Pak Asia Youth Forum

ISLAMABAD TALKS | U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that official representatives from the United States will be arriving in Islamabad tomorrow evening for negotiations. This development highlights ongoing diplomatic engagement and may have broader implications for regional stability and international relations.

From ideas to intelligent content, today, we witnessed creativity meet AI. The PAYF Workshop on AI Content Creation brought together curious minds, creators, and innovators to explore how technology is reshaping the way we tell stories, build brands, and engage audiences. Led by Malik Waqas Saeed, the session unpacked the power of AI from ideation to execution, showing how anyone can transform raw ideas into impactful digital content.

Pakistan is stepping forward with purpose, claiming its place where global decisions are made. By standing with both Kashmir and Palestine, it’s turning diplomacy into a voice for justice. On the world stage, Pakistan isn’t just present, it’s speaking for those who need to be heard.

UK MPs intensify pressure | 75 lawmakers have backed an Early Day Motion urging the UK government to consider sanctions on Israel over expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, viewed by signatories as a move toward annexation and a breach of international law. The motion is non-binding but reflects rising concern within Parliament.

According to IRNA, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that key issues including sanctions and the question of Iran’s frozen assets were effectively “resolved” during the first round of Islamabad-hosted talks. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Dar highlighted that Pakistan’s mediation efforts are focused on achieving a durable and comprehensive settlement, rather than merely extending a ceasefire. He stressed that the objective is a permanent end to the conflict, potentially through a structured framework or formal agreement between the concerned parties. Dar further noted that Pakistan has made significant progress in facilitating dialogue, but emphasized that the remaining gaps require flexibility from both sides to reach a final understanding.

Pakistan has repaid $2 billion to the UAE, which was held as a safe deposit in the State Bank of Pakistan. The UAE reportedly requested early repayment amid evolving global conditions. The funds carried around 6% interest and had previously been rolled over on a short-term basis. Meanwhile, Pakistan recently received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia, with an additional $3 billion deposit assurance, reflecting continued Gulf financial support.

Talks in Limbo | Iran’s deputy FM says no date has been set for the next U.S. talks, insisting a clear diplomatic framework and removal of “excessive demands” are needed before any meeting as Pakistan continues mediation and key issues like sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.

Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad.

Is your degree preparing you for the real world… or just exams? 🎓 Universities blame industry. Industry blames graduates. But progress won’t come from blame, it will come from collaboration. It’s time to work together and build real, practical skills.

On the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt convened to discuss evolving regional dynamics. Participants included Ishaq Dar, Faisal bin Farhan, Hakan Fidan, and Badr Abdelatty. This engagement builds on earlier consultations in Riyadh and Islamabad, aimed at facilitating de-escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. With the current ceasefire set to expire on April 22, sustained multilateral coordination remains critical to preventing renewed escalation and ensuring long-term regional stability.

Is your degree preparing you for the real world… or just exams? 🎓 Universities blame industry. Industry blames graduates. But progress won’t come from blame, it will come from collaboration. It’s time to work together and build real, practical skills.

Recent assessments by legal scholars and religious authorities have raised significant concerns regarding the governance structure in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Rather than functioning as a broadly representative Islamic governance model, critics argue that authority has become highly centralized around Hibatullah Akhundzada, with decision-making concentrated in Kandahar.

Back on the global stage | Pakistan has raised $500 million through a 3-year sovereign Eurobond, marking its first international bond issuance in four years. The deal, issued under the GMTN programme, aims to support external financing needs and reinforce foreign exchange reserves.

A rare public praise. President Donald J. Trump(@POTUS) extends thanks to Pakistan, its Prime Minister, and Field Marshal in a Truth Social post calling them “two fantastic people.” The message signals a notable diplomatic tone amid evolving regional dynamics.

Antalya diplomacy in focus | PM Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish FM Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum, reinforcing bilateral ties and regional stability efforts as Pakistan continues facilitation of Iran-US engagement and de-escalation push. Discussions also aligned with broader efforts for continued dialogue and peace momentum in the region.

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Hormuz Back in Flow | Global energy pressure eases as Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping under ceasefire terms. Oil prices slip as risk premium falls, but analysts warn stability remains conditional amid regional tensions. Latest reports confirm easing.

As regional tensions reshape global alignments, Islamabad once again finds itself under the international spotlight this time as a potential key player in high-stakes diplomacy. The Pak Asia Youth Forum (PAYF) invites you to an exclusive X Space conversation: “From Sidelines to Center Stage: Pakistan’s Diplomatic Masterclass in the US-Iran War” 🗓️ Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026 🕘 Time: 9:00 PM 📍 Platform: X (Twitter Space) A focused discussion featuring leading voices from journalism and policy, unpacking Pakistan’s evolving diplomatic posture, regional implications, and what this moment signals for future conflict mediation. Guests: Amb. Masood Khan | Sumaira Khan | Sheraz Ahmed Sherazi | Salman Javed (D.G PAYF) Moderator: Usama Qazzafi Join us as we break down the narratives shaping one of the most critical geopolitical developments of the moment.

No quick truce, only lasting peace | Iran’s Deputy FM says Tehran rejects any temporary ceasefire, insisting that only a comprehensive end to war from Lebanon to the Red Sea is acceptable and not a short pause in fighting echoing its stance that negotiations must secure lasting peace and security, not just a brief break.

SOUTH KOREA | The South Korean side acknowledged Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts for regional and global peace, highlighting a growing recognition of Islamabad’s role in navigating complex geopolitical challenges. A conversation that reflects more than protocol, it reflects Pakistan’s rising diplomatic relevance.