Islamabad: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has announced that the country will persist in its diplomatic endeavors to mediate between the United States and Iran amidst escalating tensions. He addressed the Senate, highlighting his recent discussions with counterparts from various countries, aimed at fostering dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the issues between the two nations.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed his surprise over the recent attack on Iran, likening it to a similar incident from June of the previous year. Emphasizing Pakistan's strong ties with Iran, he condemned the attack on the neighboring country and reiterated that the conflict serves no one's interests. He also affirmed Pakistan's support for Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy use.
Ishaq Dar informed the Senate that an in-camera briefing is scheduled for the parliamentary and opposition leaders of both the National Assembly and the Senate the following day, focusing on the Middle East situation and the conflict in the region, including Afghanistan.
Efforts are also underway for the repatriation of Pakistani citizens from Iran, with 792 individuals, including 46 students, already brought back home. During the Senate session, other speakers, including Sherry Rehman and Syed Ali Zafar, called for a balanced foreign policy and the development of a regional security framework.
Additionally, the Senate discussed ongoing reforms in Pakistan Railways. Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi provided updates on the upcoming Karachi-Rohri track project, highlighting initiatives to enhance freight operations and improve financial sustainability. The session also addressed Pakistan Railways' increased revenue and new passenger trains.
In another development, Minister of State for Climate Change Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal outlined an anti-begging campaign initiated by Islamabad police, leading to the arrest of over 4,200 beggars in the past year.
Lastly, the House passed two bills: The Daanish University Islamabad Bill, 2026, and the Public Private Partnership Authority Amendment Bill, 2022.