ISLAMABAD, APR 30 /DNA/ – Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned what it described as unprovoked cross-border firing and shelling by Afghan forces targeting civilian populations in the border areas of South Waziristan, while also affirming that its diplomatic mediation between the United States and Iran remains actively ongoing.

At a weekly press briefing, the Foreign Office Spokesperson detailed two separate incidents on April 26 and 29 in the Angoor Adda region, which resulted in several civilian injuries, including three children aged 3, 8, and 10, and damage to multiple houses.

“Strongly condemning these attacks from Afghanistan, we expressed sympathy and solidarity with the affected families,” the Spokesperson said, noting that local tribal elders have demanded an immediate halt to such incidents.

Afghan Propaganda Dismissed

The Spokesperson responded to reports that Afghanistan’s Taliban government had summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in Kabul over alleged Pakistani strikes on civilian areas, including a university in Kunar province. He dismissed the Afghan claims as “a blatant lie and an attempt to gain sympathy.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s core demand: “Afghan territory should not be used to plan, sponsor and engineer attacks against Pakistan, including attacks by Afghan nationals.” He added that Afghanistan remains a “safe haven” for the TTP and other militant groups, a fact corroborated by UN Security Council reports. The Spokesperson confirmed that this “one-point agenda” was central to recent talks held in Urumqi, China.

US-Iran Mediation ‘Continuing’

In response to multiple questions regarding the status of Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran, the Spokesperson firmly stated that diplomatic channels remain open.

“The clock on diplomacy has not stopped. We remain hopeful of a negotiated settlement of this issue, and we will continue our sincere efforts for the cause of peace,” he said, adding that the recent visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad was part of these ongoing efforts.

When asked about a potential direct phone line between the US and Iran, the Spokesperson welcomed the idea. “We would welcome that development… Pakistan’s role of facilitation would continue. We would not resent such direct telephone exchange; in fact, we very much encourage that.”

Regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Spokesperson called for an end to the “blame game,” emphasizing that the waterway’s closure negatively impacts all countries, including Pakistan, and called for the restoration of normal passage for civilian ships.

Kashmir and India

The Spokesperson expressed serious concern over the extended judicial remand of Kashmiri leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, who is reportedly battling cancer, and the dismissal of an appeal by Mohammad Yasin Malik. He accused India of running “politically motivated cases” and a “sham trial,” while also strongly condemning the banning of the Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom educational institution in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Furthermore, he condemned remarks made by a leader from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who allegedly used derogatory language against the Muslim community. “These statements are as despicable as they are distasteful… reflecting a broader and deeply troubling trend: the normalization of hate speech,” the Spokesperson said.

Pakistanis Detained in Cambodia, Somalia

The Foreign Office provided updates on Pakistani nationals detained abroad. Regarding 61 Pakistanis held in Cambodia for visa violations and illegal work, the Spokesperson said authorities are waving penalties, and their return will be “swift” once legal processes are complete. He warned citizens against accepting fraudulent online job offers in the ASEAN region.

Regarding the oil tanker MT Honor 25, hijacked off the coast of Somalia, the Spokesperson confirmed the 10 Pakistani crew members are safe. He said the vessel is anchored off the Puntland region, and Somali authorities are in contact with the pirates and the local shipowner to secure the crew’s release.

ISLAMABAD, APR 30: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Pakistan is maintaining sustained engagement with both Washington and Tehran to support de-escalation and ceasefire efforts.

“The clock of negotiations has not stopped,” he said while addressing a weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

He described ongoing mediation efforts as constructive, noting that recent ceasefire understandings had helped prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.

Speaking on the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, Andrabi described the Hormuz as a vital corridor for global trade and oil transport, and called for the swift resumption of normal shipping activity.

He further said that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open was essential for energy supplies, trade, and the flow of goods, expressing hope that negotiations would succeed and the route would be restored.

Two months into the war that started with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the vital sea channel remains closed, choking off 20% of the world’s supplies of oil and gas. That has sent global energy prices surging and heightened concerns about the risks of an economic downturn.

Addressing the presser today, the spokesperson further said the efforts, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and senior military leadership, reflect Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue-driven conflict resolution.

He also detailed a series of high-level engagements, including multiple telephonic contacts between PM Shehbaz and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, consultations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meetings with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where the prime minister met Turkish President Erdogan.

The spokesperson said these engagements reinforced Pakistan’s role in facilitating recent US-Iran ceasefire understandings and advancing regional peace efforts, which have been widely acknowledged by international partners.

FO in touch with Somalia over kidnapped sailors
In response to questions on overseas Pakistanis, the spokesperson provided updates on detainees in Southeast Asia and Africa.

The FO spokesperson said that Pakistani authorities are actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of crew members aboard a hijacked vessel off the Somali coast, with assurances from regional authorities that the situation is being closely monitored.

He confirmed that more than 80 Pakistanis detained in Cambodia are receiving consular access and would be repatriated after completion of legal formalities, while cautioning citizens against fraudulent overseas job offers.

Providing an additional update, Andrabi said 27 Pakistani nationals detained in Kampala, Uganda, were scheduled to return to Pakistan on Thursday, while around 30 others were in the process of arranging their travel.

He added that the remaining individuals, who were on visit visas, would also depart in due course.

The spokesperson noted that Ugandan immigration authorities had imposed financial penalties, but Pakistan’s mission was actively engaging with local authorities to seek a waiver.

FO condemns Afghan shelling
Foreign Office spokesperson also condemned the unprovoked firing and shelling by Afghan forces on April 26 and 29 in the border areas of South Waziristan, including Angoor Adda, which injured civilians, including women and children, and damaged homes.

He expressed solidarity with affected families and said measures were underway to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.

Andrabi also dismissed recent allegations by Kabul as propaganda, reiterating Pakistan’s demand that Afghan territory must not be used for attacks against Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 30: Ulema and Mashaikh associated with the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC) on Thursday felicitated the nation on the completion of one year of Pakistan’s victory in Marka-e-Haq, Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, while announcing that Friday sermons across the country would focus on unity, brotherhood, and national cohesion.

The announcement was made during a seminar held at Jamia Masjid Marhaba in Rawalpindi, where Prime Minister’s Coordinator for NPAC, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, addressed participants and highlighted key national developments.

Accompanying with Hafiz Tariq Mehmood, Mufti Zahid Mansoor, Maulana Tahir Aqeel, Maulana Nauman Hashir, Maulana Shahbaz Ahmed, Maulana Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Maulana Atif Tanveer, Maulana Qasim Qasmi, Maulana Afzal Shah, and Maulana Zulfiqar, Ashrafi underscored the importance of a strong defence, stating that the response of the Pakistan Army to its arch-rival India had enhanced Pakistan’s global standing and dignity.

He alleged that the adversary attempted to malign Pakistan through a false flag operation in Pahalgam without credible evidence, adding that Pakistan effectively countered such narratives on all fronts, particularly through diplomatic engagement.
Highlighting Pakistan’s growing international credibility, Ashrafi said the country had emerged as a peace-promoting state, referring to its role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
He paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir for their leadership in strengthening national defence and safeguarding the country’s interests.

Urging unity, Ashrafi called on the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces to reinforce Pakistan’s strength and stability.

He reiterated that the special Friday sermons, to be delivered nationwide, would emphasize unity, inter-sect harmony, brotherhood, and collective responsibility in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and peace.
Also addressing the gathering, Hafiz Tariq Mehmood and Mufti Zahid Mansoor underscored the importance of unity and national cohesion, while paying rich tribute to the Pakistan Army for its role in safeguarding the country and ensuring peace and stability.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Ulema and Mashaikh offered prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity of the nation and the country.

ISLAMABAD, APR 30: In a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, the government approved major reforms aimed at improving public convenience in the passport issuance system on Thursday.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the delivery period for normal passports, previously 21 days, has now been reduced to 14 days. He said the move is part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline passport services across the country.

Naqvi further stated that a fully cashless system will be implemented in all passport offices, eliminating cash payments entirely.
He assigned a 15-day deadline for the complete transition to this system. “Ending cash payments will eradicate the agent mafia and provide greater ease to citizens,” he added.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport category, with the interior minister directing officials to finalize its issuance mechanism at the earliest.
Additionally, the government decided to make the home-delivery system for passports more efficient, ensuring doorstep delivery becomes smoother and more accessible.

Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the establishment of a dedicated Passport Authority is essential for strengthening the passport system and enhancing public service delivery.
During the briefing, officials confirmed that normal passports—which previously required 21 days for delivery—will now be issued within 14 days.

The meeting was attended by the Interior Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, and other relevant officials.

QUETTA, Apr 30 In a historic step for healthcare in the province, Balochistan is set to launch its first-ever public air ambulance service, aimed at providing emergency medical assistance to citizens across remote and underserved areas.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced that the “Peoples Air Ambulance” is ready for service and will soon begin operations. Sharing images of the aircraft on social media, he described the initiative as the fulfillment of another promise made to the people of Balochistan.

Sarfraz Bugti explained that the air ambulance will enable the rapid transfer of critically ill and injured patients to major hospitals in larger cities, saving precious lives. He emphasized that the service will be particularly transformative for residents of far-flung and underdeveloped regions, where timely access to healthcare has long been a challenge.

“This facility will revolutionize emergency response in cases of accidents, natural disasters, or any urgent medical situation,” Bugti said, adding that the project reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare and ensuring quality services for every citizen.

He further noted that the initiative is part of the vision of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, whose dream of improved healthcare access is being realized through the provincial government’s efforts.

The Peoples Air Ambulance would significantly strengthen Balochistan’s emergency medical infrastructure, offering swift response and bridging healthcare gaps across the province.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday launched a landmark five-year, Rs3.2 trillion housing program, aimed at funding the construction of 500,000 homes nationwide, with a vision to provide affordable shelter for low-income citizens, lacking the financial means to build their own houses.

The prime minister, addressing the program’s launch ceremony of Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program, said that besides enabling people to own a house, the initiative will also act as a powerful economic multiplier to boost significant industrial growth and create jobs for a diverse workforce, ranging from manual laborers to engineers.

“No program is quite as dear to me as this, for it holds the promise of revitalizing our industrial and commercial sectors while paving the way for economic prosperity… This landmark program is the culmination of extensive deliberations and tireless effort, having successfully overcome a myriad of complex challenges,” the prime minister told the ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Housing and Works Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, other federal ministers, banking professionals, representatives from the construction industry, and the beneficiaries of the program.

He described the “Apna Ghar” initiative as a sacred obligation of any government, intended to support the needy who have long been deprived of the security of homeownership.

Prime Minister Shehbaz, who earlier pushed the button to launch the initiative and distributed cheques of loans among the beneficiaries, sanctioned by different banks, said that the program was a reflection of Ashiana housing scheme he had launched while being Chief Minister of Punjab.

He told the gathering that the program was not confined to Islamabad as it would cater to the needs of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

Explaining the contours of the program, he said that for the first year, the government has set a target to fund 50,000 houses for which an amount of Rs321 billion had been earmarked. Over the five years, the government would finance 500,000 housing units supported by an allocation of Rs3.2 trillion.

He said that the program featured a 20-year repayment timeline, with a 5% markup for the first ten years, after which the market rate would apply.

Under the scheme, loans of up to Rs10 million will be available on easy terms. The eligible applicants will be able to construct houses over a land measuring up to 10 marlas.

Prime Minister Shehbaz extended his gratitude to the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the Governor of the State Bank for their cooperation in finalizing this financing, besides expressing gratitude to Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and his team for helping the formulation of the program.

He announced to personally review the project’s progress on a monthly basis to address any shortcomings and ensure timely payments.

In a clear message to the banking sector, he said that the banks leading the way in serving the common man through the housing program would be honored with national awards on August 14. However, those demonstrating laxity to the plight of the homeless should not expect “anything good” from him.

Earlier, in his address, Housing and Works Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada credited the relevant federal secretaries for their instrumental role in bringing this project to fruition.

He said that the initiative followed the formation of a dedicated task force and that a survey revealed a staggering shortage of 10 million housing units across the country.

Reflecting on the ministry’s efforts to align with the prime minister’s vision, the minister underscored the significance of implementing bold administrative reforms, including the winding up of the Public Works Department (PWD).

Reaffirming his commitment to the trust placed in him, he commended the country’s civil and military leadership, saying that the entire nation took pride in their contributions to the stability and progress of the state.

RAWALPINDI, Apr 30 Police have arrested a suspect for allegedly stealing gold jewellery worth more than Rs10 million from a house in Taxila, police said on Thursday.
According to a police spokesman, the Taxila Police traced and apprehended the suspect by using technical and human intelligence after launching an investigation into the theft reported a few days ago.
The suspect had been carrying out painting work at the complainant’s house when he allegedly seized an opportunity to steal 23 tolas of gold jewellery and fled away from scene, the spokesman said.
On the directions of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani, Superintendent of Police (SP) Potohar Sardar Babar Mumtaz Khan handed over the recovered jewellery to its owner.
The owner thanked the police for swiftly arresting the suspect and recovering the stolen valuables, while praising the force’s professional performance.
The CPO said those targeting the lives and property of citizens would be brought to justice and could not evade the law.