Author: EchoAsiaNews

A Senate committee has directed the Ministry of Defence to initiate an impartial third-party inquiry into allegations of misconduct involving Pakistan International Airlines (Pakistan International Airlines) cabin crew and a parliamentarian. The directive follows a privilege motion moved by Senator Bilal Ahmad Khan Mandokhail over an incident on flight PK-326 from Quetta to Islamabad on February 7, 2026. The senator alleged inappropriate conduct by a cabin crew member, prompting the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges to take up the matter in its meeting chaired by Senator Waqar Mehdi. The committee noted that its earlier recommendations issued…

Global financial markets surged on Wednesday after a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East raised hopes of stabilised energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies. The agreement helped ease investor concerns that had intensified following weeks of conflict involving strikes on Iran and disruptions to maritime routes. Oil prices fell sharply, with both US crude and Brent futures declining by double digits, as expectations grew that energy shipments could resume through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of global energy trade. The ceasefire was reportedly reached shortly before…

A wide range of international leaders and governments have acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating a two-week ceasefire between United States and Iran, with multiple countries and officials praising Islamabad’s role in de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. The agreement reportedly came shortly before a deadline set by former US President Donald Trump, following discussions involving Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that all parties had agreed to an immediate ceasefire across multiple fronts and invited delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations toward a more comprehensive settlement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi…

European Union has expressed appreciation to Pakistan for its role in facilitating a ceasefire agreement, describing the development as a crucial step toward reducing regional tensions and enabling diplomatic engagement. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said the truce creates an opportunity to “tone down threats, stop missiles, restart shipping, and create space for diplomacy toward a lasting agreement.” In a post on X, Kallas noted that she had spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and thanked him for helping secure the initial deal. She emphasized that the door to mediation must remain open, warning that underlying causes of…

Spain has strongly criticized ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, calling them “unacceptable” and urging an immediate halt to hostilities across all fronts. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said that continued military action violates the sovereignty of Lebanon and should cease in line with broader de-escalation efforts. The remarks came in the context of a reported ceasefire agreement between United States and Iran aimed at reducing regional tensions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the ceasefire as a positive development but cautioned against supporting actions that exacerbate conflict, emphasizing the need for restraint and diplomacy. Spain’s position reflects growing…

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their diplomatic efforts that contributed to achieving a ceasefire. In a post on X, Anwar Ibrahim extended congratulations and expressed appreciation for what he described as sustained and courageous diplomacy by Pakistan. He noted that Islamabad’s engagement with all parties, without bias, reflects a commitment to regional stability, international responsibility, and broader principles of cooperation. The Malaysian premier further stated that his country stands ready to support and complement ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at maintaining peace and stability.

Explosions were heard in Manama early morning, according to an AFP journalist, just hours after the United States announced a ceasefire with Iran. Authorities in Bahrain confirmed that a facility had been struck, triggering a fire that was later brought under control by civil defence teams. In an official statement, the interior ministry attributed the incident to what it described as “Iranian aggression,” adding that no casualties had been reported. The development comes amid a fragile regional environment, highlighting continued tensions despite the declared ceasefire.

Gold prices rallied sharply in early trading, approaching a three-week high after US President Donald Trump agreed to a temporary suspension of planned military strikes on Iran, prompting investors to reassess near-term geopolitical and inflation risks. Spot gold climbed 2.5% to $4,819.25 per ounce as of 0534 GMT, after rising more than 3% earlier in the session to its strongest level since March 19. Meanwhile, US gold futures for June delivery advanced 3.5% to $4,847.70. The move reflects a classic flight to safety, with investors shifting toward bullion amid lingering uncertainty despite the pause in hostilities. While the decision to…

According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the following are 10 points in Iran’s proposed plan to end the war.