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Middle East escalation ‘quite unsettling’, Pakistan tells UNSC, urges resumption of diplomacy

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan called the recent upsurge of violence in the Middle East as “quite unsettling” for the peace prospects in the region, emphasizing the resolution of all outstanding issues through diplomatic engagement, when the UN Security Council debated the Iran nuclear issue on Thursday.

“Given the necessary space, diplomacy can still deliver results,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to th UN, told the 15-member Council.

Pakistan, he said, has pursued diplomatic engagement in support of de-escalation, ceasefire and broader pursuit of stability in the region.

Convened by France, the Council President for September, Thursday’s session reviewed the work of the 1737 Sanctions Committee concerning Iran, under the “Non-Proliferation” agenda item.

The 1737 Sanctions Committee was established by resolution 1737 (2006), with a requirement to report to the Council every 90 days.

Prior to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear programme, which the Council endorsed through resolution 2231 (2015), these briefings took place every three months under the “Non-Proliferation” agenda item.

Resolution 2231 (2015) had suspended all prior sanctions resolutions on Iran, including resolution 1737 (2006), rendering the 1737 Committee and its reporting requirement defunct.

In August 2025, France, Germany and the United Kingdom – the “E3” parties to the JCPOA – then triggered the agreement’s “snapback” mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.

In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the resolution of all outstanding problems through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and sustained dialogue, saying renewed violence and breakdown of diplomacy have also impacted the consideration of the Iran nuclear issue, including by the Security Council.

Pakistan, he said, has been undertaking constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation, ceasefire, and the broader pursuit of stability in the region.

“Through sustained interaction at the leadership level, as well as with active coordination other partners in the region and beyond, we consistently sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages, and help create space and conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations,” the Pakistani envoy said.

“Our approach underscores Pakistan’s enduring commitment to regional stability and international peace, reflecting our preference for principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy in addressing geopolitical challenges.”

Continued divisions have impacted the work of the Council’s subsidiary bodies, he said. “We hope members will show unity and shoulder our responsibility and find common purpose in upholding international peace and security.”

“We urge all sides to exercise restraint and choose a path that delivers peace and security for all.”

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.