Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marked World Press Freedom Day on Sunday with renewed official commitments to safeguarding journalists and strengthening responsible journalism, as the latest global press freedom rankings showed the country moving ahead of India in the annual index released by Reporters Without Borders. In its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, RSF ranked Pakistan at 153rd out of 180 countries, placing it four spots ahead of neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/india-drops-to-157th-as-press-freedom-crisis-deepens" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">India</a>, which slipped to 157th, down six places from last year. The annual index evaluates media freedom across political, legal, economic, socio-cultural and safety indicators. The latest ranking comes as Pakistan observes World Press Freedom Day under the global theme, &ldquo;Shaping a Future at Peace,&rdquo; with the country&rsquo;s top leadership reaffirming constitutional protections for free expression and pledging stronger safeguards for media professionals. President Asif Ali Zardari said press freedom remains central to democratic governance and national stability, stressing that peace and truth are deeply interconnected. &ldquo;Peace cannot be built without truth and in the modern world, truth depends on those who have the courage and integrity to seek it, verify it and bring it to light,&rdquo; the president said in his message issued on World Press Freedom Day.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2050651425542393981&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=691474fcacc5c602fd0b2390492c809d966e8b5c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 825px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2050651425542393981"></iframe></div></div>He acknowledged the growing pressures facing journalists globally, including misinformation, disinformation, economic coercion and physical threats, while warning that digital platforms and artificial intelligence have intensified challenges to factual reporting. &#39;Firmly committed&#39; The president said Pakistan remained &ldquo;firmly committed&rdquo; to press freedom as both a constitutional guarantee and democratic necessity, citing Article 19 and Article 19-A of the Constitution as legal foundations protecting freedom of expression and the public&rsquo;s right to information. &ldquo;A free, independent and diverse media is not a threat to a confident nation, rather a proof of one,&rdquo; he said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his separate message, described journalists as &ldquo;custodians of professional standards&rdquo; and called for stronger resistance against propaganda and fake news in an increasingly fast-moving digital environment. &ldquo;Timely dissemination of accurate, impartial, and unbiased information remains the cornerstone of credible journalism,&rdquo; the prime minister said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2050787838963089845&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=691474fcacc5c602fd0b2390492c809d966e8b5c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 945px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2050787838963089845"></iframe></div></div>He said responsible journalism remains essential for peacebuilding, informed public discourse and democratic accountability, adding that media professionals must be allowed to work in a secure and dignified environment. Both the president and prime minister also linked responsible journalism to Pakistan&rsquo;s national resilience, particularly during periods of conflict and disinformation campaigns. Countering misinformation Referring to the 2025 Pakistan-India military confrontation and &ldquo;Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,&rdquo; President Zardari said Pakistan&rsquo;s media had played a critical role in countering misinformation and preserving national cohesion. &ldquo;It responded not with force, but with facts. Not with noise, but with clarity,&rdquo; he said. PM Sharif similarly praised the national media&rsquo;s role during critical moments, including &ldquo;Marka-e-Haq&rdquo; and &ldquo;Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,&rdquo; saying journalists helped maintain public awareness and national unity. The RSF report noted that India&rsquo;s decline was linked to the &ldquo;increasing use of national security laws&rdquo; and growing legal pressure on journalists, creating a more difficult environment for media workers. While Pakistan&rsquo;s position remains in the lower tier of the global rankings, officials said the comparative improvement reflects continued progress in strengthening media freedoms while maintaining professional standards. Tribute to journalists&nbsp; Both leaders paid tribute to journalists who lost their lives in pursuit of truth, particularly in conflict zones, and called for stronger protections and ethical standards across the profession. &ldquo;Public trust, the most valuable asset of free press, must be earned, protected and never taken for granted,&rdquo; President Zardari said. PM Sharif reaffirmed that the government would continue to support media freedom and institutional reforms aimed at ensuring a safe, responsible and independent press. &ldquo;The government will continue to play its role in this regard, enabling the media to fulfil its responsibilities with truth and integrity,&rdquo; he said.

Culture

 In its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, RSF ranks Pakistan 153rd out of 180 countries, four places ahead of India at 157th, as Pakistan’s leadership reaffirms commitment to press freedom and journalist protection.

Pakistan reaffirms press freedom commitment as global rankings improve

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced Monday that Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved public attendance at all three Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoff matches.&nbsp;&ldquo;However, this comes with an important condition from his side that fans are strongly encouraged to use public transport or minimize fuel consumption while attending the matches, in line with the ongoing national austerity efforts,&rdquo; Naqvi posted on X.&nbsp;Naqvi added that PM Sharif also conveyed his best wishes to all four teams competing in the playoffs.&nbsp;&ldquo;Looking forward to some exciting and entertaining cricket ahead,&rdquo; Naqvi said.&nbsp;Islamabad United will face Peshawar Zalmi in Karachi, while Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans will meet in Lahore.&nbsp;The loser of the first match will then face the winner of the second match in Lahore on May 1. The final match is scheduled for May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.&nbsp;The PSL Matches were initially scheduled to be held across six venues: Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, and Faisalabad.&nbsp;Earlier, the government decided to hold matches without spectators under the government&rsquo;s austerity drive, which was launched in the wake of the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Cricket

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signs off on public attendance in all three Pakistan Super League playoff matches. Government had earlier decided to hold matches without spectators under the austerity drive, which was launched in the wake of the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

PM Sharif signs off on letting fans to attend PSL playoffs: Naqvi

Web Desk/AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s prime minister concluded his trip to Turkiye on Saturday, he said in a social media post, ending a three-country diplomatic blitz as Islamabad pushes for an end to the US-Israeli war on Iran. &quot;I leave Antalya, with fond memories and a renewed commitment to further strengthening the enduring fraternal bonds between our two nations, and to continuing our close cooperation to advance dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace and stability in the region,&quot; Shehbaz Sharif said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-5" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-5&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2045385343789092971&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9eba5fae7b8021885d4040a30d196f03084a559e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 554px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>In a separate post on X, Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated: &quot;We have just concluded the last leg of our engagements following productive and fruitful visits, accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz&nbsp;to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where we held meaningful bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas.&quot; &quot;At the #AntalyaDiplomacyForum, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also had an excellent interaction with the President of T&uuml;rkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and engaged meaningfully with other leaders on the sidelines of the forum,&quot; the foreign minister said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-6" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-6&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2045387103098335388&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9eba5fae7b8021885d4040a30d196f03084a559e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>&quot;I also held a series of important engagements and exchanges.&quot; &#39;Global space for dialogue&#39;Dar said, &quot;This platform has truly evolved into a global space for dialogue, bringing together diverse perspectives in support of peace, stability, and cooperation.&quot; He extended his appreciation to the government and people of T&uuml;rkiye for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements. Trilateral meeting&nbsp;Earlier, Pakistan&#39;s prime minister had a trilateral meeting with T&uuml;rkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on the sidelines of the Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, according to a post on X by the Pakistani premier.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-7" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-7&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2045377599359095159&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9eba5fae7b8021885d4040a30d196f03084a559e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 707px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2045377599359095159"></iframe></div></div>

Foreign Affairs

Says, 'I leave Antalya, with fond memories and a renewed commitment to further strengthening the enduring fraternal bonds between our two nations, and to continuing our close cooperation to advance dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace and stability in the region.'

Pakistan PM completes three-country diplomatic tour aimed at Iran peace

Says, 'Before the negotiations, I emphasized that we have the necessary good faith'; adds, 'America has understood our logic and principles, and now it's time for it to decide whether it can earn our trust or not?'


It is for US to decide to earn our trust: Iranian speaker

White House confirms US Vice President JD Vance will lead delegation to Iran talks in Islamabad as President Pezeshkian confirms Iran's participation, while Pakistan PM urges restraint to sustain ceasefire and advance diplomacy.

Vance to lead US delegation as Iran confirms participation in Islamabad talks

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White has described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s offer to facilitate talks as a &ldquo;very smart&rdquo; and strategic move. Speaking in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme Newsroom with Sana Maqbool, Dana W. White said the offer underscores Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive role in advancing diplomatic engagement and helping de-escalate tensions. White said the initiative demonstrated foresight on Islamabad&rsquo;s part, adding that President Trump&rsquo;s public acknowledgement of the offer reflected &ldquo;a great deal of respect&rdquo; for Pakistan. The former Pentagon spokesperson said the development could positively shape bilateral ties, particularly at a time when Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with NATO, Great Britain, and Europe, making new and willing partners more significant. She further said the move aligned with Trump&rsquo;s stated desire to end bloodshed quickly, arguing that he requires partners ready to help resolve the crisis.&nbsp; According to White, Pakistan is well positioned to assist in these conversations and could play a meaningful role in moving diplomatic efforts forward. Dana W. White said Washington believes there is still a possibility of a deal with Tehran, but warned that President Trump &ldquo;is not going to wait forever&rdquo;, pointing to ongoing backchannel communications despite what she described as public &ldquo;bluster&rdquo; from Iran.&nbsp; She said the United States&rsquo; objective remains unchanged, which was dismantling Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities.&nbsp; The former Pentagon spokesperson said while US military operations have degraded Iran&rsquo;s missiles and drones, attention is now shifting to diplomacy and identifying credible interlocutors.&nbsp; She said Washington and its allies may look beyond ideological leadership toward mid-level military figures and other actors willing to engage. She also emphasized that regional players, including Gulf states and potentially Pakistan, could help shape post-conflict dynamics, while Iran may seek an &ldquo;exit ramp&rdquo; that allows it to save face.&nbsp; White said Trump is pursuing a dual-track approach of pressure and diplomacy, insisting that Tehran must eventually come to the negotiating table or face further consequences.

The Newsroom

Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said PM Sharif offer to help talks is smart. It improves Pakistan’s image, gains Trump’s respect, and could help reduce US-Iran tensions through diplomacy and pressure.

PM Sharif’s offer to facilitate talks a ‘very smart’, strategic move: ex-Pentagon official

ISLAMABAD: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday that he welcomes Pakistan&rsquo;s offer to host dialogue between the United States and Iran, calling it &ldquo;timely and constructive.&rdquo; &ldquo;I welcome&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-pm-says-islamabad-ready-to-host-talks-to-end-middle-east-war" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan&rsquo;s</a>&nbsp;timely and constructive offer to host dialogue between the United States and Iran,&rdquo; he said in a post on X.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2036746075982405837&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=bd7f2e659f46a92c4d992e4a3e43a4ac21e04c9c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>&ldquo;I commend Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leaders of other friendly nations for stepping forward at a moment of acute regional danger, following the earlier commendable efforts of the leadership of Oman and other friendly countries.&rdquo; &lsquo;Credible voice&rsquo;&nbsp;He added that &ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s relationships with the relevant parties, and its standing as a credible voice in the Muslim world, place it in a strong position to help create the conditions for meaningful negotiations.&rdquo; The Malaysian leader said his country supports the initiative and urged both Washington and Tehran to respond positively. &ldquo;Malaysia supports this initiative and encourages in particular the United States and Iran to respond in the spirit in which it was offered,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I note with cautious hope the signals, however incomplete, that suggest some space for diplomacy may still exist. That space should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.&rdquo; Ibrahim stressed that negotiations must be genuine. &lsquo;Genuine intent&rsquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Any negotiation must proceed on the basis of genuine intent: a clear commitment to ending the conflict, not managing its tempo for tactical advantage,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions. The region deserves something more durable.&rdquo; Malaysia, Ibrahim said, &ldquo;reaffirms Iran&rsquo;s right to defend its sovereignty, as recognised under international law, particularly in the face of continued Israeli strikes in the country and in Lebanon.&rdquo; &lsquo;Maximum restraint&rsquo;&nbsp;He also called &ldquo;on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that civilian populations and the infrastructure of neighbouring states, namely the Gulf states, are not drawn further into a conflict they did not choose.&rdquo; &ldquo;The Gulf states, the region and the world have much at stake &mdash; economically, socially and in terms of long-term stability &mdash; and their peoples must not bear the consequences of decisions taken elsewhere,&rdquo; he added. Ibrahim also raised concerns about the application of international law. &ldquo;It is also a matter of concern that some of the strongest advocates of the rules-based international order appear to apply it unevenly. International law cannot be invoked selectively. It cannot shield one party from accountability while denying another its inherent right to self-defence. Its credibility depends on consistency.&rdquo; Ibrahim said he had recently engaged with multiple international partners. &ldquo;In recent days, I have held discussions with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, T&uuml;rkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and other partners to better understand the situation and to advocate for de-escalation,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Malaysia will continue to support every credible effort towards a just and lasting peace,&rdquo; the Malaysian prime minister concluded.

Asia

Commends Pakistan PM Sharif and the 'leaders of other friendly nations for stepping forward at a moment of acute regional danger, following the earlier commendable efforts of the leadership of Oman and other friendly countries.’

Malaysian PM welcomes Pakistan’s offer to mediate US-Iran dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has increased taxes on high-end fuel used by luxury vehicles while keeping prices for ordinary consumers unchanged, as the government moves to cushion economic pressure from the ongoing Middle East conflict.&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a Rs200 ($0.72) per liter increase in the levy on high-octane fuel, raising it from Rs100, with an even higher Rs300 ($1.08) per liter levy applied to the most expensive vehicles, according to a statement from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO) on Sunday.&nbsp;A fuel levy is a government-imposed charge added to the base price of petroleum products, often used to generate revenue or manage consumption. In Pakistan&rsquo;s case, raising the levy on high-octane fuel targets wealthier consumers while helping offset rising import costs and fiscal pressures without increasing prices for the broader population.&nbsp;&ldquo;This decision will save the government Rs9 billion per month and, as per the Prime Minister&rsquo;s instructions, the people will be given relief from this saving,&rdquo; the PMO said.&nbsp;Officials emphasized that the move will not impact fuel prices for ordinary vehicles, public transport or air travel.&nbsp;&ldquo;Fuel prices for ordinary vehicles remain unchanged,&rdquo; the statement said, adding that &ldquo;the richest class of the country will bear the burden.&rdquo;&nbsp;The decision comes as Pakistan navigates rising economic pressures linked to disruptions in global energy markets following the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has affected key oil supply routes and driven volatility in international prices.&nbsp;Islamabad has already urged conservation measures to reduce consumption amid concerns that prolonged instability in the Gulf could affect fuel availability and import costs.&nbsp;Sharif also rejected proposals for broader fuel price hikes, signaling the government&rsquo;s intent to shield the wider population from inflationary shocks while maintaining fiscal balance.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Prime Minister had taken notice of the high-octane prices and directed the relevant ministry to prepare a plan of action,&rdquo; the PMO said.&nbsp;The policy reflects a targeted approach aimed at redistributing the burden of rising energy costs toward higher-income groups, while protecting vulnerable segments of society during a period of heightened global uncertainty.&nbsp;The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and senior officials.

Economy

Islamabad shifts energy burden toward high-end consumers, introducing targeted measures to manage rising global oil costs while maintaining price stability for the broader population as authorities respond to ongoing supply disruptions and economic uncertainty.

Pakistan raises luxury fuel levy to shield economy amid Iran war

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, discussing the escalating Middle East crisis and ongoing efforts to support peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office said Thursday.&nbsp;During the exchange, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s solidarity with T&uuml;rkiye and Gulf countries amid rising regional tensions.&nbsp;&ldquo;I reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s steadfast solidarity with T&uuml;rkiye as well as with other brotherly Gulf countries, and conveyed our readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue,&rdquo; the PMO said, quoting the prime minister.&nbsp;The discussion comes as tensions in the Middle East intensify following recent strikes and retaliatory actions involving Iran, raising concerns over a broader regional conflict.&nbsp;Sharif condemned attacks targeting T&uuml;rkiye and other regional countries, urging restraint and calling for diplomatic solutions.&nbsp;&ldquo;He stressed upon the need for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;The leaders also reviewed the situation in Afghanistan, where Sharif acknowledged T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s role in facilitating regional stability.&nbsp;&ldquo;We also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and I acknowledged T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s constructive role in supporting peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan,&rdquo; the PMO said.&nbsp;The conversation follows Pakistan&rsquo;s announcement of a temporary pause in Operation Ghazab lil Haq during Eid-ul-Fitr, a move Islamabad says is aimed at encouraging de-escalation.&nbsp;Sharif also conveyed Eid greetings to Erdoğan, his family and the people of T&uuml;rkiye, underscoring the close ties between the two countries.

Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Tayyip Erdogan about the Middle East crisis and peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, backed dialogue and restraint, praised Türkiye’s role and expressed solidarity with Türkiye and Gulf countries

Sharif, Erdogan discuss Middle East crisis, Afghan peace efforts in Eid call

ISLAMABAD: Jazz has launched 5G services in Pakistan after obtaining a Next Generation Mobile Services license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, according to a press release issued on Thursday. A ceremony was held in Islamabad, where the license awarding agreement was signed by DG Licensing, PTA, Brig (retired) Aamir Shahzad, and the CEO of JazzWorld, Aamir Ibrahim. The ceremony was attended by Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and PTA Chairman Maj Gen (retired) Hafeezur Rehman. In the initial phase, 5G services are live at approximately 180 sites across major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, and Faisalabad, according to the press release. Jazz has acquired spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands during the recent auction. The company has announced a $1 billion investment commitment related to its network and digital services, in addition to more than $11 billion invested in Pakistan over the past three decades. Through its platform JazzWorld, the company reports serving over 100 million users across services including telecommunications, financial services, and digital applications.

The launch follows the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's award of a license to mobile operator Jazz.

Articles tagged with "Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif"