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Pakistan advancing diplomatic engagement, realistic economic agenda: ambassador
- Thanks Trump for ending 88-hour standoff, calling it a ‘vital act.’
- Urges UN-backed Kashmir issue mediation for regional peace.
- Says only undocumented Afghan refugees being repatriated.
WASHINGTON, DC: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to diplomacy, stability, and pragmatic economic policies, calling the Pakistan-US partnership “vital” to peace and progress.
“Between the two mega countries of today and tomorrow – from both a present and a futuristic perspective – good relations are not a matter of choice or preference; they are indispensable,” Ambassador Sheikh stated during a panel discussion on “The Future of the US-Pakistan Relationship” at the Future Security Forum 2025 in Washington, DC.
Highlighting the depth and continuity of the bilateral partnership, Ambassador Sheikh noted that Pakistan and the United States shared a longstanding and consequential relationship, marked by collaboration on critical global challenges, including counterterrorism and climate change.
The 11th Annual Future Security Forum was organised by Arizona State University and New America in collaboration with Security & Defence PLuS. The event brought together senior policymakers, defence experts, and thought leaders for discussions on emerging global security dynamics.
He thanked the US leadership, particularly President Trump, for facilitating the ceasefire that ended the 88-hour standoff, calling it “a vital act that prevented escalation in a nuclear neighbourhood of 1.7 billion people.”
Addressing a wide range of issues, including climate change, India-Pakistan relations, the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), China-Pakistan relations, the Ukraine conflict, and regional tensions with Afghanistan, Ambassador Sheikh reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy, stability, and pragmatic policymaking.
He spoke at length about Pakistan’s climate resilience and self-reliance. He said that climate change was not an abstract concept for Pakistan but an existential crisis.
The ambassador recounted the country’s repeated cycles of devastating floods, describing new phenomena such as cloudbursts and compounding, sequential climate disasters that have destroyed infrastructure, reversed economic gains, and disrupted development programmes.
Sheikh emphasised that Pakistan’s diplomacy today was deeply intertwined with climate policy and economic security, noting that “what we build every few years is washed away by floods, but we still must pay back what we borrowed to rebuild.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance on IIOJK, he called for international mediation to help the Kashmiri people realise their right to self-determination in line with UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, emphasising that peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the resolution of this longstanding dispute.
Rejecting “camp politics,” he said Pakistan’s foreign policy seeks balanced relations. He asserted that Pakistan’s ties with Beijing were rooted in historical continuity and economic cooperation.
“There is no binary choice for us. Our relationship with China didn’t start yesterday, and it is not ending tomorrow,” he remarked, adding that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) should be viewed through an economic lens, as a facilitator of regional connectivity and prosperity.
He recalled Pakistan’s pivotal role in fostering rapprochement between the United States and China decades ago and expressed readiness to play a similar role today as an economic bridge for global peace and progress.
Condemning cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, Ambassador Sheikh stated that Pakistan has endured immense suffering from terrorism and will address it resolutely.
However, he reaffirmed that diplomacy remained Pakistan’s preferred approach to resolving bilateral issues with both Afghanistan and India.
“Diplomacy is our preference. Pakistan’s history shows we have always stood for diplomatic solutions,” reaffirmed the ambassador.
On the issue of Afghan refugees, Ambassador Sheikh clarified that only undocumented or illegal residents were being repatriated and that Pakistan wanted to ensure their return in a dignified manner.
Movement across the Pak-Afghan border ought to be visa-based as per the international practice, he continued.
Regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict, he acknowledged and welcomed peace efforts led by the United States under President Trump’s leadership, expressing hope for their success.
Ambassador Sheikh concluded by thanking the organisers of the Forum and engaging with the audience in a constructive question-and-answer session, underscoring Pakistan’s enduring commitment to global peace, dialogue, and mutual respect in international relations.
The Northern lights are forecast to return to UK skies on Saturday night, March 21, following a stunning display that illuminated parts of the country as far south as Norfolk on Friday, March 20.
The beautiful natural display, known as Aurora Borealis, is caused by a geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), in which waves of charged particles erupt from the Sun’s surface and interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Oxygen emits green, while nitrogen emits reds, blues, and pinks, and this is what has brought us the brilliant display of colour that has mesmerized sky gazers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England and Wales.
Weather Watchers reported seeing the Northern Lights in North Wales, Powys, and even on the Norfolk coast.
As per the Met Office Space Weather Analysts, geomagnetic activity is expected to remain elevated through Saturday night, with a chance of reaching another “strong storm” level.
This suggests that aurora could be visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern areas of England and Wales, with a small chance of sightings further south.
But clouds can cover the views for some areas across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Clear skies are expected to provide better viewing opportunities.
On Friday, northern lights aligned with the spring equinox, which improved visibility due to the Russell-McPherron effect.
This occurs when Earth’s magnetic field coincides with incoming solar winds, usually making it stronger around the equinoxes.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s social media posts are drawing attention in the wake of his passing.
Concern is growing among fans as the last clips on his Instagram take on a new meaning, with many noting their unsettling tone.
Among other reels, the actor, best known for his role as Xander Harris on the hit television series, posted the last video on February 1, 2025 with the caption that read, “Candle time with Nicky. Posting my live video from tonight.”
Shortly after Brendon’s passing, his admirers revisited his profile and one commented, “I knew he was not well and in pain with these last videos, wished I lived close so I could check on him, seemed so sad [sad emoji].”
Another worried fan added, “What happened to him? He’s unrecognizable.”
“U aged like 20x anyone from show. So sad,” a third wrote.
A fourth expressed, “RIP Nicholas, thankyou for being part of the Buffy gang, you will sadly be missed [red heart and sad emoji].”
For the unversed, Brendon breathed his last on March 20, at the age of 54. His family confirmed that he passed away in his sleep of natural causes in San Francisco.
Meghan Markle received a special honour after she publicly apologised for her mistake.
On January 19, the Duchess of Sussex returned to the spotlight with her surprise appearance at the Alliance for Children’s Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event in Beverly Hills.
She stepped out to support her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, who is the co-founder of Alliance of Moms. At the event, her philanthropic work was recognised with an award presented to her by the Duchess.
Dressed in a stunning strapless floor-length gown, Meghan was beaming with joy during her unexpected outing.
Not only that, she dropped a video on her official Instagram handle, featuring special moments from a memorable night.
Archie and Lilibet’s mother penned a note, “Proud to honour my forever friend @_heartmom_ for her outstanding work for @allianceforchildrensrights and @allianceofmoms. Kelly, you are one of one.”
Also, Meghan, who videobombed two girls’ TikTok video at the same event, said “sorry” to them for “crashing” their bathroom party.
In response, the women shared a few delightful photos with the Duchess on social media, with an emoji of a crown.
Meghan received the title of Queen for her kind gesture.
UK skies set for second night of dazzling display
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Nicholas Brendon’s posts before death leaves fans concerned
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