Latest stories about how Pakistan became central to Iran talks

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.