Pakistan urges Iran, US to resolve differences through diplomacy following talks in Oman

This handout picture provided by Khabar Online on April 12, 2025, shows Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (second left) speaking with members of the Iranian delegation after a meeting in Muscat, Oman. (AFP/KhabarOnline)
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Updated 13 April 2025
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Pakistan urges Iran, US to resolve differences through diplomacy following talks in Oman

  • The indirect discussions between the two states on April 12 marked their first engagement since 2017
  • The talks have come against the backdrop of Israel’s military engagements in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday welcomed recent talks between Iran and the United States in Muscat, the capital of Oman, urging both sides to resolve longstanding differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
The indirect discussions, held on April 12 under Omani mediation, marked the first engagement between the two countries since 2017 and focused on reducing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, among other issues.
Both sides described the talks as constructive and agreed to continue the dialogue.
“Pakistan welcomes the talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America that were held on 12 April 2025 in Muscat under the good offices of Oman,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“Pakistan considers that dialogue and diplomacy will promote peace and stability in the region and advance the objective of resolution of differences and disputes on the basis of negotiations and mutual respect,” it added. “We encourage the parties to continue to follow this path.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff led their respective delegations. While the talks were primarily indirect, reports indicated that the two officials briefly spoke face-to-face, signaling a possible thaw in relations.
Iran has insisted its missile defense program remains non-negotiable, while the US has maintained its “maximum pressure” campaign, demanding that Iran not weaponize its nuclear capability.
Relations between the US and Iran have been fraught since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the two nations have had no formal diplomatic ties since 1980.
Tensions escalated after the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. The recent talks in Muscat have come against the backdrop of Israel’s military engagements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as Syria and Lebanon.
Last year, Iran and Israel also launched missile and drone strikes, marking their first direct military confrontation.


Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

Updated 13 December 2025
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Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

  • Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
  • Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft. 

A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.

However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination. 

“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement. 

It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added. 

“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said. 

It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.