Article:
In a press conference held in Islamabad, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khurshid expressed his views on the current situation in the Middle East, stating that Pakistan can benefit from its ties with Iran. The Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan has military and technical cooperation with Iran for several decades, and if Pakistan establishes contact, it will be offered cheap oil.
Khurshid’s statement came as tensions between Iran and the United States escalate over US military installations in the Gulf region. He said that the Iranian response was against US military installations, and he would not comment further on Iran’s actions and the situation in the region, as it is uncertain. The Ambassador added that the whole world is astonished by Trump’s military adventures, and it is difficult to predict when and how the current tensions will end.
Khurshid also stated that Russia is ready to sell oil to Pakistan, and the country can benefit from this opportunity. However, he clarified that there is no information yet about Pakistan and Russia establishing a deal for oil purchases. The energy sector is a crucial aspect of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
The Ambassador strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a school in Iran and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He also spoke about the formation of a committee to implement the Fingerprint Recognition System, which will help improve the security of educational institutions.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry announced that the government will establish contact with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, following their requests. In a separate development, a court in Islamabad rejected the bail application of Bilawal Khan, a suspect in the Lea Market gang war, for the second time. Khan faces charges of murder, robbery, and other crimes.
In response to the recent drone attacks by Afghan Taliban, the Director-General of the Islamabad Security and Rescue (ISPR) stated that the drones were provided by India. The ISPR also confirmed that the Pakistani airspace will remain closed to Indian flights until April 24.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. During the call, they exchanged Eid greetings. According to police sources, multiple cases have been registered against Bilawal Khan, including charges of murder, robbery, and land grabbing.
Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo accused the militants of exploiting Baloch women. In a separate development, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi granted a request for exempting Aliema Khan from attending the court proceedings.
Security sources confirmed that the operation will continue until the objectives are achieved. In response, rescue teams were quickly alerted, and they immediately got in touch with the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Meteorology is in constant contact with Iranian authorities.
The Supreme Court declared the 20 November 2023 decision of the Federal Services Tribunal null and void. In its judgment, the Court stated that the staff of the Contingency Board do not meet the standards of civil servants.
The Director-General of the ISPR stated that the Afghan Taliban used drones against Pakistan, which were provided by India. Meanwhile, Iranian missiles struck several areas in Israel. A message shared on the social media platform Instagram stated that a new Iranian ballistic missile poses a significant challenge to Israel.
Russia has sent condolences to the family of Ali Larijani, the chief of the Iranian National Security Council. According to official reports, a large number of government officials, military leaders, and members of different segments of society attended his funeral.
