ANTALYA, APR 17 /DNA/ – This afternoon, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar and other senior officials.

Turkish Foreign Minister H.E. Hakan Fidan and other senior Turkish officials were also present.

During the warm and cordial meeting, President Erdoğan welcomed the Prime Minister to Türkiye and thanked him for his participation in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

He praised the Prime Minister’s peace efforts and said Türkiye would continue to support Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative to bring peace to the region.

The Prime Minister thanked President Erdoğan for his warm invitation and traditional Turkish hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his stay in Antalya. He congratulated the Turkish President on the success of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which he said, had transformed into an important global event.

The two leaders exchanged views on recent regional developments, particularly the evolving situation in the Middle East. The Prime Minister thanked President Erdoğan for his strong support and encouragement of Pakistan’s peace efforts and shared with him the updates on how to extend the ceasefire and resume talks so that a peace agreement could be reached.

The two leaders emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing the current window of opportunity to advance a durable and lasting regional peace.

While reaffirming the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. They agreed to convene the 8th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting in Ankara later this year.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of expediting the implementation of ongoing initiatives and exploring new opportunities to further deepen economic engagement.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their resolve to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, building on fraternal ties, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity.

Imran Ghaznavi

ISLAMABAD, APR 17 /DNA/ – While implementing the Federal Government decision to maintain the fuel prices at affordable level, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has processed the disbursement of approximately PKR 38 billion in Price Differential Claims (PDC) to 34 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

OGRA has implemented the Federal Government decision through a mechanism, duly concurred by Federal Government, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and timeliness in the verification and release of PDCs.

The framework ensures a structured evaluation process, enabling expeditious settlement of legitimate eligible claims so as to ensure robust financial discipline.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts to stabilize petroleum prices while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders across the oil supply chain.

Next Round of US-Iran Talks Expected This Weekend

ISLAMABAD, APR 17: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) escorted Iranian negotiators home from inconclusive peace talks with the US last weekend, launching a major operation after the Iranians said Israel might seek to kill them, three sources told Reuters.

Pakistan deployed some two dozen jets in the escort, as well as the force’s Airborne Warning and Control System for aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of the delegation back from Islamabad, said two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the operation.

One said similar security protection would be provided for subsequent talks if the Iranians ask for it, “otherwise Pakistani aircraft would receive them in Pakistan airspace”.

A third source involved in the talks said measures were already in the works ahead of an expected further round of talks as soon as this weekend.

‘They might be targeted’
A regional diplomat briefed by Tehran, however, said Pakistan insisted on the escort after Iranian delegates raised the “hypothetical” possibility of a threat.

The discussions with the Iranian delegation about a potential threat while travelling and the presence of a Pakistani air escort into Iran have not previously been reported.

The Israeli prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran’s permanent mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pakistan’s air force and military did not respond to questions about the operation. The US embassy in Islamabad did not respond to a request for comment.

“When the talks failed, the Iranians were wary that things had not gone right. It was their suspicion that they might be targeted,” one security source said.

“This was a massive operational mission if you look at it from a pilot’s point of view. You are taking responsibility for a delegation that is coming for talks, you are giving them air cover, you have potent fighters that counter any threat,” he said.

The source involved in the talks, the highest-level engagement between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, confirmed the air escort but did not provide details about the operation.

“We dropped them all the way to Tehran. Their security was our responsibility even beyond their time here,” the source said.

Sunday’s mission to Iran included Chinese-made J-10 aircraft, the top jet in the PAF fleet, one official said.

Israeli strike list
The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer ⁠Qalibaf, a former military officer and certified pilot, requested the security escort, which goes well beyond normal protocol, the two security sources said.

The regional diplomat said the Iranians did not make a formal request but also did not “rule out the possibility that Israel could even strike the aircraft”, prompting Pakistan to insist on providing a security escort.

The delegation did not land in Tehran, the diplomat said, declining to say where they were dropped off.

Israel had Araqchi and Qalibaf on its strike list until Pakistan asked Washington to intervene to have them removed because there would be no one left to negotiate on the war the US and Israel launched on February 28.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month, “I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders..,” referring to Iran. “I don’t intend to provide an exact report here about what we are planning or what we are going to do.”

Shortly before agreeing to a ceasefire last week, US President Donald Trump posted on social media: “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to ​be brought back ​again. I don’t want that ‌to ⁠happen, but it probably will.”

Hours after the Iranians and the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, left Pakistan empty-handed, sources told Reuters that dialogue was still alive.

Trump said on Thursday that the war “should be ending pretty soon” and that talks could take place in Islamabad this weekend.

ISLAMABAD, APR 17 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) formalized a significant humanitarian partnership today by signing an agreement to deliver cash assistance to vulnerable families affected by recent floods in multiple districts of Pakistan.

The agreement was signed by Secretary General PRCS, Mr. Muhammad Abaidullah Khan, and Head of Delegation Turkish Red Crescent in Pakistan, Ms. Beyza Taner, in the presence of Chairperson PRCS, Mrs. Farzhana Naek. The ceremony was also attended by senior officials and program representatives from both National Societies.

Under this agreement, cash assistance will be provided to 2,000 vulnerable families across the flood-affected districts of Qambar Shahdadkot, Khairpur, Shigar, and Neelum. Each selected household will receive PKR 25,000 to help meet their immediate needs including health and also support early recovery. The initiative will be implemented over a period of five months, from April to August 2026.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson PRCS, Mrs. Farzhana Naek, emphasized the strength of the longstanding partnership between the two National Societies. She stated that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to alleviating human suffering and responding swiftly to the needs of the most vulnerable communities.

“This agreement is a testament to the enduring relationship between PRCS and the Turkish Red Crescent. Together, we continue to stand with communities affected by disasters, ensuring that timely and dignified assistance reaches those who need it most. Cash assistance empowers families to prioritize their own needs and supports their path towards recovery,” she said.

On the occasion, Head of Delegation Turkish Red Crescent in Pakistan, Ms. Beyza Taner, stated, “We highly value our strong partnership with PRCS and remain committed to continuing our joint humanitarian efforts to support vulnerable communities in need.”

The initiative will be implemented by PRCS in close coordination with relevant stakeholders, ensuring transparent beneficiary selection and efficient delivery mechanisms through financial service providers. Both organizations will jointly monitor the progress and impact of the project to ensure that assistance is delivered effectively and in line with humanitarian standards.