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Islamabad welcomes US ceasefire extension, eyes breakthrough in Iran talks

Islamabad: Pakistan welcomes the extension of the Iran ceasefire, expressing hopes that ongoing diplomatic efforts in Islamabad will lead to a broader peace agreement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X.

The PM said the move came after a request from Islamabad and thanked US President Donald Trump for agreeing to extend the ceasefire to allow negotiations to continue.

“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” he said.

He added that Pakistan would continue efforts to support a negotiated settlement of the conflict, expressing confidence in the process.

“With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict,” Sharif said.

The prime minister said he hoped both sides would observe the ceasefire and move towards a “comprehensive peace deal” during the second round of talks in Islamabad.

“I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘peace deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled in Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict,” he added.

US President Donald Trump extended the Iran ceasefire hours before it was due to expire, saying the move was made at Pakistan’s request to allow diplomatic efforts to continue and to give Tehran time to prepare a unified proposal.

In a post on social media, Trump said the ceasefire, which began two weeks ago, would remain in place until Iran submits its proposal and discussions are concluded.

He said US forces would remain on standby while maintaining pressure, including a naval blockade of Iran’s ports, which Tehran has described as an act of war.

The extension comes as Islamabad prepares to host a second round of talks between the two sides, with Washington confirming a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance will soon travel to Pakistan. Tehran has said it has yet to decide on participation.

According to Axios, the US delegation may also include Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. At the same time, Iranian state media has denied reports that any delegation has departed for Pakistan.

The first round of talks, lasting around 21 hours, failed to produce an agreement as the two sides remained divided over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the Strait of Hormuz, and US sanctions.

The conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched a joint bombing campaign against Iran, escalating into wider hostilities across the region, including Iranian moves in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on US and Israeli positions.

The ceasefire was first brokered on April 8 following mediation by Pakistan, which also invited both sides to Islamabad for negotiations.

However, US President Donald Trump earlier told Bloomberg the truce would expire on Wednesday evening Washington time, and in a separate interview with CNBC, said he was reluctant to extend it, arguing the US remained in a strong negotiating position.

US, Iran urged to give ‘dialogue, diplomacy a chance’

Earlier, Pakistan urged the warring sides to extend their two-week ceasefire, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the call during a meeting with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

During the meeting, DPM Dar underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address ongoing challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability, the FO said.

DPM Dar stressed the “need for engagement” between Washington and Tehran, urging both sides to consider extending the ceasefire.

Baker conveyed Washington’s appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive and positive role in promoting regional peace and facilitating dialogue.

Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan was in constant touch with Iran and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue.

“Formal response from the Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited,” he wrote in a post on X.

Tarar noted that the ceasefire between the two sides is set to end at 4:50am (Pakistan Time) on Wednesday (April 22), saying that a decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of the ceasefire was critical.

Pakistan made “sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership” to participate in the second round of talks, he said, vowing that Islamabad would continue its efforts to bring Iran back to the table.

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DPM Dar, Russian FM Lavrov discuss rescheduling of PM Shehbaz visit to Russia

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov.

During the interaction, reiterating the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements, both the dignitaries discussed rescheduling of the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Russia at an early mutually convenient date. The DPM/FM also extended an invitation to FM Lavrov to visit Pakistan, a DPM’s Office news release said.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and cooperation at multilateral fora in support of international peace & security.

FM Lavrov appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States.

The DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s resolve to continue contributing to efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all issues.

Both sides agreed to remain in touch.

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President, PM pay tribute to security forces for successful operation against terrorists in Khyber

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid tribute to the security forces for killing 22 terrorists of Fitna Al-Khawarij during a joint intelligence-based operation in Khyber district.

In separate statements, both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete elimination from the country.

President Zardari stated that terrorists were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s leadership efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region.

“We will defeat terrorism and continue to play a leading role in maintaining peace in the region and across the world,” the president said.

He also expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of a 10-year-old child during the operation and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed sorrow over the child’s martyrdom, which occurred as a result of unprovoked firing by the terrorists.

Strongly condemning the act, the prime minister prayed for strength and patience for the grieving family.

“The cowardly terrorists’ unprovoked firing, carried out in an attempt to save themselves, which resulted in the martyrdom of a child, is an irreparable crime against humanity,” he added.

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Severe heatwave likely to grip Karachi, other parts of country until May 5: NDMA

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive weather alert warning of an intense heatwave across multiple regions, including Karachi, till May 5.

The NDMA, through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), on Thursday urged authorities to activate emergency plans and citizens to adopt precautionary measures to mitigate health and environmental risks.

The Met Office also forecast rain with windstorms and thunderstorms in parts of the country between April 24 and 29.

According to the NDMA, the prevailing weather pattern aligns with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, indicating a period of climatic extremes.

The authority has also released a detailed assessment of expected weather conditions from April to June.

The alert highlights that Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan are likely to experience severe heatwave conditions, with major urban centres including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat expected to remain in the grip of extreme temperatures.

Central Punjab and certain parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also likely to witness a significant rise in temperature.

Meanwhile, a separate weather system is expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to upper and central districts on April 24, 25 and 29.

Areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan may receive rainfall during this period.

In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar are forecast to experience rain accompanied by strong winds between April 24–25 and April 27–29. Coastal regions, including Gwadar, are expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual increase in temperatures.

Sindh is likely to continue experiencing hot and dry conditions, with a steady rise in temperatures across the province.

However, Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi may receive light rain and strong winds on April 24.

KP is also expected to see intermittent rainfall and gusty winds in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram during April 24–25 and April 27–29.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience intermittent rain with thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.

The NDMA warned that the ongoing heatwave could lead to an increased risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health complications.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, increase water intake and take preventive precautions.

The Authority has directed all relevant institutions to activate heatwave response plans, establish cooling centres and ensure hospitals remain on high alert.

Provincial and district administrations have also been instructed to stay vigilant and prepared to respond to any emergency arising from the evolving weather situation.

PM orders inquiry into inactive EWS in GB

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into the non-functional early warning system installed in Gilgit-Baltistan for protection against glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and directed all relevant institutions to accelerate coordinated preparations ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

Chairing a review meeting on pre-monsoon preparedness and climate-related risks, the prime minister expressed strong displeasure over the continued inactivity of the early warning system despite clear directives issued last year.

He warned that negligence and weak institutional performance would not be tolerated and emphasized that safeguarding citizens from environmental hazards remains a core responsibility of all departments.

The premier instructed federal ministries and provincial governments to remove bottlenecks hindering policy implementation and ensure full operationalisation of digital monitoring infrastructure for early warning systems.

He stressed that Pakistan ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts and called for emergency-level efforts to mitigate associated risks.

The PM also highlighted lessons from last year’s monsoon season, and noted that illegal encroachments along river routes and flood channels had contributed significantly to damages.

He directed authorities to adopt an effective preventive strategy this year to address the issue before the onset of heavy rains.

He further instructed all institutions to enhance operational capacity and mobilize resources beyond routine limits to protect lives and property during potential flooding.