Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Pakistan condemns violation of Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
ISLAMABAD, APR 21 /DNA/ – Pakistan condemns in the strongest terms the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of the occupying power’s flag within its courtyard by illegal Israeli settlers. These reprehensible acts constitute a blatant violation of international law, as well as of the sanctity and inviolability of the holy site. Such provocative steps also risk further escalating tensions in the region. Pakistan calls for all possible measures to protect holy sites under Israeli occupation and to end the impunity of illegal settlers operating under itsRead More
Azerbaijan says ready to supply LNG as Pakistan faces shortages amid Mideast conflict
State energy company Socar says ready to provide LNG to Pakistan as soon as PLL submits request DNA BAKU: Azerbaijan’s state energy company Socar is ready to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan as soon as it receives a request from Islamabad, the company told media on Tuesday, as Islamabad seeks spot cargoes to ease a growing energy shortfall. Socar said a framework agreement signed in 2025 between Socar Trading and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) allows the Pakistani buyer to purchase LNG cargoes directly under an accelerated procedure. “Socar is ready toRead More
Pakistan says formal response from Iran ‘still awaited’
Fiaz Chaudhry / DNA ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that a formal response from the Iranian side regarding its participation in the second round of peace talks with the United States was “still awaited”. Pakistan remains in constant touch with the Iranian side, but a formal response from Tehran regarding participation in the Islamabad Peace Talks had not been received as of 7.30pm PST, the minister said on the social media platform X. “The ceasefire ends at 4:50am PST, April 22. A decision from Iran to attendRead More
SAARC chief urges turning South Asia’s challenges into opportunities
ISLAMABAD, APR 21 /DNA/ – President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chandi Raj Dhakal, has emphasized that South Asia’s economic and geopolitical challenges must be transformed into opportunities through collective action and stronger regional cooperation. Speaking during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), he underscored that unity among member states—beyond political differences—is essential for achieving sustainable growth and shared prosperity. He noted that despite a population of nearly 1.94 billion, intra-regional trade remains below 6 percent, calling for enhanced connectivity, stronger politicalRead More
Azerbaijan says ready to supply LNG as Pakistan faces shortages amid Mideast conflict
ISLAMABAD/BAKU: Azerbaijan’s state energy company Socar is ready to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan as soon as it receives a request from Islamabad, the company told Reuters on Tuesday, as Islamabad seeks spot cargoes to ease a growing energy shortfall. Socar said a framework agreement signed in 2025 between Socar Trading and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) allows the Pakistani buyer to purchase LNG cargoes directly under an accelerated procedure. “Socar is ready to provide LNG to Pakistan as soon as PLL submits a corresponding request,” the company saidRead More
Dar, US chargée discuss engagement between America and Iran
ISLAMABAD, APR 21 /DNA/ – U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today. Discussions covered recent regional developments. DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability. He stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urged both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance. Cd’A Baker conveyed U.S. appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive and positiveRead More