PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announces Independence d…

  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is exploring the possibility of helping revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran in an effort to reduce tensions and move toward ending the conflict that has continued for nearly five months. According to informed Pakistani sources, the latest diplomatic initiative follows encouragement from China, which has expressed support for Islamabad’s mediation efforts in the region. The renewed diplomatic discussions reportedly gained momentum during the recent visit of Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, to Islamabad. It was his second visit to Pakistan within ten days, highlighting the growing importance of diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries amid the ongoing regional crisis. During his visit, Momeni held meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including government leaders and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. While official statements confirmed the meetings, details of the discussions were not made public. However, sources familiar with the matter indicated that the possibility of restarting indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran was among the issues discussed. Despite these efforts, officials acknowledged that significant challenges remain before meaningful dialogue can resume. Deep mistrust between the United States and Iran, combined with recent military escalations across the Middle East, continues to complicate prospects for renewed negotiations. Pakistan’s role as a potential mediator has become increasingly delicate due to rapidly evolving regional developments. Earlier this week, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, one of Pakistan’s closest regional allies. Islamabad has strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks, reaffirming its support for Saudi Arabia, with which it signed a mutual defence treaty last year. According to the sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also discussed the evolving Middle East situation with Chinese officials during his recent visit to Beijing. Although Pakistani authorities have not publicly commented on the discussions, China has confirmed its support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan and other regional partners. In an official statement, China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing supports diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region. The ministry also reaffirmed China’s commitment to playing an active role in encouraging dialogue and reducing tensions across the Middle East. China remains Iran’s largest trading partner and the primary buyer of Iranian crude oil despite international sanctions. Over the years, Beijing has also expanded cooperation with Tehran in areas such as technology, satellite navigation systems, and dual-use industrial components, although it has not publicly provided direct military assistance during the current conflict. Pakistan’s latest diplomatic initiative follows earlier mediation efforts undertaken jointly with Qatar. In June, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding designed to create a 60-day framework for negotiations aimed at reaching a long-term agreement. However, indirect talks failed to produce meaningful progress, with both sides accusing each other of violating the understanding, ultimately leading to renewed hostilities. The regional security situation has deteriorated further after the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers as part of their naval blockade. The development has raised concerns over global energy supplies and increased fears that another major shipping route could be disrupted alongside the already vulnerable Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani officials believe that ending attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries is now essential before any negotiations between the United States and Iran can resume. According to one official, Islamabad has already conveyed this position to Iranian authorities, emphasizing that regional stability will be a necessary first step toward successful diplomatic engagement. As tensions continue to rise, Pakistan, supported by China, appears determined to pursue dialogue as a means of preventing further escalation and encouraging a peaceful resolution to one of the Middle East’s most pressing conflicts.

  Karachi is expected to experience mostly cloudy and humid weather conditions during the next 24 hours, according to the latest forecast issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The weather authorities have predicted that light drizzle may occur in different parts of the city, particularly during the morning and nighttime hours. The meteorological department stated that the overall weather situation in Karachi is likely to remain warm, humid, and partly cloudy throughout the day. Residents may experience increased moisture levels in the atmosphere, which could make the temperature feel higher than the actual recorded temperature. The presence of humidity, combined with limited sunshine due to cloudy skies, is expected to create uncomfortable weather conditions for many citizens. According to the weather forecast, the minimum temperature recorded in Karachi today was 28 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. Although these temperatures are typical for the coastal city during this period, the high humidity level may increase the feeling of heat among residents. The humidity level in Karachi has been recorded at 78 percent, indicating a significant amount of moisture in the air. The city is also experiencing sea breezes from the southwest direction, moving at a speed of approximately 11 kilometers per hour. These coastal winds may provide some relief from the heat, but the high humidity is likely to continue affecting the overall comfort level. The weather department has advised citizens to remain aware of changing weather conditions, especially during early morning and nighttime hours when chances of drizzle are higher. Light rainfall is not expected to cause major disruption, but some areas may experience temporary wet conditions due to the drizzle. Karachi’s coastal location often results in humid weather patterns, particularly when moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea influence the city’s atmosphere. Cloud cover and sea breezes usually help control extreme temperatures, but high humidity can make daily activities more challenging for residents. The meteorological department further explained that no major change in weather conditions is expected during the next 24 hours. The city will likely continue to experience cloudy skies, humid conditions, and occasional light drizzle in some areas. People are advised to plan outdoor activities while keeping the possibility of brief rainfall in mind. Overall, Karachi’s weather is expected to remain mild in terms of temperature but uncomfortable due to elevated humidity levels. The combination of cloudy weather, warm temperatures, and moisture in the air will continue to define the city’s weather pattern over the coming day.

  KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) traded in positive territory during Thursday’s mid-day session, although gains remained limited as investors continued to adopt a cautious approach. The benchmark KSE-100 Index stood at 174,533.28 points, registering an increase of 103.36 points, or 0.06 percent, compared to the previous closing level of 174,429.92 points. The market started the day on a stronger note, with buying interest pushing the benchmark index higher in early trading. During the session, the KSE-100 climbed to an intraday high of 175,237.59 points, reflecting initial optimism among market participants. However, the upward momentum was short-lived as investors began booking profits, causing the index to retreat from its peak. At one stage, the benchmark slipped to an intraday low of 174,144.11 points before recovering modestly. Despite the fluctuations, the overall market remained in positive territory, indicating a degree of resilience. Trading activity was moderate throughout the first half of the session. By mid-day, total trading volume had reached approximately 60.14 million shares, while the value of traded securities stood at around Rs3.52 billion. These figures suggested that although investors were active, trading lacked the intensity typically associated with a strong bullish rally. Market participants remained watchful as the trading session continued, with investors responding cautiously to mixed economic and market signals. Analysts noted that the benchmark index moved within a relatively narrow range following its early gains, reflecting uncertainty about the market’s short-term direction. Rather than witnessing broad-based buying across sectors, trading activity appeared selective, with investors focusing on specific stocks instead of making aggressive market-wide investments. According to market observers, institutional participation remained relatively subdued during the session. Large investors largely stayed on the sidelines, resulting in lower overall momentum despite the benchmark index maintaining positive territory. The absence of strong institutional buying limited the market’s ability to sustain its early advance. Brokers also pointed out that profit-taking emerged after the KSE-100 Index approached its intraday high. Investors who had benefited from recent market gains chose to lock in profits, leading to some downward pressure on the index. This selling activity prevented the market from extending its early rally and kept price movements within a limited range. Although the market showed signs of stability during the mid-day session, analysts believed that investor sentiment remained cautious. The performance of key sectors and any fresh developments during the remainder of the trading day were expected to influence the market’s closing direction. A stronger participation from institutional investors or renewed buying in heavyweight stocks could provide additional support, while continued profit-taking might limit further gains. Overall, the Pakistan Stock Exchange demonstrated resilience by holding on to modest gains despite intermittent selling pressure. However, with trading remaining range-bound and investor confidence still measured, market participants continued to monitor developments closely before making significant investment decisions.