RAWALPINDI, APR 8 /DNA/ – The President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, and Group Leader Sohail Altaf, in a joint statement, have welcomed the Iran–US ceasefire. They extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of RCCI and the entire business community to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their decisive and visionary leadership in facilitating the historic two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

“We must first bow in gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us this historic success and for elevating Pakistan’s stature across the world,” they stated.

They further said that at a time when regional tensions had escalated to dangerous levels and the situation was heading towards a major crisis, Pakistan’s timely diplomatic efforts played a pivotal role in de-escalation. This achievement reflects Pakistan’s emerging role as a responsible and influential country on the global stage.

They expressed optimism about the success of the Islamabad agreement and the positive outcomes of future negotiations for sustainable peace in the region.

RCCI has also urged the government to review the temporary measures imposed due to the war-like situation and its economic impact. These include reduced business hours, work-from-home policies, speed restrictions, and increases in petroleum and LPG prices. The business community hopes that the Prime Minister and his economic team will reassess these measures and announce effective steps to promote business activity and support economic recovery.

ISLAMABAD, APR 8 /DNA/ – National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara has welcomed the ceasefire between the United States, its allies, and Iran, calling it a positive result of timely diplomatic efforts.

In a statement, he said Pakistan played a constructive role in reducing tensions and promoting talks at a critical moment, which helped prevent the risk of a major conflict in the region.

He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), saying their coordinated efforts and effective communication with all sides encouraged restraint and dialogue.

“Pakistan has once again shown its commitment to peace and stability through responsible diplomacy,” he said.

He added that Pakistan’s role has emerged as that of a responsible, reliable, and peace-loving country. He especially noted that the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and his strategic engagement played a key role in building understanding between different parties.

Bhandara expressed hope that this ceasefire will pave the way for lasting peace and meaningful talks.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 08: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that Pakistan is in the limelight owing to its proactive and effective diplomacy in recent regional crises and the Iran-US standoff, which has further strengthened the country’s standing at the international level.

Addressing the National Tourism Dialogue held in connection with the Pakistan Travel Mart 2026, he said Pakistan has played a constructive and responsible role in global affairs, contributing to regional peace and stability through sustained diplomatic engagement.

The Chairman Senate highlighted that tourism holds immense potential to drive Pakistan’s economic growth, enhance its global image, and promote national cohesion.

He also commended Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan for his dedicated efforts in organizing the dialogue and advancing the tourism agenda in the country.

He remarked that the theme of PTM 2026, “Shaping the Future of Travel: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Connectivity,” reflects Pakistan’s commitment to aligning with emerging global tourism trends.

Praising the public-private partnership model of PTM, he described it as a successful example of collaboration between the government and the private sector, which is essential for fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and investment in the tourism industry.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vast tourism potential, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani stated that the country offers a unique blend of ancient civilizations, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. From the historic sites of Mohenjo-daro and Mehrgarh to the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilization and the rich heritage of Gandhara, Pakistan presents a remarkable civilizational journey. Additionally, its majestic mountain ranges, scenic valleys, and diverse landscapes have the capacity to attract tourists from across the globe.

Referring to his personal connection with Multan, he shed light on the spiritual significance of the “City of Saints” and noted that Pakistan’s Sufi traditions play a vital role in promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony. “Pakistan is not just a destination, but a meaningful and enriching experience,” he remarked.

The Chairman Senate underscored that tourism is a powerful engine of economic development, contributing to foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and infrastructure development. Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, he said efforts were made to improve connectivity and promote Pakistan’s tourism potential globally, adding that PTM represents a continuation of that vision.

He further informed that PTM 2026 is showcasing a range of investment-ready tourism projects, including initiatives developed with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, reflecting Pakistan’s strong commitment to attracting both domestic and foreign investment in the tourism sector.

He warmly welcomed international delegates from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and other countries, as well as representatives of global tourism organizations. He noted that increasing international participation is a testament to growing global confidence in Pakistan’s tourism potential.

He congratulated the organizers, partners, and participants on the successful convening of Pakistan Travel Mart 2026 and reaffirmed his commitment, as Chairman Senate, to fully support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and positioning Pakistan prominently on the global tourism map.

On this occasion, Member of the Provincial Assembly Punjab Syed Ali Haider Gillani and Adviser to the Chairman Senate and Ambassador to ISC, Misbah Khar were also present.

ISLAMABAD, APR 8: Leaders and lawmakers from across the world, including the United IStates, have acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, reached shortly before President Donald Trump’s deadline.

Trump, in a post on his Social Truth, said he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran after discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The announcement represented an abrupt turnaround from earlier in the day, when he issued an extraordinary warning that “a whole civili[s]ation will die tonight” if his demands were not met. The US president had set an 8pm ET deadline for April 8.

Following Trump’s announcement, PM Shehbaz took to X and announced that Iran, the US, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere.

“I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes,” he added.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed gratitude and appreciation for “my dear brothers PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.”

“In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the US for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.”

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, thanked Pakistan for the “quiet, effective, diplomatic role” it played in bringing about this vital ceasefire.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, also welcomed the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours.

“We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Turkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to the crisis,” he wrote on X.

He vowed that in the coming days and weeks, New Zealand will stand in support of all efforts to bring about a lasting, durable end to this conflict.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong issued a joint statement welcoming the two-week truce to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.

“We have been clear the longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be, and the greater the human cost.”

Albanese and Wong thanked the mediators — including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia —and said Australia “wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict”.

Separately, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the “achievement of an agreement on a full ceasefire and truce in the Middle East, reached with the mediation of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir.

“This agreement became possible due to the goodwill and wisdom of the President of the United States, Donald Trump and the senior leadership of #Iran, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict,” he added.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, and called for lasting peace in the region.

In a social media post, Anwar extended sincere congratulations and deep appreciation to Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the tireless and courageous diplomacy that helped bring this moment about.

“Pakistan’s willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour, reflects the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility,” he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, his spokesperson said, while urging all parties to work toward long-term peace in the Middle East.

He also expressed sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire.

While welcoming the two-week ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran last night, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked Pakistan for its mediation.

“The aim now is to negotiate a lasting end to the war. We are in close coordination with our partners on this matter,” he wrote on X.

Moreover, Norway FM Espen Barth Eide also commended Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye for the peace efforts, while welcoming the US-Iran ceasefire.

Meanwhile, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas thanks DPM Dar for securing the initial ceasefire deal between US and Iran.

Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarım Ali Khan expressed gratitude towards PM Shehbaz for “creating an important moment for a ceasefire and dialogue”.

President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen thanked Pakistan for playing the role of a mediator between US and Iran.

President of the European Council Antonio Costa thanked Pakistan and all parties involved in the mediation process.

Swedish FM Maria M Stenergard also lauded Pakistan among others for mediating peace between US and Iran.

ISLAMABAD, APR 8 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has awarded 98 undergraduate scholarships to students from coastal regions of Balochistan, while the process for selection of more recipients from the coastal region is underway.         

According to details, HEC is executing the Coastal Region Higher Education Scholarships for Undergraduate Programmes for Balochistan. The programme, launched in 2022-23 under the Government of Pakistan’s Southern Balochistan Development Package, expands access to quality undergraduate education for students holding domicile/local certificate of the Gwadar, Lasbela, Kech (Turbet) or Awaran districts of Balochistan. The core objective of the scholarship programme is to provide higher education opportunities to the students of the region by sponsoring 200 students for BS studies in the HEC-recognised universities of Pakistan.

So far, HEC has awarded 98 scholarships across three batches. Over 800 applicants have now applied against HEC’s call for applications in batch-IV of the programme, which reflects the high interest of youth from the region.  The programme that covers all academic disciplines has increased access to higher education for students from coastal regions of Balochistan, particularly benefiting underprivileged and female students. This initiative will support emerging opportunities — including projects linked with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — alongside promoting educational inclusion, youth empowerment, and sustainable development in Balochistan region.

ISLAMABAD, APR 8 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversaiton with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this afternoon.

During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted for over forty-five minutes, the Prime Minister conveyed his deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in agreeing to the ceasefire and for accepting the Prime Minister’s offer to host negotiations between Iran and the U.S. in Islamabad later this week. He also conveyed his respects to His Eminence Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister and appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani leadership to bring about a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. and conveyed his best wishes for the people of Pakistan. He confirmed that Iran would be participating in the negotiations in Islamabad.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.