News for 'islamabad'

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in West Asia. This follows Pakistan's offer to host talks between the US and Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict.

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mottaqi, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, emphasising the need for political and diplomatic solutions.

Rupee falls 32 paise to 92.83 against US dollar, global tensions weigh

Rupee falls 32 paise to 92.83 against US dollar, global tensions weigh

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated by 32 paise to close at 92.83 against the US dollar, influenced by escalating global tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict, and the deadline for the RBI's instructions to banks to curb overnight positions.

Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? White House says...

Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? White House says...

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The White House has responded cautiously to reports of Pakistan offering to mediate between the US and Iran, amid ongoing tensions and potential talks.

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan is set to host a quadrilateral summit of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace negotiations.

Imran Khan Examined by Doctors in Jail Amid Eye Ailment

Imran Khan Examined by Doctors in Jail Amid Eye Ailment

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A medical team examined jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, following an Islamabad High Court order. Khan is suffering from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

'That is not the agreement we have': Trump warns Iran

'That is not the agreement we have': Trump warns Iran

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding alleged fees imposed on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions amid fragile ceasefire agreements and ongoing disputes with Israel over Lebanon.

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, the UK, China, and the European Union.

'We Will Take Action': PCB Chairman Naqvi Vows Action Against Players Quitting PSL For IPL

'We Will Take Action': PCB Chairman Naqvi Vows Action Against Players Quitting PSL For IPL

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the board will take action against players who withdraw from PSL at the last minute to join IPL.

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The US has threatened to prosecute those buying or selling sanctioned Iranian oil and has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks failed.

Pakistan Offers To Mediate Between Iran, US: Financial Times

Pakistan Offers To Mediate Between Iran, US: Financial Times

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

'Pakistan has pitched Islamabad as a possible venue for talks as early as this week involving senior figures from the Trump administration and Iran,' the Financial Times reported.

China Calls for Pakistan-Afghanistan Dialogue to Resolve Conflict

China Calls for Pakistan-Afghanistan Dialogue to Resolve Conflict

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

China has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to engage in direct talks to resolve their ongoing conflict, offering to mediate and calling for a ceasefire.

'Worried' US pushed Pak to convince Iran for ceasefire: Report

'Worried' US pushed Pak to convince Iran for ceasefire: Report

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Financial Times report reveals Pakistan's crucial role in brokering a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, driven by White House concerns over rising oil prices and Iran's resilience.

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.

US doesn't want negotiation, they want to...: Iran

US doesn't want negotiation, they want to...: Iran

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, expressed doubts about the United States' intentions regarding negotiations, citing conflicting actions and a desire to force Iran into accepting US demands.

Iran denies US claim on mine-clearing ops in Strait of Hormuz

Iran denies US claim on mine-clearing ops in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the start of operations to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim swiftly denied by Iran, leading to increased tensions in the region amidst stalled negotiations between the two countries.

IPL 2026: KKR Sign Blessing Muzarabani As Mustafizur's Replacement

IPL 2026: KKR Sign Blessing Muzarabani As Mustafizur's Replacement

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026, which is scheduled to start on March 28.

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate between the US and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran. Sharif has been in contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations to promote dialogue and diplomacy.

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'In a volatile global market, India is pursuing a low-risk, low-return policy, akin to a SIP -- slow, steady investment.' 'Pakistan is following a high-risk, high-return policy.'

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses the Indian Ocean Conference, expressing deep concern over the West Asia conflict and its economic repercussions on energy, trade, and food security. India calls for a swift return to peace and opposes targeting civilians and infrastructure.

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.

'This War Can Easily Go On For Months Longer'

'This War Can Easily Go On For Months Longer'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Iran cannot trust the USA because it considers the USA to be Israel-controlled. And no, the IRGC is not going to accept anything else but major US concessions.'

Trump hails Iran ceasefire, says US will 'hang around'

Trump hails Iran ceasefire, says US will 'hang around'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Trump added that the United States would assist in managing the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for dialogue to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasising the importance of diplomatic engagement and sustained efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Report reveals White House role in Pak PM's peace plea

Report reveals White House role in Pak PM's peace plea

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A media report indicates the White House was directly involved in crafting a social media post by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting then-US President Donald Trump to extend the deadline on Iran.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

2 kids among 4 injured as Pak intercepts Taliban drones

2 kids among 4 injured as Pak intercepts Taliban drones

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Army intercepted and destroyed Afghan Taliban drones targeting civilian areas, resulting in injuries. This incident has further strained relations between the two countries, with Pakistan reiterating its commitment to combating terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

US pulls non-essential staff from consulates in Pakistan

US pulls non-essential staff from consulates in Pakistan

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The United States has ordered the withdrawal of non-emergency staff from its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan, citing security concerns amid regional tensions and protests.

'Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it...,' claims US

'Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it...,' claims US

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Wednesday claimed that Tehran "begged" for a truce, maintaining that Washington achieved a "decisive military victory" during 'Operation Epic Fury.'

India, Pak ties remain at risk for nuclear conflict: US

India, Pak ties remain at risk for nuclear conflict: US

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A new US intelligence report warns that India and Pakistan's relations remain at risk for nuclear conflict, fueled by terrorism and escalating tensions in the region.

5.9 earthquake shakes Delhi, other north Indian cities; no injuries, damage

5.9 earthquake shakes Delhi, other north Indian cities; no injuries, damage

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake with its epicentre in Afghanistan jolted several parts of north India, including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana, on Friday night. While tremors were felt, no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

Iran rejects Pak mediation, shifts focus to Qatar as tensions escalate

Iran rejects Pak mediation, shifts focus to Qatar as tensions escalate

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Islamabad's attempt to position itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict has come to naught with the Iranian side refusing to meet any US-led delegation in Pakistan, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Fakhar Zaman Banned for Two PSL Matches Over Ball Tampering

Fakhar Zaman Banned for Two PSL Matches Over Ball Tampering

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches after being found guilty of breaching the code of conduct related to changing the condition of the ball during a match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Afghans have deep self-respect and are the last people to put up with humiliation. Is it any surprise that relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have touched an all-time low and the two countries are now at war? asks M R Narayan Swamy.