Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both leaders renewed their commitment to regional peace and stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan said that Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promote peace and stability in the area during discussion with his Iranian counterpart.

Araghchi, a spokesperson said, also praised Islamabad for ensuring safe return of Iranian servicemen and fishermen to their homeland and appreciated Pakistan’s continuous cooperation in aiding the peace process.

The two leaders also agreed to keep in constant communication and to continue to coordinate on issues of common interest.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the grand passing out parade at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar as chief guest. The Prime Minister appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Navy and emphasised its critical role in Marka-e-Haq.

The prime minister reviewed the passing out parade and commended the professional brilliance of Pakistan Navy and expressed happiness over the participation of cadets from friendly countries in the occasion.

The 33rd Short Service Course had a respectable graduation ceremony with 125 midshipmen and cadets. The graduating class comprised midshipmen from Bahrain, Iraq and Djibouti.

Commandant Gold Medal was awarded to Officer Cadet Alveera Hamza and Chief of Defence Forces Gold Medal to Officer Cadet Hafiz Muhammad Ahmed Munawar. Hadi Abbas Khan got the Academy Dirk Midshipman honour, while Midshipman Umar Mukhtar was presented with the honorary sword for exceptional achievement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the country’s real strength was the sacrifices of the nation and the support of the people and the country continued to play its role as a proponent of peace in the international community while addressing the passing out parade.

In the current global scenario, peace and cooperation have become more vital than ever and Pakistan wants the resolution of conflicts via peace, negotiation and diplomacy,” he said.

The prime minister congratulated the graduating cadets and said their achievements are a subject of pride for the nation and will boost them in their journey of serving Pakistan.

He also lauded the training and professional standards of the academy, saying the Pakistan Naval Academy is generating highly capable officers who would play a key role in the country’s defence and security.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the Pakistan Navy is not only a formidable defensive force but also plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in the area. Pakistan had always preferred peace and diplomacy, he noted.

The prime minister further stated that the agreement between the United States and Iran is an honour for Pakistan and added that the memorandum of understanding was signed by Islamabad as a mediator with the help of Iran and other friendly countries. The recent visit of the Iranian president will further improve the connections between Pakistan and Iran, he said.

The Federal Shariat Court has been approached against the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, which makes marriages below the age of 18 a crime.

The petition was submitted by Mufti Muhammad Aslam through his attorney and the respondents included the Government of Punjab, including the governor, through the secretary and other concerned authorities.

The petitioner said the provisions of the ordinance, especially Section 2-D, Section 3 and others, are against the Constitution and the Islamic Sharia. He said that making marriage below the age of 18 years a criminal offence is against the teachings of Islam.

The petition said the state has the power to legislate for administrative affairs and public order but cannot interfere in matters covered by Sharia.

The petitioner prayed for striking down of sections 2-C, 2-D and other related provisions of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 and also sought an order for suspension of the execution of the ordinance till a final ruling is given.