FM blames Israel for torpedoing talks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate that a "major breakthrough" had been achieved in Iran-US negotiations a day earlier, but Israel launched a significant attack following the development. Speaking in the upper house on Tuesday, Dar said there had been strong optimism until last night that the Iran-US issue would soon be resolved. "The matter ultimately rests with Allah Almighty," he said, adding that the prime minister and the military leadership were working non-stop. He emphasised that Pakistan was not seeking any credit but was focused on ensuring peace in the region. Dar briefed the house on Pakistan's diplomatic role, stating that Pakistan is the only Islamic country to condemn the attack on Iran. He said he personally contacted the Iranian foreign minister immediately afterwards. "Within three to four hours, Iran began retaliatory strikes on Arab countries, but our objective remains to de-escalate the situation and stop the war," he said. Senate Leader of the Opposition Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said war was being imposed on Iran and accused global leaders of pursuing their ambitions at the cost of Muslim lives. He warned that the conflict would further destabilise Pakistan and stressed the need for dialogue within the country's leadership to navigate the crisis. He criticised the international community, saying the United Nations Security Council had yet to call for an end to the war. He added that the region was increasingly sliding towards conflict and violence, alleging that the real issue behind the crisis was control over global resources. Calling Pakistan's diplomatic efforts commendable, Abbas warned that if the war continued, the government would struggle to manage inflation and economic pressures. He said the prime minister had previously offered talks with the opposition and urged that negotiations should take place. He stressed that key national decisions should be taken through consultation between the government and opposition. Separately, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the Senate that the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz would neither make oil free nor cheaper. Responding to remarks by JUI-F member Maulana Attaur Rehman, he said global crude oil prices had risen significantly since February 28. He said while arrangements had been made to ensure the movement of vessels due to regional circumstances, this did not translate into cheaper fuel. "The availability of oil in the country today is due to the passage of these ships, but it does not mean it can be supplied free or at reduced prices," he said. Tarar said the government had shifted the petroleum levy from diesel to petrol, noting that diesel prices were currently among the highest globally, but no levy was being charged on it in Pakistan. Defending the government's austerity measures, he said the federal budget had been cut by 50%, cabinet members had given up official vehicles, and fuel expenses for government offices had also been reduced by half.