EU divided on sanctions against Israeli settlers, signals possible policy review
BRUSSELS, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): The European Union remains divided over imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers, with High Representative Kaja Kallas acknowledging internal disagreements while indicating a potential policy review following political changes in a member state. Responding to questions during a press interaction after the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting, Kallas said that 26 out of the EU’s...
EU urges de-escalation in Middle East, reaffirms support for two-state solution
BRUSSELS, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Kaja Kallas on Monday called for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed conflict in the Middle East, warning that the region faces both “risk and opportunity” amid fragile ceasefires and ongoing tensions. Speaking alongside Palestinian leaders in Brussels, Kallas said the current ceasefires involving Iran and Lebanon offer only a narrow window for de-escalation,...
EU, Bangladesh Initial Partnership, Cooperation Agreement to deepen strategic ties
BRUSSELS, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): The European Union and Bangladesh on Monday marked a significant milestone in their relations with the initialling of a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening political, economic and strategic cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, Kaja Kallas welcomed Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud Rahman to Brussels, describing his early visit in office as...
Iqbal Lahori: An eternal bridge between Iran, Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, and passed away on April 21, 1938, was not merely a Muslim philosopher, poet, and politician. He can rightfully be described as “the most Iranian among non-Iranians” in history. Although he never had the opportunity to visit...
Russian Embassy hosts film screening to honor Stanislav Govorukhin
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 16, 2026 (WNP): The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan on Tuesday hosted a screening of the film “Assa” to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of renowned Soviet and Russian actor, director, screenwriter and politician Stanislav Govorukhin. The event was attended by Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, along with members of the Russian community and Pakistani guests. The screening offered...
New ecosystem emerges on dried seabed of Aral Sea, Uzbek study finds
MUYNAK, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): A new desert ecosystem has emerged on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea, now known as the Aralkum Desert, according to research conducted by the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Once the largest lake in Central Asia in the early 20th century, the Aral Sea...
Mohsin Naqvi meets Iranian Ambassador, discusses Islamabad Talks, regional stability
ISLAMABAD, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam in Islamabad on Monday, where matters related to regional developments and arrangements for the second phase of the Islamabad talks were discussed. According to official details, the two sides emphasized the need for a sustainable resolution of tensions through...
Iran says transfer of nuclear stockpiles ‘never an option’ in Talks: FM spokesman
TEHRAN, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Iran has categorically rejected reports suggesting the transfer of its nuclear stockpiles, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stating that such a proposal has never been part of any negotiations. Addressing media, Baqaei made it clear that the exit or transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium “has never been on the negotiation table,” dismissing claims...
Iran says Pakistan leading mediation efforts, criticizes US for ‘undermining diplomacy’
TEHRAN, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Iran has stated that Pakistan is currently the sole active mediator in ongoing diplomatic efforts, while criticizing the United States for undermining the credibility of the mediation process. Responding to a question, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, “At present, our only mediator is Pakistan,” adding that although other countries remain in contact...
Iran says no immediate plans for further talks amid ongoing tensions
TEHRAN, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): Iran has said it currently has no plans to hold another round of negotiations, amid continued uncertainty over diplomatic efforts in the region. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated on Monday that Tehran has not scheduled any subsequent talks at this stage, reflecting the evolving situation following recent diplomatic engagements. His remarks come after...