Pakistan has opened six land transit routes for Iran to facilitate the movement of thousands of stranded containers following a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative, formalized through the “Transit of Goods Through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026” issued on April 25, allows goods produced in third countries to be transported by road across Pakistan into Iran. The move creates an official road corridor linking Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar ports with Iran’s Gabd and Taftan border crossings.

The announcement coincided with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad, where he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir. Pakistan is currently attempting to mediate an end to the two-month conflict between Washington and Tehran. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan described the decision as a significant step toward promoting regional trade and strengthening Pakistan’s role as a trade corridor. However, Indian goods remain excluded due to a post-2025 air war ban.

Analysts said the corridor could reduce Pakistan’s reliance on Afghanistan for westward trade and position it as a key gateway for China-backed routes into West Asia, though security risks along the border remain a concern.

Pakistan has announced the opening of six trade corridors for Iran under the 'Transit of Goods Through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026'. The move allows Iran to use Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports for imports and exports to third countries. The decision comes as Iran faces severe trade disruptions due to ongoing conflict since February 28 and U.S. sanctions blocking access to its own ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, the new order aims to facilitate transit trade and strengthen regional connectivity. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said the initiative will enhance Pakistan’s strategic importance as a logistics hub. Analysts view the decision as a sign of growing trust between Islamabad and Tehran, noting that Iran requested the corridor amid wartime shortages of essential goods. Former trade officials and economists said the arrangement follows international law and should not trigger U.S. sanctions, as it provides transit rather than direct trade.

The first shipment under the new corridor has already traveled from Karachi through Iran to Uzbekistan, signaling Pakistan’s ambition to become a regional trade center and secure alternative routes beyond Afghanistan.

The United Arab Emirates has demanded that Pakistan immediately repay a $3.5 billion loan, creating new pressure on Islamabad as it faces an ongoing economic crisis. The demand, made earlier this month, threatens to deplete nearly one-fifth of Pakistan’s central bank reserves and could jeopardize the $7 billion IMF bailout package promised in 2024. Saudi Arabia has since stepped in, providing a $3 billion loan to strengthen Pakistan’s reserves and extending an existing $5 billion loan for more than a year.

Analysts view Abu Dhabi’s sudden move as a reflection of growing dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s softer stance toward Iran and its mediation efforts in conflicts involving the United States and Israel. The situation also highlights underlying competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose relations have been strained over Yemen and regional influence. UAE’s closer economic ties with India have further complicated its relationship with Islamabad.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry described the repayment as a routine financial transaction and denied any diplomatic rift, though officials privately expressed frustration. Observers see the episode as part of shifting alliances and power balances in the Gulf region.

Sheikh Yusuf Afridi, a commander of the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Initial reports indicate that the attackers fired multiple rounds at Afridi, leaving him no chance to escape. Afridi was known as a close associate of the group’s chief, Hafiz Saeed.

Local sources said Afridi played a key role in directing the organization’s operations in the region. Investigators are treating the incident as a targeted killing. The attack follows a series of similar incidents involving members of militant groups in Pakistan.

Last month, Lashkar-e-Taiba founding member Amir Hamza survived an armed attack in Lahore, while Muhammad Tahir Anwar, brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, recently died under mysterious circumstances. In March of the previous year, senior Lashkar-e-Taiba member Abu Katal was also shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Jhelum, Pakistan.

An Iranian delegation is set to return to Pakistan tonight, according to Iran’s state media. The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, will visit Islamabad after completing a trip to Oman and before departing for Russia. The report indicates that part of the Iranian negotiating team had earlier returned to Tehran for consultations related to issues concerning the cessation of hostilities.

Members of the delegation are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Sunday night to rejoin Araghchi, bringing with them necessary advice and new directives from Tehran. The visit underscores Iran’s ongoing diplomatic engagements across the region amid discussions linked to ending conflict.

The information was reported by Iran’s official news agency IRNA and relayed by Tasnim News Agency, citing Pakistan’s Dawn as the source.

Pakistan has successfully launched a high-performance remote sensing imaging satellite named PRSC-EO3 from China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the launch took place on Saturday night using a Long March-6 rocket at 8:15 p.m. local time. The satellite entered its designated orbit successfully, marking the 640th mission of China’s Long March rocket series.

Pakistan’s space agency SUPARCO stated that the satellite was developed with indigenous technology and represents a major advancement in the country’s space capabilities. The electro-optical satellite will be used for natural resource monitoring, disaster management, and environmental change analysis. It features multi-angle imaging, advanced energy storage, and AI-based data analysis systems for faster and more accurate information processing.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the satellite will enhance national remote sensing capacity and support socio-economic development. President Asif Ali Zardari called the launch a historic achievement and praised China’s cooperation, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated SUPARCO scientists for strengthening national capability.

U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled a planned visit by an American delegation to Pakistan, citing the excessive travel time as the main reason. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he stopped the team from departing, explaining that an 18-hour flight was unnecessary for what he described as idle discussions. He emphasized that the United States holds all the necessary authority and that communication with Pakistan could occur by phone instead of through lengthy travel.

The decision came shortly after an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi completed its visit to Islamabad. During that trip, the Iranian team met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials to discuss regional security and bilateral interests. Following the meetings, Sharif described the talks as productive and sincere.

Trump’s cancellation followed the Iranian delegation’s departure, marking a shift in diplomatic scheduling between the two countries.

A high-level Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Islamabad after a day of meetings, just before a United States delegation was reported to be en route to Pakistan. The information was confirmed by Al Jazeera’s Osama bin Javed. Before departing, the Iranian team submitted a formal list of demands to the Pakistani government outlining Tehran’s conditions for ending its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

According to the report, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt had earlier announced that the US delegation, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would arrive in Pakistan on Saturday. Pakistan is currently acting as a mediator between Iran and the United States. Although Iran has refused direct talks with the US, Islamabad is serving as a communication bridge to convey Tehran’s proposals to Washington.

The US delegation is expected to review Iran’s proposals and discuss next steps toward ending the conflict. Tehran’s demands prioritize security guarantees and the lifting of sanctions. Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating these exchanges has placed it at the center of current global political attention.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, according to the Iranian embassy. The meeting focused on regional security and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and National Security Adviser General Asim Malik also attended the discussions.

The Iranian delegation included Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei and Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amir Mokaddam. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting peace and stability in the region and agreed to deepen security collaboration. Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday night, where he was received by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Munir.

The visit comes amid a deadlock in talks between the United States and Iran. Observers view the trip as a potentially significant step toward a second round of discussions between Tehran and Washington.

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to Pakistan for discussions involving Iran, according to the report. Vice President JD Vance has indicated he is prepared to join them in Islamabad if there is a prospect of reaching an agreement with Tehran. An Iranian delegation has already arrived in Pakistan but has stated it will not meet with the US side.

Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent Allen Fisher reported that there are indications in Washington suggesting JD Vance has been temporarily sidelined to allow talks in Islamabad to proceed. However, Fisher noted that the situation may not be as it appears. He added that if significant progress is made toward a potential deal, both JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio would be called to Islamabad to finalize it.

The discussions are expected to address key issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its regional proxies, enriched uranium stockpiles, and unresolved matters concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi. The visit coincides with the White House announcement that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will also travel to Pakistan for discussions involving Iran. However, Iran has stated that it will not hold any meetings with the United States.

Andrabi said on social media that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Chief and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials welcomed Araghchi. During the visit, the Iranian foreign minister is expected to discuss recent regional developments and ongoing efforts for peace and stability with Pakistan’s top leadership.

The trip is being viewed as a significant step toward potential second-round talks between Iran and the United States, though Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reiterated that no meeting with US officials is planned. The White House noted that if discussions progress, US Vice President JD Vance is prepared to visit Pakistan.

United States President Donald Trump has dispatched envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, raising hopes of renewed dialogue to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the envoys were expected to meet Araghchi, though it remained uncertain whether Tehran had agreed to talks. Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still had an opportunity to make a “good deal.”

According to Pakistani sources cited by Reuters, Araghchi’s visit would be brief and focused on Iran’s proposals for talks that Pakistan might relay to Washington. However, Al Jazeera reported that a senior Iranian official ruled out direct US-Iran talks in Pakistan. Iranian state media made no mention of parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, who led previous negotiations that ended without progress. The Iranian parliament denied reports of his resignation and confirmed no new talks were scheduled.

Trump recently extended a two-week ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations while maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports. The US also froze $344 million in Iranian cryptocurrency assets to increase financial pressure on Tehran.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday to join a second round of discussions aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt confirmed the plan in an interview with Fox News on Friday, saying Iran had agreed to participate in the direct talks at Trump’s invitation and that Washington hopes the dialogue will lead to a productive outcome and a possible agreement.

The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran took place in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, lasting about 21 hours but ending without a settlement. That meeting was led by U.S. delegate J.D. Vance, who will not attend this time but remains ready to join if needed. Levitt added that all relevant parties are prepared to travel to Pakistan quickly if required.

According to the report, Pakistan brokered a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, which was later extended indefinitely after April 22.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday night, according to Turkey-based Anadolu Agency. He was received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Araghchi will meet the country’s top leadership to discuss regional stability, peace, and cooperation. The visit is being viewed as a significant step toward a possible second round of talks between Iran and the United States.

The trip comes as Pakistan intensifies diplomatic efforts to restart dialogue between Tehran and Washington. The White House confirmed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkov and adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday to meet Iranian representatives. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said Islamabad is playing a key mediating role in facilitating these direct discussions, while Vice President JD Vance remains closely involved from Washington.

A first round of direct Iran-U.S. talks was held in Islamabad on April 11–12 but ended without progress. Pakistan is now actively working to reopen the negotiation channel between the two sides.

An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday night, according to several Pakistani government sources cited by Al Jazeera. The visit comes amid what sources describe as a strong possibility of major progress in discussions between the United States and Iran. Earlier in the day, Araghchi and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation, confirmed by both sides.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the two ministers discussed regional developments, ceasefire efforts, and ongoing diplomatic initiatives related to U.S.-Iran engagement. Dar emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue, while Araghchi praised Pakistan’s consistent and constructive mediating role. Iran’s state news agency IRNA also reported that Araghchi spoke separately with Pakistan’s army chief, though Islamabad has not confirmed this call.

Pakistan has been preparing for a potential second round of U.S.-Iran talks after the first 21-hour session in February ended without agreement. Security has been tightened in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and two hotels have been reserved for delegations, though Iran has not yet agreed to resume talks.