcomed the reports of "disciplinary measures" taken against the Israeli soldiers. "The desecration of religious symbols, the desecration of houses of worship, is unacceptable, regardless of the religion," Dujarric said. Read More: Latin patriarch of Jerusalem condemns destruction of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier in Lebanon Video footage circulating on Sunday showed an Israeli soldier smashing the statue with a pickaxe in the town of Debel in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army acknowledged the incident in a statement on Monday. The incident was not the first involving damage to Christian religious symbols in Lebanon. In ...

Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power on a promise to govern Britain efficiently after years of political turmoil. Less than two years later, accusations that his office forced through a key appointment have shattered that image of competence. Embroiled in a scandal over his decision to appoint Labour Party veteran Peter Mandelson ​to Britain's top diplomatic post as ambassador to the United States, Starmer's grip on power appears to be slipping and his leadership skills are in question. Starmer's office denies allegations made by Britain's former top ‌foreign ministry official, Olly Robbins, that it put pressure on his team to accelerate Mandelson's appointment last year. But Robbins' testimony to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, days after he was sacked, has exposed what Starmer's opponents say is a lack of political instinct and intensified critics' doubts about how he runs his office. Three people close to his Downing Street operation told R...

President Trump said ​on Tuesday that the United States was considering helping the ‌United Arab Emirates financially and a currency swap with the Middle East nation was under consideration. "It is," ​Trump told CNBC when asked if ​a currency swap with the UAE was ⁠under consideration, calling them a good ally. "They're ​really led by incredible people ... I mean, I'm ​surprised, because they are really rich," Trump said. "If I could help them, I would, I mean, we're ​helping them much more with what we're ​doing with the war," Trump said, referring to the US and ‌Israel's ⁠war with Iran. Read More: Pakistan returns $2 billion more to UAE The Wall Street Journal reported that the UAE's central bank governor raised the idea of a currency swap line with US ​Treasury Secretary ​Scott Bessent ⁠and Federal Reserve officials in meetings in Washington last week, in ​case the war plunges the oil-rich ​country ⁠into a deeper crisis. "If...

Over the last decade, at least in the US, trust in higher education has dropped significantly. A decade ago, surveys showed that 57% Americans had a 'great deal of' or 'quite a lot of' trust in higher education. Now the same number has come down to about 36 per cent. It is likely that the number is going to decline further. Manifestations of this issue are seen not just in the political spheres of the right where institutions of higher education are viewed as places of indoctrination of left wing ideas, but also on the left where questions about the value of an exorbitant price tag of higher education, and issues around accessibility, are being asked regularly. The lack of trust plays out in public conversation and in the polling booth. A year ago, Yale University created a committee of ten faculty members from a variety of academic disciplines to analyse the drivers of the decline in trust, and identify remedial measures. The final report was made public last week. The...

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the Middle East crisis in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Monday. The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Araghchi informed Lavrov of Tehran's position regarding the ceasefire with the US and Israel. "Araghchi informed Lavrov of the Islamic Republic’s position regarding ceasefire violations committed by the United States, including an illegal naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a seizure of an Iranian container ship," it said. 📞 On April 20, FMs Sergey #Lavrov & @araghchi spoke over the phone. Abbas Araghchi informed Sergey Lavrov of Iran’s position regarding the US violations of the ceasefire, including the illegal naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.https://t.co/zT3c21Ywvj pic.twitter.com/r4XmxB0Fq5 — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) April 20, 2026 The Russian side reiterated the need to maintain the ceasefire, which must be observed within the parameters initially agr...

Recently, BBC London broadcasted a documentary showing how hundreds of young children were infected with HIV in a public sector hospital in Punjab. Their undercover video footage showed staff reusing syringes and other lax infection control practices. It is deeply problematic that this outbreak was reported a year ago and the Punjab government had promised to make changes so that it never happens again. The Department of Health responded by doubling down and refusing to accept that this has happened recently, while BBC stands by its claim that the footage is current. In Sindh, more than 100 people - predominantly children - were reported with Mpox (popularly called monkeypox). Around 30 patients were lab-confirmed, with nine deaths. Most cases came from Khairpur in Sindh and could be traced back to some public healthcare facilities. A high fatality Mpox outbreak is perplexing, but once you put the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together, it becomes clear that the lack of infection control...

Railway Police Quetta Division on Sunday foiled two major attempts to smuggle Iranian currency within a span of just two days, arresting two suspects and recovering currency worth billions of rupees. According to a statement issued by the Railway Police, officials recovered Iranian currency worth Rs1.70 billion in one case and Rs560 million in another. "Both suspects were arrested on the spot for failing to produce any legal licence or documentation and were later handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) along with the recovered currency," said the statement. It added that in the first operation, carried out during routine checking at Quetta Railway Station, a team led by Inspector/Station House Officer Muhammad Shahbaz searched a passenger travelling on the Jaffar Express. "The suspect, identified as Muhammad Zafar Iqbal was found attempting to smuggle Iranian currency concealed in crates of dates, allegedly destined for Lahore. During the search, currency ...

Iran said on Saturday that it was reviewing proposals from the United States as President Donald Trump said that "very good" conversations were ongoing between the two countries amid a temporary ceasefire in their hostilities. Iran's Press TV issued a statement on X from the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council that Iran was reviewing proposals from the US that were delivered by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit to Tehran. It said Iran had not yet given a response to them. 🔺Recently, with the Pakistani army commander in Tehran as mediator, new proposals have been put forward by the Americans. The Islamic Republic of Iran is reviewing them and has not yet responded. — Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 18, 2026 Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz again today, warning mariners that the vital energy route was again closed, but President Donald Trump said Tehran could not blackmail the US by s...

A French soldier was killed and three others wounded while clearing a road in southern Lebanon ​in an attack that UNIFIL peacekeepers and French officials alleged on Saturday was likely ‌carried out by Hezbollah. UNIFIL said initial assessments indicated the fire came from non-state ​actors, allegedly Hezbollah, and that an investigation had been launched into what it ⁠called "a deliberate attack". “Sergeant Major Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment in Montauban was killed this morning in southern Lebanon during an attack against UNIFIL,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X. Le Sergent-chef Florian Montorio du 17eme régiment du génie parachutiste de Montauban est tombé ce matin au sud-Liban lors d’une attaque contre la FINUL. Trois de ses frères d’armes sont blessés et ont été évacués. La Nation s’incline avec respect… — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 18, 2026 “Everything suggests that Hezbollah is responsible for this attack,” h...

Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Friday the coming week would be “quite significant” for Pakistan, as Islamabad was once again expected to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East war. Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran after the war began on February 28 and has hosted the highest-level talks between the two sides since they snapped diplomatic ties in 1979. Speaking to a private news channel, Malik said the government had completed preparations for the next round of talks, including preventive security measures. He added that, as in the previous round, foolproof security would be ensured, with even stronger arrangements this time. “Within a few hours or by later tonight, things will start becoming clearer. I will not give a specific date or time, but the coming week appears to be very significant for Pakistan, especially for Islamabad,” he said. Malik added that today's announcement by Iranian Foreign Ministe...