ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is willing to use its “little influence” with the Afghan Taliban to resurrect faltering peace talks between the Kabul government and the insurgency, foreign office officials said, just days before Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is scheduled to visit Kabul to meet with top civilian and military leaders.
US officials have long pushed Pakistan to use its influence with Taliban leaders, who Washington says are based inside Pakistan, to bring them to the negotiating table and end a 17-year-long war. Islamabad vehemently denies it is covertly sheltering Taliban leaders.
“We can facilitate the peace process by using our little influence over the Afghan Taliban,” a foreign office official with knowledge of the talks told Arab News on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media about the issue.
“Pakistan is willing to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table but obviously is not in a position to forge a peace agreement with them. The modalities and all other relevant things are to be decided by the US as it is the major stakeholder,” he added.
However, he said the Taliban seemed “least interested” in engaging with the Afghan government at a time when the next presidential elections were scheduled to be held in April next year. He said the US and Afghanistan had to mutually decide if they wanted to delay the presidential elections so the present dispensation could better engage with the Taliban or if they wanted a new government with a full five-year mandate to broker a peace deal.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump asked for Pakistan’s help with Afghan peace talks in a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“The peace process has started and the good thing is that the US has finally agreed to find a negotiated settlement to the Afghan conflict,” foreign office spokesman Dr. Mohammad Faisal told Arab News. “Pakistan is ready to play its role and our foreign minister will convey this to the Afghan leadership.”
Addressing a ceremony in Multan last week, Foreign Minister Qureshi said it was a testament to the robustness of Pakistan’s foreign policy that the US had requested for assistance in resolving the Afghan conflict, adding that he would visit Kabul on December 15 to hold talks with the “Afghan leadership on political reconciliation and durable peace in Afghanistan.”
Pakistan is committed to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, the minister added.
During last week’s visit to Pakistan of the US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, Islamabad had expressed its willingness to host direct talks between representatives of the Afghan government and leaders of the Taliban if all stakeholders, including the United States, agreed on a common agenda for the meeting.
“We have conveyed this to the US during the recent visit of Zalmay Khalilzad, but obviously nothing is final at this stage as different options for peace in Afghanistan are being explored,” the foreign office official said.
Last month, Khalilzad said he hoped a peace deal would be reached by April 2019. But Afghan Taliban militants have repeatedly said they have not accepted any deadline and that a three-day meeting in Qatar between their leaders and Khalilzad in October ended with no agreement.
In July 2015, Pakistan arranged the first official meeting of representatives of the Kabul government and the Taliban in Murree, a hill resort near Islamabad. Observers from the US and China also attended the talks. The process was, however, scuttled after death of Taliban chief Mullah Omar, throwing fledgling efforts to negotiate into disarray.
Last week, the Afghan president constituted a 12-member committee to hold direct talks with the Taliban, but they have yet to get a nod from the militants.
Rahimullah Yousufzai, an expert on Taliban affairs, said Pakistan can help arrange meetings of the Taliban with the US and the Afghan government by using its influence but “there is still a long way to go.”
“Taliban are seeking a schedule of withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and until the US agrees to that, there are little chances of moving ahead,” he told Arab News, adding that Pakistan could facilitate negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban like it had in the past but “nothing more than that.”
“Taliban’s international recognition has increased manifold in the past years and they are now least dependent on Pakistan’s help,” Yousafzai said.
A senior security official privy to talks said no peace deal was possible without the ownership of the process by the Afghan people: “Right now, the biggest question is, do the Afghan people even accept this process?”
Pakistan willing to influence Afghan Taliban to facilitate peace talks
Pakistan willing to influence Afghan Taliban to facilitate peace talks
- Says ready to host direct negotiations between Kabul and Taliban
- Pakistan foreign minister headed to Afghanistan for high-level talks on Dec 15
Pakistan says two ‘dangerous’ fugitives wanted in several cases arrested in Spain
- Nawazish Ali Hanjra is wanted in 23 cases on charges ranging from “terrorism” to murder and kidnapping for ransom
- Pakistan says has demanded the arrest and extradition of 38 fugitives from Spain via Interpol’s Red Notices for years
ISLAMABAD: Spanish authorities have arrested two “dangerous” fugitives wanted in several cases such as murder, “terrorism” and kidnapping for ransom, Pakistan’s state-run media reported recently, with Islamabad hoping other absconders in the European country would also be apprehended and extradited soon.
As per details shared by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Nawazish Ali Hanjra is wanted in 23 cases including “terrorism,” murder and kidnapping for ransom while Haroon Iqbal, the other suspect, is wanted in a separate case. These two were arrested in Spain on Interpol’s Red Notices, APP said.
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry, during his recent visit to Spain, met Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to demand the arrest and extradition of the two suspects, APP said. The Spanish interior minister acted swiftly and issued directives to authorities in this regard.
“This is a major step forward in our commitment to justice,” Chaudry was quoted as saying by APP on Sunday. “I am grateful to the Spanish authorities for understanding the gravity of the situation and taking swift action. We hope to see the remaining fugitives arrested and extradited soon.”
APP said Islamabad has demanded the arrest and extradition of 38 fugitives from Spain via Interpol’s Red Notices for years. It said these individuals managed to evade justice for years, exploiting legal loopholes and the lack of coordination between international enforcement agencies.
The state-run media said legal proceedings are underway to facilitate Hanjra’s and Iqbal’s extradition to Pakistan, where they will face trial under the country’s anti-terror and criminal laws.
“The development is being hailed as a milestone in international law enforcement cooperation and a sign that Pakistan is intensifying efforts to bring back criminals who have found refuge abroad,” APP said.
At least 45 killed, 68 injured since June 26 as monsoon rains batter Pakistan
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reports highest casualties, 21, followed by Punjab with 13, Sindh with seven and Balochistan with four deaths
- Pakistan has forecast widespread rain with wind and thundershowers across various regions of the country from June 29 to July 5
ISLAMABAD: At least 45 people have been killed and 68 injured across Pakistan in rain-related incidents since June 26, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in its latest report as heavy monsoon rains continued to batter the country.
Heavy rains have lashed Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and Sindh provinces since June 26, raising water levels in rivers to alarming levels and triggering floods in various cities across the country.
The latest casualties took place as the NDMA issued multiple impact-based weather alerts on Sunday, forecasting widespread rain with wind and thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy falls across various regions of Pakistan from June 29 to July 5.
“NDMA urges all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert, activate contingency plans, and ensure timely dissemination of warnings in local languages,” the authority said on Sunday. “Citizens, especially those in high-risk areas, are advised to stay updated through official adviseries, avoid unnecessary travel near glacial streams, riverbanks, and flooded roads, and keep emergency kits ready.”
As per the latest NDMA situation report, 45 people have been killed and 68 injured from June 26-29 in Pakistan’s KP, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The casualties include 23 children, 12 men and 10 women.
KP reported the highest number of casualties from rain-related incidents, 21, followed by Punjab with 13, Sindh with seven and Balochistan with four deaths. Punjab reported the highest number of injuries at 39 followed by Sindh with 16 while KP reported 11 and Balochistan two.
The report said flash floods claimed the highest number of casualties, followed by electrocution, drowning, lightning and other factors.
Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and faces extreme weather events with increasing frequency.
These extreme and irregular weather patterns include droughts, heatwaves and torrential rains which experts have attributed to climate change. Unusually heavy rains and the melting of glaciers in June 2022 triggered cataclysmic floods that killed over 1,700 people across Pakistan, washed away swathes of crops and damaged critical infrastructure. Pakistan estimated the damages to be worth over $33 billion.
Pakistani mangoes draw crowds at China-Eurasia Expo as exporters set 125,000-ton target
- Pakistan is home to over 100 mango varieties like Sindhri, Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol
- The fruit’s popularity at Chinese exhibition highlights Pakistan’s potential for growth
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set a pavilion at the China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi where mango varities native to the South Asian country have been drawing crowds, the Pakistani embassy said on Sunday, as mango exporters eye 125,000 tons exports this season.
The 2025 China-Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, running from June 26 till June 30 in Xinjiang’s Urumqi, has brought together more than 2,800 enterprises and delegates from 50 countries and regions to deepen cooperation across Eurasia, according to the organizers.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, along with Zhu Lifan, vice chairman of the Xinjiang government, inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion, displaying a rich array of products, including fruit, jewelry, leather garments, luxury bags and contemporary clothing.
“The pavilion’s showcase of premium Pakistani mangoes drew hundreds of visitors, making it one of the most popular exhibits,” the embassy said in a statement on Sunday. “The fruit’s popularity highlighted Pakistan’s agricultural excellence and potential for growth.”
Pakistan is home to over 100 varieties of mangoes, including Sindhri, Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol.
The South Asian country aims to export 125,000 tons of mangoes this season, a 25,000-ton increase over last year’s export volume, according to the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA). If achieved, the target could generate an estimated $100 million in foreign exchange earnings.
At the inauguration, Ambassador Hashmi briefed Vice Chairman Zhu about Pakistan’s enhanced focus on increasing trade and investment relations with China, including Xinjiang.
“He [Ambassador Hashmi] gave the Vice Chairman a tour of the Pavilion, elaborating the high-quality of Pakistani products. The Chinese VIP also praised the taste of Pakistani mangoes,” the Pakistani embassy said.
China is a longtime friend and strategic partner of Islamabad, with Beijing making significant investments in infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan.
The total bilateral trade in goods between China and Pakistan reached $23.1 billion in 2024, an increase of 11.1 percent from the previous year, according to China Customs and the Pakistani embassy. China’s exports to Pakistan surged 17 percent year-on-year to $20.2 billion, while imports fell by 18.2 percent to $2.8 billion.
Islamabad, which is on path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, is currently making efforts to expand trade with China, Central Asian and Gulf nations to boost the $350 billion South Asian economy.
Pakistan okays 50 percent increase in fixed gas charges for domestic consumers
- Gas prices increased for general industries, power stations and independent power producers to shift partial burden
- The move aligns with structural benchmarks agreed with the IMF, including rationalization of captive power tariffs
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has revised gas prices for the fiscal year 2025-26 and okayed a 50 percent increase in fixed charges for domestic consumers, effective from July 1, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) announced on Sunday.
The development comes days after the federal cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the hike in fixed gas charges for domestic users and to shift the partial burden to bulk consumers, like the power sector and industry.
“Protected category to pay a fixed charge of Rs600 and meter rent of Rs40,” an OGRA notification said on Sunday. “Non-protected category to pay a fixed charge of Rs1,500, up to 1.5hm³ (cubic hectometers), while Rs3,000 for exceeding consumption of 1.5hm³ and meter rent of Rs40.”
While the government has increased the fixed charges, the sale prices of gas for both protected and non-protected consumers remain unchanged, according to the notification.
The government also kept prices for tandoors commercial units, compressed natural gas and ice factories unchanged, but increased the rates for general industries, power stations and independent power producers.
The move aligns with structural benchmarks agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including rationalization of captive power tariffs and a shift from subsidies to direct, targeted support for low-income consumers.
Architectural Digest Middle East lists Lahore’s Wusaaq hotel among world’s best
- Tucked behind bougainvillea-covered walls in Lahore’s Gulberg neighborhood, Wusaaq is a mid-century residence-turned-guest house
- The 1950s Pakistani home, preserved with minimal intervention, shows contemporary Pakistani art blending memory with modern comfort
ISLAMABAD: The Architectural Digest (Ad) Middle East magazine, part of the Condé Nast portfolio, has compiled a list of 31 best hotels in the world in 2025, naming Lahore’s Wusaaq hotel among them.
Launched in 2015, the bi-monthly magazine spotlights exceptional design by Middle Eastern and international talents, provides an exclusive view into the world’s most beautiful spaces and inspires readers to refresh their lives.
These 31 exotic hotels, located in 18 countries, brim with exceptional design ranging from a cinematic new Roman address to a Saudi resort that looks like tiny UFOs have landed on the Red Sea coast to exotic properties in Paris, Dubai, Doha, Mumbai, Luxor and London.
Tucked behind bougainvillea-covered walls in Lahore’s Gulberg neighborhood, Wusaaq is a mid-century residence-turned-soulful guest house that was restored by Faaria Rehman Salahuddin as a tribute to her late mother.
“Quietly luxurious and entirely personal, Wusaaq reflects a kind of hospitality that values presence over polish – a rare, radiant stay in the heart of a lively city,” reads the AD magazine article, published on June 26.
The 1950s Pakistani home has been preserved with minimal intervention – original porcelain tiles, brass fittings, and retro light switches remain intact. Each of the five rooms is named after a flower, with pietra dura inlaid keys inscribed in Urdu and English, according to the publication.
In the courtyard, fruit and a sprawling peepal tree offer shade where guests gather for breakfast served on heirloom crockery. Inside, window chiks, a traditional kitchen dolly, custom furniture, and contemporary Pakistani art blend memory with modern comfort.
In a post on Instagram, Wusaaq said it celebrated the listing.
“We are overwhelmed and humbled by the love and appreciation sent to us by our patrons, guests, friends and family,” the hotel said.
The list, according to the AD Middle East magazine, offers a space for all sorts of travelers from city break lovers to those who prefer nothing more than an escape into the wilderness.
