LEE

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اعلی سطح وفد کے ہمراہ آج اپنے سرکاری دورہءِ سعودی عرب پر اسلام آباد سے جدہ روانہ ہونگے.

@Financegovpk Alhamdulillah

Saudi Arabia Announces USD 3 Billion Additional Support, Extends USD 5 Billion Deposit: Finance Minister Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has informed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has committed USD 3 billion in additional deposits, with disbursement expected in the coming week. He further stated that the existing USD 5 billion Saudi deposit would no longer remain subject to the earlier annual rollover arrangement and would instead be extended for a longer period. The Finance Minister made the annoucement while talking to members of the media in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026, and shared important details regarding Saudi financial support for Pakistan and the government’s external financing strategy. Senator Aurangzeb said this support comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s external financing needs and would help reinforce foreign exchange reserves and strengthen the country’s external account. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining reserves in line with its obligations to markets and under the IMF-supported programme, including the objective of achieving around USD 18 billion in reserves, equivalent to approximately 3.3 months of import cover, by the end of the fiscal year. The Finance Minister noted that Pakistan had successfully repaid its USD 1.4 billion Eurobond last week, describing it as a “non-event,” and reaffirmed that the government remained fully committed to meeting all upcoming external obligations and maturities on time. He emphasized that Pakistan’s external financing plan is clearly defined and being implemented in a responsible and disciplined manner. Referring to his engagements in Washington, Senator Aurangzeb said that he, along with the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, had held a detailed meeting with Saudi Finance Minister H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan. He recalled that he had also met the Saudi Finance Minister in Islamabad the previous Friday, but noted that the government had deliberately refrained from commenting publicly in the absence of formal communication, despite media reports and speculation, as such matters required clarity and joint understanding before being shared. The Finance Minister expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Finance Minister H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, and the Saudi Vice Finance Minister, for their continued support and close cooperation. He particularly appreciated the efforts made to bring the support package to fruition. Senator Aurangzeb also acknowledged the role of Pakistan’s political and economic leadership in securing and operationalizing the support. He thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Field Marshal, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, the Finance Secretary Mr. Imdad Ullah Bosal, and their respective teams for their contributions and coordination. The Finance Minister stated that, at this juncture, sentiment and confidence were critically important. He said Pakistan was receiving unprecedented appreciation from international financial institutions, the IMF, the World Bank, institutional investors, and counterparts he was meeting in Washington. He noted that the international community was particularly recognizing Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and facilitative role in helping enable dialogue between parties that had not held face-to-face discussions for decades. He said this international appreciation, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s timely financial support, provided Pakistan with important momentum and confidence going forward, both for the economy and for the external account, including its commercial dimensions. Senator Aurangzeb further noted that Pakistan was advancing its broader external financing agenda, including the recently announced Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme and the planned inaugural Panda Bond issuance, as part of efforts to diversify funding sources and strengthen market access. The Finance Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, fulfillment of external obligations, reform continuity, and sustained engagement with bilateral and multilateral partners. He said a more detailed interaction with the media would take place at the conclusion of the visit.

@NickJFuentes India and Israel has nukes pointed at Pakistan and China but we’re supposed to hate them. 🤷

Pakistan has nukes pointed at India and Israel but we’re supposed to hate them?

Islamabad: 13 April 2026. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney this evening. During their warm and cordial conversation, the Canadian Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s peace efforts that culminated in the temporary ceasefire and led to the recently held talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Pakistan. While appreciating Canada’s endorsement and support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, the Prime Minister highlighted that the US-Iran negotiations were an important step towards peace and assured that Pakistan would continue with its efforts to urge both parties to maintain the ceasefire and make meaningful progress towards de-escalation and regional peace and stability. The two leaders also exchanged views on Pakistan-Canada bilateral relations and expressed their desire to work together to enhance cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, mines and minerals as well as enhancing Canadian investments in Pakistan. The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the Canadian Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his kind convenience. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination.

DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper @YvetteCooperMP. They exchanged views on the recently held direct U.S.-Iran negotiations at the Islamabad Talks, as well as broader regional developments. The UK Foreign Secretary appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region. DPM/FM underscored the need for all parties to fully respect and implement the ceasefire. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address regional challenges and foster lasting peace. @FCDOGovUK #IslamabadTalks

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi. The two leaders exchanged views on the recently concluded Islamabad Talks and the direct U.S.–Iran negotiations. FM Wang Yi felicitated the DPM/FM on Pakistan’s dedicated efforts to promote peace and stability across the region. He reaffirmed the People’s Republic of China’s continued support for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role. DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to restore peace in the region. Emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward, both leaders discussed the Pakistan–China Five-Point Peace Initiative aimed at facilitating peaceful resolution of issues. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

@ehtishamulhaq87 Excellent PEMRA thank you

PEMRA issued a show cause notice to Geo News today about an airing report about the death of an Indian singer Asha Bhosle

SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTRY: THE MINISTER RECEIVED A CALL FROM ARAGHCHI TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENTS FOLLOWING PAKISTAN NEGOTIATIONS

JUST IN: Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey to continue talks with US and Iran

Had a most warm and productive call with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. I thanked her for Japan’s support for Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the U.S.–Iran ceasefire and the talks in Islamabad. Pakistan remains committed to sustaining this momentum for peace and stability. We agreed to further strengthen Pakistan–Japan cooperation and stay in close touch.

Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received today Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong. Discussions centered on recent developments following the Islamabad talks. DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued resolve to support dialogue and diplomacy. Ambassador Jiang commended Pakistan’s important role in facilitating direct talks between the United States and Iran. Both sides reaffirmed the strong Pakistan–China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The U.S.-Iran negotiation in #Islamabad was a step towards moving in the direction of deescalation. China hopes: 🔶the ceasefire will be kept; 🔶disputes will be resolved through political and diplomatic means rather than reigniting the flames of war; 🔶conditions will be created for early return of peace to the Gulf.

PM TAKAICHI held a telephone meeting with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz SHARIF, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. PM TAKAICHI paid tribute and supported the mediation efforts made by Pakistan. The two leaders concurred on continuing close communication towards an early de-escalation of the situation. #Pakistan mofa.go.jp/s_sa/sw/pk/pag…

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from H.E. Ms. Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan today. During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders discussed the recently held Islamabad Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Pakistan. Prime Minister Takaichi appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating the ceasefire and talks. She expressed Japan’s full support for the peace process and its importance for regional stability and global energy security. While thanking the Japanese Prime Minister for her good wishes, the Prime Minister said that he was grateful to both the U.S. and Iranian delegations for their extensive discussions in Islamabad and said that Pakistan would continue with its efforts to ensure that the ceasefire is maintained. The Prime Minister expressed his desire to further strengthen Pakistan-Japan bilateral cooperation, which was reciprocated by the Japanese Prime Minister as well. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination.

@MohsinnaqviC42 💯

Outstanding work by our security and civil institutions during the Islamabad talks. The Pakistan Army, Punjab Rangers, Punjab Police, Motorway Police, Federal Constabulary, Capital Development Authority, Islamabad Administration, and Islamabad Police demonstrated exceptional professionalism, coordination, and vigilance. Their seamless security arrangements ensured a safe, peaceful, and well managed environment for this important national engagement. The nation is proud of your dedication and tireless service.

China has massive economic exposure to the Middle East: China has spent over $269 billion on investments and construction contracts across the Middle East since 2005. Saudi Arabia is the largest recipient at $82 billion, followed by the UAE at $48 billion, and Iraq at $40 billion. Furthermore, Chinese investments and construction contracts in Iran have reached $25 billion. Meanwhile, Middle East trade with China has more than doubled since 2017, to $317 billion in 2024. That is nearly 4 times the $85 billion in trade with the US in 2024. China is heavily tied to the Middle East's economy.

@araghchi Need more details.

In intensive talks at highest level in 47 years, Iran engaged with U.S in good faith to end war. But when just inches away from "Islamabad MoU", we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade. Zero lessons earned Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity.

IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO PAKISTAN: ISLAMABAD TALKS ARE NOT AN OCCURRENCE BUT AN ONGOING PROCESS.