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  Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Manila, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation under the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Engagement Plan. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen political dialogue, economic cooperation, and strategic engagement while emphasizing the importance of maintaining close coordination on regional and global issues. During the meeting, Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas also exchanged views on the evolving situation involving the United States and Iran. Both sides discussed recent regional developments and stressed the importance of preventing further escalation that could threaten peace and stability in the wider region. They agreed that continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain essential in addressing international challenges and resolving disputes through peaceful means. The Foreign Office stated that both leaders recognized diplomacy as the only effective and sustainable path to ensuring lasting peace and stability. They emphasized that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and international cooperation are critical to reducing tensions and promoting regional security. The discussion reflected a shared understanding of the need for peaceful conflict resolution in an increasingly complex global environment. A key area of discussion was the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Engagement Plan, which serves as the framework for cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including trade, governance, climate action, human rights, education, and sustainable development. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to continue working together under this framework and to further strengthen institutional ties between Pakistan and the European Union. The meeting also highlighted the importance of expanding economic cooperation. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with the European Union, which remains one of the country’s largest trading partners. Both sides acknowledged the value of continued economic engagement in supporting sustainable growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions linked to the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) programme. The GSP+ status provides Pakistan with preferential access to European markets, benefiting several export sectors, particularly textiles and garments. Islamabad emphasized that it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the programme by implementing the relevant international conventions related to human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and good governance. The two sides also discussed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue to address shared challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation. They expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-European Union relations and agreed to continue working closely to achieve common objectives. The meeting in Manila reflects the ongoing efforts by both Pakistan and the European Union to further strengthen their partnership through constructive engagement, expanded economic cooperation, and coordinated diplomatic efforts. As global and regional challenges continue to evolve, both sides reaffirmed that sustained dialogue and collaboration remain essential for promoting peace, stability, and mutually beneficial relations. The discussions concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing bilateral ties, reinforcing strategic cooperation, and building a stronger partnership that supports shared interests and contributes to regional and international stability.

Chief Justice Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Aalia Neelum has taken a major step to expedite the trials of accused persons who have remained in custody for more than three years, directing that their cases be decided within two months. On the directions of Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, letters have been issued to the Sessions Judges of 28 districts across Punjab, directing them to ensure the speedy disposal of cases involving under-trial prisoners who have been in detention for more than three years. The Sessions Judges have been instructed to place such cases on a fast-track basis and hear them on a priority basis so that decisions are delivered within the stipulated period of two months. The Chief Justice directed that all Sessions Judges in Punjab would be bound to ensure the disposal of these cases within the prescribed timeframe. The district judiciary has also been directed to accelerate proceedings in cases involving long-incarcerated under-trial accused and avoid unnecessary adjournments that could further prolong their detention. The Lahore High Court has also sought implementation reports regarding cases in which accused persons have remained behind bars for more than three years, in order to monitor progress and ensure compliance with the directions. The initiative aims to facilitate the timely provision of justice to prisoners whose trials have remained pending for prolonged periods. The directions are also intended to address unnecessary delays in criminal proceedings and reduce the backlog of long-pending cases. The Chief Justice’s directive underscores the need for the district judiciary to prioritize cases involving under-trial prisoners and ensure that prolonged detention does not continue merely because of delays in the disposal of their trials. The Sessions Courts across Punjab have accordingly been asked to take immediate measures to speed up proceedings and submit reports regarding compliance with the Lahore High Court’s directions.