ISLAMABAD, APR 19 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this evening.

During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted for around forty-five minutes, the two leaders engaged in detailed exchanges on the current regional situation. The Prime Minister thanked President Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for having sent their high-powered delegation, led by Honorable Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, for talks in Islamabad on 11-12 April, 2026.

The Prime Minister apprised the Iranian President about his own recent engagements with a number of world leaders, including the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye. He stated that these interactions were most helpful in building consensus in support of a sustained process of dialogue and diplomacy, aimed at bringing lasting peace to the war-ravaged region. The Prime Minister also thanked the Iranian leadership for their constructive conversations with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during the latter’s visit to Tehran this week.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that, with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan would remain fully committed to its honest and sincere efforts to advance regional peace and security. He also conveyed his respectful regards for the Supreme Leader, His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal for Pakistan’s strong commitment to the success of the peace efforts, while affirming that relations between Iran and Pakistan would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 19 (DNA): Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski, Sunday, appreciating the positive momentum in Pakistan–Poland relations, reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

DPM/FM Dar received a telephone call from his Polish counterpart, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

They also held an in-depth exchange of views on the current regional and global issues.

The Polish DPM/FM commended Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and appreciated Pakistan’s continued commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in promoting peace and stability.

He also invited DPM/FM Dar to visit Poland in June this year.

LAHORE, APR 19 /DNA/ – Pakistan Ulema Council, Dar-ul-Ifta Pakistan and the International Tazeem-e-Haramain Sharifain Council have issued a comprehensive code of conduct for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, urging strict adherence to Saudi regulations and preservation of the sanctity of the holy sites.

The guidelines were announced at a press conference in Lahore led by Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Secretary General of the International Tazeem-e-Haramain Sharifain Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, along with prominent scholars and religious leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Ashrafi emphasized that pilgrims must respect the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and fully comply with the rules and regulations issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

He said performing Hajj without a valid permit is both religiously impermissible and illegal, urging those residing in Saudi Arabia to avoid undertaking Hajj without official authorization.

The scholars advised pilgrims to acquire complete knowledge of Hajj and Umrah rituals before departure to avoid difficulties during the holy journey. They stressed that Saudi Arabia continuously strives to facilitate pilgrims, and it is therefore obligatory for visitors to cooperate with authorities and follow the prescribed code of conduct.

Pilgrims were also urged to avoid engaging in political activities during Hajj and not to become part of any such efforts, warning that such actions could disrupt the peaceful environment of the holy sites.

The code further cautioned against booking travel through unregistered or unauthorized Hajj and Umrah operators, including informal online groups.

Highlighting the spiritual essence of Hajj and Umrah, the scholars advised pilgrims to purify their intentions solely for the sake of Allah Almighty and avoid actions driven by showmanship, including unnecessary photography and videography during acts of worship.

They stressed the importance of patience, humility and discipline throughout the pilgrimage, reminding pilgrims that hardships are part of the journey and enduring them brings greater reward.

Pilgrims were encouraged to remain engaged in remembrance of Allah, recitation of Durood Sharif and Talbiyah, especially during travel delays or crowded situations.

The scholars urged pilgrims to strictly follow the instructions of their group leaders, particularly during movement between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, and to avoid haste that could lead to accidents.

Special guidance issued by scholars for women, the elderly and the sick regarding rituals such as Rami al-Jamarat should be followed, they added, emphasizing that Islam provides ease and concessions which should be utilized.

The code clearly warned against illegal activities, including begging and carrying narcotics in Saudi Arabia, describing them as serious crimes.

Pilgrims were also advised to avoid rumors, maintain discipline and immediately inform group leaders of any suspicious or disruptive activities.

A resolution passed at the conference praised Saudi Arabia for its services to Islam and Muslims, particularly its continuous efforts to improve facilities for pilgrims.

The participants reaffirmed that pilgrims from Pakistan and other countries, as well as organizers and governments, are bound to fully comply with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj policies.

The scholars concluded by stressing that maintaining order, discipline and respect for the holy sites is essential to ensure a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for all.

ISLAMABAD, APR 19: An advance team from the United States has arrived in Islamabad as Pakistan prepares to host the second round of talks between the Washington and Iran, sources said on Sunday.

Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi heightened security in the federal capital, sealing off the Red Zone to traffic as Pakistan prepares to host visiting foreign delegations.

The measures follow reports about the second round of talks between delegations from the United States and Iran, reportedly scheduled next week.

However, there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan, Iran, or the US so far regarding the schedule of the dialogue.

In a statement, Islamabad police said that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed for all kinds of traffic until further notice due to the arrival of foreign delegations.

They advised citizens to use alternate routes and cooperate with traffic police to ensure smooth flow and security.

Further, the district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi announced an immediate suspension of public and goods transport in the twin cities.

The Islamabad deputy commissioner suspended heavy transport and public transport services until further notice, without citing any reason.

“Heavy transport and public transport in the city are being suspended until further orders. Citizens are earnestly requested to cooperate with the security agencies,” the Islamabad DC posted on X.

Similarly, all private, public, and goods transport has been suspended with immediate effect in Rawalpindi. The official confirmed that further updates will be issued later.

“All private, public and goods transport in Rawalpindi is hereby suspended with immediate effect. Further updates will be shared,” the Rawalpindi DC said in his X post.

Security measures
A day earlier, the Rawalpindi police were put on high alert on the directives of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani.

“Rawalpindi Police have placed the city on high security alert and implemented extraordinary arrangements to ensure foolproof security in view of the movement of foreign delegations,” state-run news agency, APP, reported.

More than 10,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across the city to perform security duties, while over 600 special pickets were established with strict monitoring of all entry and exit points being done.

Special teams of Elite Commandos and trained snipers had been assigned security responsibilities, while the Elite Force, Dolphin Force, police station mobiles, and other quick response units conducted patrolling throughout the city.

Search, sweep, combing, and intelligence-based operations had also been intensified, with close monitoring and checking of suspicious individuals continuing across Rawalpindi.

Security around sensitive installations, key public and private locations and residential places of importance has been further tightened, while Safe City surveillance, CCTV cameras and modern monitoring systems are being used for round-the-clock observation.

Authorities in the twin cities had announced a two-day holiday on April 10 and 11, as Pakistan hosted the high-stakes talks between the US and Iran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited delegations from Washington and Tehran for peace talks after brokering a two-week ceasefire between the two sides on April 8.

The Middle East conflict began on February 28, following joint strikes by the US and Israel against. The scope of the conflict quickly spread as Tehran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz and launched retaliatory attacks against Israel and US bases across the Gulf region.

After agreeing to the PM Shehbaz-facilitated ceasefire, the two sides held negotiations in Islamabad on a wide range of disputes. However, the talks could result in an agreement for a permanent end to the conflict.

However, Pakistan continued its marathon efforts to help resolve longstanding disputes between the two sides, including COAS-CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran, where he met Iran’s top political and military leadership.

A day after CDF Munir’s visit, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open, citing the agreement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

However, the country blocked the waterway again, citing Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports as the reason.

Despite lingering issues, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said talks with Washington have seen “progress,” but “many gaps and some fundamental points remain.”

“We are still far from the final discussion,” said Ghalibaf in a televised address earlier today.

US President Donald Trump has also said that “very good conversations” were going on with Iran, but warned Tehran against trying to “blackmail” Washington.

KARACHI, APR 19: Multan Sultans posted a massive 208-run target for Karachi Kings in the 28th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 on Sunday at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Batting first, Sultans posted 207-7 in their allotted 20 overs.

The team got off to a poor start as Khushdil Shah struck early for Karachi Kings, taking a big wicket on the third delivery of the second over by dismissing Steve Smith for a duck.

Awais Zafar and Josh Philippe then joined hands and started building the innings, finding runs steadily and taking the team past the 50-run mark. The pair added a strong 50-run stand for the second wicket, maintaining momentum and targeting a solid total.

However, Khushdil struck again, claiming his second wicket to break the 66-run partnership by removing Philippe, who played a brilliant knock of 44 off 23 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes. The side was left at 77-2 in 7.2 overs.

Shan Masood then came to the crease and supported Awais Zafar as the duo continued adding valuable runs, guiding the team past the 100-run mark.

Khushdil Shah remained in superb form, striking for the third time in his spell by dismissing Awais Zafar, who made 36 off 27 balls with five fours and a six.

In the very next over, Karachi Kings gained further control as Moeen Ali joined the attack and removed Shan Masood, who scored a vital 46 off 25 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes, leaving the side at 135-4 in 13.2 overs.

Arafat Minhas and skipper Ashton Turner kept the scoreboard ticking which helped the total sail past the 150-run mark but Moeen had the upper hand again as he picked up his second wicket by dismissing Turner for a run-a-ball 11.

Pacer Hasan Ali picked up his first wicket as Sultans slipped to six down, with Arafat Minhas dismissed after scoring 17 off 12 deliveries, including two fours.

In the 19th over, Adam Zampa struck, removing Mohammad Nawaz for a run-a-ball 12 after he hit one six, leaving the team at 174-7 in 18.2 overs.

Mohammad Imran then came in and piled up runs in the final over, smashing boundaries and two sixes to take the team past the 200-run mark.

He finished unbeaten on 26 off eight deliveries, featuring two fours and two sixes, while Mohammad Wasim also remained not out on seven.

Khushdil Shah was the standout bowler for the Kings, returning figures of 3/35 in his four overs. Moeen Ali claimed two wickets, while Adam Zampa and Hasan Ali contributed with one wicket each.