Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, has stated that the country has accelerated diplomatic efforts to mitigate tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Addressing the weekly press briefing, Andrabi mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a phone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, during which they discussed the current situation in detail. According to Andrabi, Pakistan has emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and promoting dialogue in the region. He added that Pakistan has urged the parties involved to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.
Andrabi stated that the Prime Minister’s leadership has maintained Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, and he has been in contact with the leaders of various countries. He mentioned that the Prime Minister has spoken with the leaders of Kuwait, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Bangladesh, and other countries to promote peace and stability in the region. The spokesperson also expressed concern over the spread of false information about Pakistan, stating that the Deputy Prime Minister is also involved in diplomatic efforts with countries in the region, including Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan.
Andrabi further stated that Pakistan has expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and promoting unity among Muslim nations. He added that the Prime Minister has informed Saudi Arabia’s leadership about Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and has agreed to maintain close communication. On March 23, the Prime Minister held a phone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to discuss the current situation in the region.
In a separate development, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met with citizens in Tehran on Friday, where he expressed his condolences over the recent protests. The Iranian military has confirmed that an Israeli soldier was killed and four others were injured in a rocket attack in southern Lebanon. An Afghan politician has been convicted of kidnapping and raping a 12-year-old girl.
The United States is reportedly considering several options to increase military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail. Germany has stated that it will not negotiate a direct agreement with Iran to ensure its maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to ships, and any attempts to pass through the waterway will be met with force.
Rescue teams are searching for people trapped under the rubble in Iran after a joint US-Israeli strike. The number of casualties in the conflict has increased dramatically. Despite the ongoing conflict and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has managed to export oil worth approximately $139 million per day.
A panel of experts will meet today to discuss a proposal to increase the capacity to generate electricity from coal. Students have been chasing a professor in the campus, and a video has emerged showing a student assaulting the professor with a shoe while other students are seen attacking him. Former Pakistani cricketer and commentator Shoaib Malik has shared an interesting story about how he was bowled out by spinner Usman Qadir for the first time.
The Iranian embassy has identified a fake account on social media spreading false information. An Afghan politician has been convicted of kidnapping and raping a 12-year-old girl.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has issued a show cause notice to national cricketer Nasim Shah for violating the central contract.
