<p data-start="699" data-end="1073"><span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Abbas Araghchi</span></span> is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad late tonight with a small delegation. Reports suggest Pakistan is exploring the possibility of facilitating a second round of talks between the <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">United States</span></span> and <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Iran</span></span>.</p> <p data-start="699" data-end="1073">However, neither side has issued an official statement on Araghchi’s visit.</p> <h2 data-section-id="y0m11" data-start="1075" data-end="1105"><strong>Trump Envoys May Join Talks</strong></h2> <p data-start="1107" data-end="1407">According to a CNA report, <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Donald Trump</span></span> plans to send his special envoys, <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Steve Witkoff</span></span> and <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Jared Kushner</span></span>, to Pakistan in the coming days to participate in discussions with Araghchi as part of a potential second round of talks.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1xvvx3s" data-start="1409" data-end="1462"><strong>Previous Talks Yielded No Breakthrough</strong></h2> <p data-start="1464" data-end="1666">The first round of US-Iran talks, held in Pakistan on April 11 and 12, did not produce any concrete outcome. Since then, Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and sustain dialogue.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1m1c8wm" data-start="1668" data-end="1708"><strong>Diplomatic Engagements Ahead of Visit</strong></h2> <p data-start="1710" data-end="1931">According to the Pakistani newspaper <em data-start="1747" data-end="1753">Dawn</em>, the visit follows a phone call between <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Ishaq Dar</span></span> and Araghchi, during which they discussed the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan’s mediation efforts.</p> <p data-start="1933" data-end="2071">Reports indicate that US logistics and security teams are already present in Islamabad, suggesting preparations for possible negotiations.</p> <h2 data-section-id="nmxw2p" data-start="2073" data-end="2095"><strong>Wider Regional Tour</strong></h2> <p data-start="2097" data-end="2366">As per Iran’s state-run <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Islamic Republic News Agency</span></span>, Araghchi’s visit is part of a broader regional tour that also includes Muscat and Moscow. The trip is aimed at discussions on bilateral ties, regional developments, and tensions involving the US and Israel.</p> <p data-start="2368" data-end="2602">Araghchi also held discussions with Ishaq Dar and Pakistan’s Army Chief <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Asim Munir</span></span>. According to <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Mehr News Agency</span></span>, these talks covered regional developments and ceasefire-related issues.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1948h9d" data-start="2604" data-end="2637"><strong>Islamabad Under Tight Security</strong></h2> <p data-start="2639" data-end="2824">Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic push to bring both sides to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Islamabad has witnessed major disruptions amid expectations of high-level visits.</p> <p data-start="2826" data-end="3035">Traffic remained paralysed on Friday, with authorities imposing restrictions to facilitate potential talks. Over 10,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed as part of heightened security measures.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1tqjs47" data-start="3037" data-end="3068"><strong>Roads And Services Disrupted</strong></h2> <p data-start="3070" data-end="3324">Several major roads and markets have remained closed since Sunday to manage VIP movement. Areas around the Nur Khan Airbase have yet to reopen, while metro bus and electric bus services, along with freight transport, have been suspended since April 19.</p> <p data-start="3326" data-end="3486">Residents in localities such as Shah Faisal Colony, Khalid Colony, Gulzar-e-Quaid, and Fazal Town have been largely confined to their homes due to restrictions.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1vezdxs" data-start="3488" data-end="3511"><strong>Public Life Affected</strong></h2> <p data-start="3513" data-end="3721">The metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad remains suspended, and electric buses on seven routes are not operational. Freight transport has also been halted, causing inconvenience to the public.</p> <p data-start="3723" data-end="3848" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The “red zone” continues to remain fully closed, with many office employees working from home amid ongoing security measures.</p>
from Breaking World: Beirut journalists protest after female reporter killed in Israel strike https://ift.tt/4I1yPGe
via IFTTT
from Breaking World: Beirut journalists protest after female reporter killed in Israel strike https://ift.tt/4I1yPGe
via IFTTT