Political

Iran's Tasnim News Agency signalled a US-Iran deal may be close, crediting Pakistan's effective efforts. President Pezeshkian also praised Pakistan in an Eid call with PM Shehbaz Sharif.

The EU Parliament adopted a resolution calling for expanded sanctions against Taliban leaders, condemning gender apartheid and slavery under the Taliban's Criminal Procedure Code, and regretting the EU's decision to invite the Taliban to Brussels. 480 votes in favour, 5 against.

Trump said he gave Iran a chance because Pakistan asked him to, praising Field Marshal Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif as "great." His most personal acknowledgement yet of Pakistan's role in the US-Iran negotiations. The Thursday Times reports

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Eid al-Adha prayers in the Bronx wearing an Arsenal thobe. The city's first Muslim mayor said he is determined to lead through solidarity. The Thursday Times reports.

China has formally acknowledged Pakistan's role in the US-Iran ceasefire for the first time in a joint statement issued in Beijing. The statement also reaffirms Kashmir UN resolutions, names TTP and announces a Pakistani astronaut for China's Space Station. The Thursday Times reports.

Field Marshal Munir told China's Wang Yi in Beijing that a US-Iran agreement is close to being reached and Pakistan will continue all-out efforts. Wang Yi called Pakistan a trustworthy mediator. Source: Xinhua. The Thursday Times reports.

Canadian police have arrested 17 individuals, majority of Indian origin, linked to the For Brothers criminal network which allegedly extorted South Asian businesses across Canada and the US. 106 charges. FINTRAC confirms Indian crime syndicate links. The Thursday Times reports.

President Xi Jinping praised Pakistan's constructive mediation role between the US and Iran, welcoming Field Marshal Munir to Beijing alongside PM Shehbaz Sharif. Iran had thanked Pakistan by name earlier the same day. The Thursday Times reports.

ایران وزیراعظم شہباز شریف، وزیرِ خارجہ اسحاق ڈار اور پاکستانی متعلقہ اداروں کی انتھک کوششوں پر شکریہ ادا کرتا ہے۔ فیلڈ مارشل عاصم منیر کا کردار اور دورہ تہران نہایت اہم رہا۔ امریکا کے ساتھ اکثر معاملات میں مفاہمت تک پہنچ چکے ہیں۔ ترجمان ایرانی وزارت خارجہ

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman thanked Pakistan by name, citing PM Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Munir's role, as Tehran said understandings had been reached on most issues with the US. A formal agreement has not yet been signed. The Thursday Times reports.

The IMF board called Pakistan's performance "exceptional" in closed-door discussions and India's attempt to block the third review did not prevail. Pakistan receives $1.32 billion. Total disbursements reach $4.8 billion. Officials cited by the Express Tribune. The Thursday Times reports.

An explosion near a railway track in Quetta on Sunday injured at least 52 people. The BLA's Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility. The group is designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan, the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia. The Thursday Times reports.