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As Narendra Modi touched down in Seychelles over the weekend, the archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean swiftly bestowed one of its “highest” honours upon the Indian prime minister. Modi beamed as he accepted the Guardian of the Blue Horizon award from Patrick Herminie, the Seychelles presid

US job growth slowed in June as employers added 57,000 new jobs – just about half of what economists had predicted – and the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised its figures from the past two months down by a total of 74,000. The country’s unemployment rate dropped slightly to 4.2%, but the n

A convicted people smuggler, once described as "the godfather" of the French migrant camps, is living in Leicestershire and believed to be seeking asylum while working illegally, a BBC investigation can reveal. Twana Jamal was given a five-year jail sentence in France in 2016, where aut

OpenAI has proposed handing the U.S. government a 5% stake in the company, the Financial Times reported Thursday, as the artificial intelligence startup seeks to defuse mounting political pressure in Washington. A 5% holding would be worth roughly $42.6 billion, after the AI fab closed a record-b

US President Donald Trump made more than $1bn (£750m) last year from business dealings in cryptocurrency, according to his mandatory financial report for 2025. In a 927-page disclosure, he reported $635m in royalties from a Trump meme coin that has plunged in value since he launched it days befo

President Donald Trump’s annual financial disclosure report was released on Tuesday by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, revealing income of hundreds of millions of dollars from proceeds of crypto tokens and holdings of hundreds of individual company stocks. Trump’s disclosure report for

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said 22 Iranian crew members of a tanker earlier seized by the United States have arrived in Pakistan. On April 13, during the US-Iran war, Washington imposed a naval blockade and would target and board oil tankers and other vessels trying to enter or leave Iranian ports. One of these was the M/T Davina, which was seized during an overnight interdiction by American forces. In a post on X, the deputy prime minister said that the 22 crew members served on the Davina, adding: Arrangements are now being finalised in close collaboration with the Iranian missions in Pakistan to facilitate their earliest and safe return to their homeland. We remained in close contact with the US and Iranian authorities throughout this process. Dar added that this was the fourth group of Iranian crew members whose repatriation was facilitated by Pakistan over the last two months. So far, we have assisted in the repatriation of over 70 Iranian brethren (including todays group of 22) through Pakistani territory, he added, thanking Tehran for the trust they have reposed in Pakistan. During the war which started on February 28 and was brought to a halt by the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) US forces would interdict commercial vessels linked with Iran not only within the Persian Gulf, but in international waters as well. US forces boarded and seized the M/V Touska container ship on April 19. The vessel, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) group which has been hit by US sanctions was boarded off Irans Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman. On April 29, six of the crew members were freed, while on May 4, the remaining 22 were evacuated to Pakistan, before returning to Iran via a land border crossing. The Touska was also backloaded to Pakistan for repairs before being returned to its owners. On May 15, Dar said that 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians, aboard vessels seized by the United States on the high seas, were successfully repatriated. All individuals are in good health and high spirits, Dar announced, adding that the welfare of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those in distress, remains the governments highest priority. All individuals have reached Bangkok from Singapore and already boarded the flight scheduled to reach Islamabad later tonight, he added. Our Iranian brothers will then be facilitated to return to their homeland.

KARACHI: Pakistan could once again tap Iranian crude oil supplies following a temporary easing of US sanctions on Tehran, reopening the possibility of sourcing discounted crude and refining it locally to produce higher-value petroleum products. While industry experts say local refineries are technically capable of processing Iranian crude, commercial and operational challenges remain, particularly due to the high furnace oil yield and the absence of significant domestic demand for the fuel. Pakistan Refinery Ltd (PRL) had previously imported Iranian crude under a long-term contract with the National Iranian Oil Company, but purchases halted after US sanctions were imposed. Since then, no Iranian oil has been imported into the country. Commenting on the prospects for refining Iranian crude oil, a former head of a leading refinery in Karachi told Dawn that the scenarios are changing and sanctions are being lifted temporarily. The outcome remains uncertain over the next two months. Discounts, demand and tech upgrades will decide prospects for refining heavy crude grades We can refine Iranian light crude oil, but due to high furnace oil (FO) content, it is not a commercially viable option, particularly when there is no domestic market for the FO due to its negligible usage in the power sector. The most notable aspect is the price of Iranian crude oil and whether it is pegged to an international benchmark, with parity to Arab crude. If there is no discount, refining at the local refinery is not economical, he said. When asked whether India is refining Iranian crude, he said Indian refineries are mostly deep-conversion units equipped with hydrocrackers, hydrocokers, residue fluid catalytic cracking units, etc. This gives them the flexibility to process crude ranging from heavy to light grades into value-added products like diesel and petrol. If Pakistani refineries are upgraded in near future then we will have a choice to process heavy crude, he said. During the last 16 years, he said, most of the refineries have changed their crude recipe from sour heavy to light and sweet crude for the refinery economics and sustainability. Currently, local refineries are meeting the 80pc of diesel demand due to change in the crude recipe and modification. Diesel has been facing demand destruction due to high stocks. Refineries are producing diesel at maximum throughput, he said. Pakistans diesel sales in May stood at 455,000 tonnes, down 32pc year-on-year and 17pc month-on-month. Diesel production during FY25 stood at 4.958m tonnes while in July-February FY26 it was 3.787m tonnes. Import of diesel during FY25 was 2.037m tonnes while total imports during July-April FY26 were 1.239m tonnes. He said barring Pak Arab Refinery Ltd, which has a mild cracker unit other refineries in Pakistan do not have hydrocracker units. Pakistani refineries need cracking units like India. As per the quarterly report ending March 31, Pakistan Refinery Ltd is reportedly working on this as it is engaged with the government for restoration of taxable status of petroleum products and brownfield policy amendments, which remain critical for the companys sustainable operations as well as successful execution of the Refinery Expansion and Upgrade Project (REUP). PRL is committed to the REUP, which will double the refinerys crude processing capacity from 50,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day, practically eliminating high sulphur furnace oil and producing Euro V refined products. Sania Irfan of Topline Securities said Pakistan also stands to benefit on the import side. The country imported nearly 17bn worth of petroleum products and fuels in 2025. Historically, Pakistan imported Iranian crude at a discounted realised price compared to imports from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with discounts on average during 2009-12. Even according to the latest reported prices, Iranian light and heavy crude grades are priced at discounts compared to Saudi Arabias prices. Sourcing crude oil from Iran could generate import cost savings of 170-340 million for Pakistan, assuming it imports 10-20pc of its total petroleum requirement at a discount, including freight savings. Published in Dawn, June 26 , 2026

The death toll from Venezuelas devastating earthquakes has risen to at least 164, with 971 people injured, interim president Delcy Rodriguez said on Thursday. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas at around 6pm on Wednesday (local time), followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Venezuelas strongest earthquake since 1900 sent rescuers and locals clambering in the dark over flattened buildings, hunting for survivors and extracting people from under the ruins. Around 30 aftershocks have been recorded following the two strongest quakes, according to Rodriguez. She described La Guaira, located near the capital, as the hardest-hit region. Venezuelas interim leader had earlier declared a state of emergency as the two earthquakes caused buildings in the capital to crumble and forced the closure of the countrys main airport. High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread, the USGS said, initially estimating the death toll would most likely range from 10,000 to 100,000. According to the USGS, the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that hit Venezuela was the most powerful since Oct 29, 1900, when a 7.7-magnitude quake hit offshore. After Wednesdays shock, some residential buildings showed large cracks and fallen walls, with dozens of others destroyed, according to AFP reporters. Local officials and witnesses reported collapsed buildings, rescues and a growing number of injured. We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television. The fire department, police, all have been activated. Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell, while distraught relatives sought help for loved ones believed to be trapped. In Chacao, an eastern Caracas municipality, Mayor Gustavo Duque told broadcaster Globovision that two structures had collapsed, 16 people were injured and there were deaths, though he gave no figure for fatalities. Were going to do everything we can to rescue the most people possible, he said. Residents rush into streets Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck during a public holiday marking an 1821 military victory that helped secure the countrys independence from Spain. As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming, said Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas. Everyone was running down the stairs. Residents across Caracas, which was also hit by a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate as buildings shook. There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. Ive never experienced anything like it, said Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas. Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner in southern Caracas, said police helped her get out of her home. This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967, she said. Another resident, a 41-year-old office worker who declined to be named, said she received an earthquake alert on her phone just before the shaking intensified. It was a normal afternoon, and suddenly my phone sounded an earthquake alert, she said. As I picked it up and started listening to what it was saying, I first felt light shaking. Then, in less than two seconds, everything started moving. Interim President Rodriguez has been running the country since the US ouster of President Nicolas Maduro in January. She has hailed a new era of cooperation with the US and other countries, especially on oil, mining and other industries. The US embassy in Caracas said it was closely monitoring the aftermath of the quake and urged citizens in the country to seek secure shelter and avoid damaged areas. US President Donald Trump said the two earthquakes had left a devastating number of deaths, without citing any official casualty figures. The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good. The Netherlands said it would be sending a team of rescue workers to help Venezuela. The needs are immense, Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma said in a statement, announcing a two-million-euro aid package to deploy a search and rescue team that includes rescue workers and dogs and equipment. Hospitals brace for the injured Fire trucks were seen on the streets of Caracas, where some buildings suffered significant facade damage. At Caracas Hospital de Clinicas, staff were asked to double up on the night shift to help treat the injured, a worker there said. Video filmed at the hospital showed a darkened hallway with ceiling panels hanging by cables and pieces of plaster scattered across the floor. Other videos on social media appeared to show significant damage at Venezuelas main airport, while residents reported collapsed buildings in La Guaira, a coastal city near Caracas. Reuters could not immediately verify the footage from the airport and La Guaira. Some municipalities of Caracas canceled classes and local events through Monday, as authorities began to take stock of the damage. Tsunami alert withdrawn The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands after the earthquake, and said hazardous waves could also affect Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. The warning was withdrawn about an hour later. Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate. An estimated 30,000 people were killed when a powerful quake caused widespread destruction in the cities of Merida and Caracas in 1812, according to the USGS.

Key Points Micron reported fiscal third-quarter results that topped analysts' estimates. The company has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom, which has caused historic demand for memory. Micron's stock price is up about 700% over the past year, lifting the company'

Hours before visiting the Capitol, the president scrapped plans to sign a major housing bill, condemning “bad Republicans” for resisting his demands to ram through new voting restrictions. President Trump plunged Congress into chaos on Wednesday as he abruptly canceled the signing of a celebr

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday addressed a joint press briefing in Islamabad. The Iranian president is on a one-day official visit to Pakistan at PM Shehbazs invitation. The press briefing is taking place after the two leaders held a meeting at the Prime Minister House, which was followed by delegation-level talks. PM Shehbaz said he and President Pezeshkian held very productive discussions in a very cordial atmosphere. It was like a family reunion, and brothers were talking to each other with the fullest clarity and total commitment that we will do everything to strengthen our brotherly relations like never before, he remarked. He noted that Islamabad and Tehran have consistently stood by one another in difficult times, and recent events have once again demonstrated beyond any ray of doubt the enduring strength of this brotherhood, this friendship and this partnership. The premier began his speech by reciting an Iranian couplet on the themes of friendship during challenging times. PM Shehbaz described Pezeshkian as a visionary and sagacious leader of a great country, Iran. But youre a man of many talents and qualities you are calm, you are wise and you are patient, he added. Recalling the Iranian presidents past treatment of patients in hospitals, PM Shehbaz congratulated him on this very well-deserved conferment. He termed today a historic moment between Pakistan and Iran. Recalling the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between the United States and Iran, the premier said it was a matter of great happiness that this war has come to an end, which could have engulfed the entire region and beyond. The prime minister hailed the sagacious leadership of Pezeshkian and his colleagues, and highlighted Pakistans role as an honest and sincere mediator in the US-Iran peace process. PM Shehbaz also announced he would be undertaking a visit to Tehran next week to pay respects to late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to reaffirm and reassure Pakistans solidarity with our brotherly people of Iran. Zindabad dosti Pakistan o Iran, he concluded. At the outset of his address, PM Shehbaz referred to the US-Iran technical talks held in Switzerland and said, My dear brother, we pray to Allah Almighty that God-willing, this arrangement will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for this entire region. The prime minister also appreciated the wisdom and sagacity of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for guiding the Iranian nation through these very difficult and challenging times. Throughout this crisis, the entire Iranian nation, our Iranian brothers and sisters, have demonstrated their unity with honour and dignity, he observed, praising their courage as awe-inspiring. He went on to extend Pakistans deepest condolences on the loss of thousands of precious lives, including the late Khamenei, who was a great visionary leader and respected by all and sundry around the Muslim world. The premier affirmed that the people of Pakistan share the grief of Iranians and stand in complete solidarity with the people of Iran. Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow, PM Shehbaz remarked. Irans success is our success. Irans loss is our loss, he added, inserting another Persian phrase in his speech. This sentiment reflects deeply the feeling of the people of Pakistan. He highlighted that the two were far more than just neighbours and bound together by shared history, faith and culture. The premier extended his countrys gratitude to the Iranian leadership for reposing their abiding trust in Pakistan to initiate and mediate this peace process. We have done this act of mediation with fullest honesty of purpose and complete sincerity, he declared. He commended both the Iranian and US delegations for their serious and constructive participation in the Lake Lucerne Summit held in Switzerland. Mentioning the support and encouragement of many brotherly and friendly countries, PM Shehbaz thanked the Qatari emirs pivotal role and the steadfast support and encouragement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypts President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The prime minister also hailed the untiring efforts and unwavering commitment of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Even during the dark days, he never wavered and, as a result, was instrumental in helping build the consensus that made this historic breakthrough possible by the grace of god, he emphasised. The premier went on to praise the dedicated efforts of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team at the Foreign Office (FO), as well as the valuable contributions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Age-old trust President Pezeshkian began his address by reciting verses by renowned poet Allama Iqbal, which he said continued to inspire unity among Muslim nations. He said the two nations do not merely live next to each other, but they share a common destiny in the majority of their aspirations, concerns and hopes. Pakistan for us is not merely a neighbouring country; its a brotherly and friendly country and has been an amicable companion and has had deep historical, cultural, religious and popular bonds between the two nations and these bonds have brought our nations closer, he highlighted. Noting that the relations between Islamabad and Tehran have always been consolidated on the basis of mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, Pezeshkian said the recent developments have once again showcased the consolidation of this valuable asset. The president stated: In a critical historical juncture that the region is facing a multitude of challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting the discussions and negotiations in de-escalating and strengthening the regional stability is a manifestation of a brotherly and futuristic attitude and viewpoint by this country towards the developments in the region. He observed that Irans acceptance of Pakistans initiative was a reflection of the ancient and age-old trust that the Iranian nation has towards the nation, the government and the authorities of Pakistan. Thanking the solidarity displayed by Pakistanis and the hospitality of the leadership here, Pezeshkian said he held constructive meetings and discussions with PM Shehbaz, President Zardari and CDF Munir. In these discussions, we had many good points talks and discussed regarding the latest developments in the region and in the world and also regarding bilateral relations, he elaborated. Pezeshkian observed that the two neighbours were adamant to use the positive existing atmosphere to usher in a new era and open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries and draw new horizons and new opportunities of cooperation based on shared interests. We deeply believe that peace, stability, sustainable security, development and the welfare of nations in the strategic region of West Asia and the Persian Gulf can only be ensured through straightforward and honest discussions, intra-regional cooperation, interactions and cooperation based on mutual respect for the countries in the region, he stated. The president added, Based on this fact, we stretch our hands of friendship to establish a common understanding and build a new security structure in the region for the countries in the region. We will never let you down Addressing a delegation-level meeting earlier, PM Shehbaz said it was a great pleasure once again to welcome you to Pakistan. He said Pezeshkians acceptance of his invitation after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was a matter of great happiness and satisfaction for all of us. The premier requested Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Irans supreme leader for his sagacious leadership that Iran has been able to achieve this MoU and as a result, a ceasefire with dignity and honour. He also offered his deepest condolences on the killings of innocent Iranian brothers and sisters, children, which run into thousands of people. PM Shehbaz said: Yet, under your sagacious and very calm, visionary leadership, today, thanks to God, we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future, and I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for having abiding trust in Pakistans ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity. I want to assure you that as brothers, we will never let you down, he affirmed. As they say, true brotherhood doesnt have any questions to answer. And here we are, the prime minister said. He further assured the Iranian leader that Pakistan will carry on this important role until we have everlasting peace in place, on terms and conditions which are dictated by dignity and honour. He also hailed the courage of Iranians. Highlighted the role and outstanding contribution of CDF Munir, he remarked: He has toiled and worked untiringly through the nights, through those dark days with one mission: come what may, we will do everything humanly possible to stop this war, which can burn vast swathes of land and devastate everything. The premier also appreciated the efforts of Dar and Naqvi for their fine shuttle diplomacy. In that, brother Abbas Araghchi has played a pivotal role, he said. Earlier, the Iranian president was welcomed at the Prime Ministers House with a guard of honour, and the two held a meeting before delegation-level talks. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit. At PM House, the Iranian president engaged in a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, according to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). A statement from the PMO said that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in attendance. It added that delegation-level talks would take place later. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Irans state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz only hours before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. Principled support for Irans peace President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistans principled support for Irans peace as President Pezeshkian paid a visit to Islamabad. In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest, the statement said. President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times. He stressed that Pakistan has consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges. He also underscored Pakistans commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region, the presidency said. President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region. He reaffirmed Pakistans principled support for Irans peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The president again expressed his condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral. Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during the recent challenging circumstances, the presidency said. The Iranian president said his country attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the Presidents Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of Presidents Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Irans Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam. From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss peace initiatives CDF Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. They exchanged views on regional developments and peace initiatives, the ISPR said in a statement. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, where they discussed a framework for regional peace. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistans constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability, the ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistans consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistans unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region, it read. Iran president, FM arrive Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign ministers last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Naqvi, Bilawal and Ambassador Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the childrens welcoming slogans, it added. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindis Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad, the FO said. In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkians visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest. The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region, the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian presidents visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesdays cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work, the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day work from home directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabads Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Ministers Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkians visit follows key direct talks dubbed the Lake Lucerne Summit held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. Encouraging progress has been made, the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to avoid incidents and miscommunication in the Strait of Hormuz. A de-confliction cell between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP