A framework to end hostilities has been put together by Pakistan and exchanged with Iran and the U.S. overnight, the source said, outlining a two-tier approach with an immediate ceasefire followed by a ​comprehensive agreement.

“All elements need to be agreed today,” the source said, adding the initial understanding would be ​structured as a memorandum of understanding finalised electronically through Pakistan, the sole communication channel in ⁠the talks.

Axios first reported on Sunday that the United States, Iran and regional mediators were discussing a potential 45-day ​ceasefire as part of a two-phase deal that could lead to a permanent end to the war, citing U.S., ​Israeli and regional sources.

The source told Reuters Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been in contact “all night long” with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Under the proposal, a ceasefire would take effect immediately, ​reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with 15–20 days to finalise a broader settlement.

The deal, tentatively dubbed the “Islamabad Accord,” ​would include a regional framework for the strait, with final in-person talks in Islamabad.

There was no immediate response from U.S. and ‌Iranian officials. ⁠

Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined comment.

Iranian officials have previously told Reuters that Tehran was seeking a permanent ceasefire with guarantees they will not be attacked again by the U.S. and Israel.

They have said Iran has received messages from mediators including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt.

The final agreement is expected to include Iranian commitments not to pursue ​nuclear weapons in exchange for ​sanctions relief and the ⁠release of frozen assets, the source said.

Two Pakistani sources said Iran has yet to commit despite intensified civilian and military outreach.

“Iran has not responded yet,” one source said, adding ​proposals backed by Pakistan, China and the United States for a temporary ceasefire ​have drawn no ⁠commitment so far.

There was no immediate response from Chinese officials to requests for comment.

The latest diplomatic push comes amid escalating hostilities that have raised concerns over disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil ⁠supplies.

U.S. President ​Donald Trump has in recent days publicly pressed for a rapid end ​to the conflict, warning of consequences if a ceasefire is not reached within a short timeframe.

The conflict has heightened volatility in energy markets, ​with traders closely watching any developments that could affect flows through the strait.

Source: Reuters

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Discussing the theme of the 17^th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation, “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future,” which commenced in Khankhendi, Azerbaijan on Thursday, Tinubu stated that, given the adverse effects of climate change—including devastating droughts, floods, desertification, and extreme heat waves—a climate-resilient future was essential.

“Nigeria, endowed with both fossil and renewable energy, also supports a just energy transition,” he said in a speech read on his behalf on Friday by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu.

He, therefore, sought the ECO members’ partnership to expand access to cleaner energy technologies, share technical expertise, and invest in regional power pools to bring electricity to communities currently without it.

The president stated that since COP29, the world had recognised that climate change was not a distant threat but a clear and present danger, as reflected in adverse droughts, floods, desertification, and severe heatwaves.

These, he stated, had deeply affected humanity, engendered food insecurity, displacement, and economic disruption, pledging that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and an economic gateway to West Africa, stood ready to work closely with ECO member states to integrate climate adaptation, mitigation, and green industrialisation into every aspect of its cooperation.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria had taken deliberate and conscious steps to address the challenges of climate change and related concerns, noting that as the nation wound down the implementation of its National Development Plan (NDP) for 2021-2025, efforts were ongoing to develop a successor plan, the NDP for 2026-2030.

“It is not by accident that the Plan is designed to end in 2030, which is the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he told the Summit participants, explaining, “It is to ensure that Nigeria stays on track in implementing the SDGs.”

He said the plan was also to integrate climate change and related issues, including diversification, adaptation, and mitigation, into the nation’s national development planning for sustainability.

Tinubu stated that true sustainability was impossible without interconnected economies and argued that the challenges of climate change required global resilience through stronger infrastructure, smarter energy systems, and the integration of trade corridors.

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Subsequently, he stated that Nigeria would advocate for a strengthened ECO-Africa Trade Corridor that would harmonise tariffs, streamline customs procedures, and establish multimodal logistics platforms capable of efficiently connecting Africa with the rest of the world.

He stated that Nigeria would also push for Energy Interoperability and Transition.

He explained that the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy must be managed in a way that considered economies in transition.

The president made a compelling case for inclusive growth, urging ECO members to prioritise empowering vulnerable groups.

He said, “As we all know, no vision for sustainability is complete without inclusive growth. The benefits of trade, transport, and energy must reach rural farmers, fishing communities, livestock sector stakeholders, young people, and women entrepreneurs.

“Nigeria urges the ECO to: Empower youth through skills, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion; promote gender equity in regional trade and energy access; and mobilise public-private partnerships to fund grassroots climate adaptation, from regenerative agriculture to local green enterprises.

“The road to 2030 and beyond must be paved with policies that leave no one behind.”

He said that as efforts were being made to align with the outcomes of COP29, it was time for the ECO to emerge as a unified bloc championing climate justice, equitable financing, and fair-trade terms on the global stage.

“Nigeria stands ready to support Climate actions, invest in innovation, and protect our most vulnerable populations. Let our unity serve as both a shield and a ladder for resilience and shared prosperity.”

Describing the Summit as a defining moment, he urged the ECO to lead by example.

“Let us imagine a future where our highways do not just move goods, but connect dreams. Where our power grids light up not just cities, but ideas. Where trade becomes a tool not for competition but for cooperation and peace.”

He expressed gratitude to the Government and People of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the invitation and warm hospitality extended to his delegates, and he commended President Heydar Oghlu Aliyev for hosting the Summit at a time when the global community faced uncertainties amid economic challenges.

In his speech, President Aliyev thanked the participants for honouring Azerbaijan with their presence, praising the country’s active involvement in ECO’s activities.

He said, “This year, for the first time, ECO Week is being held at Azerbaijan’s initiative. The ECO Business Forum in Shusha, the Youth Forum in Aghdam, and the Women’s Forum in Lachin have taken place.”

He stated that work was underway to ensure the launch of ECO’s Research Centre and Clean Energy Centre, which Azerbaijan would host.

He also expressed gratitude for the declaration of the city of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026.

He was delighted that economic cooperation would be the main focus of the summit’s discussions, explaining that Azerbaijan benefitted from a favourable investment climate that had attracted around $350 billion in investments over the past 20 years.

Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan had secured the energy supply for several nations and exports natural gas to 12 countries via multiple pipelines.

Additionally, he stated that most ECO member states utilised their East-West and North-South transportation corridors that run across Azerbaijan.

Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey founded the ECO in 1985 to encourage economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among its member states.

It replaced the organisation Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), which operated from 1964 to 1979.

It includes Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan (Founding Members), as well as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

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The Indian government on Thursday accused Pakistan of carrying out attacks in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir and on a military installation in the state of Punjab.

The Integrated Defence Staff headquarters responsible for coordination among the Indian army’s branches said on X the threat had been “neutralised” and reported no casualties.

“The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and irresponsible allegations propagated by the Indian media, accusing Pakistan of launching attacks on Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Srinagar,” the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad responded in a statement.

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also said Pakistan had not targeted any locations in Indian-administered Kashmir or across the international border.

According to Indian media reports, explosions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir late Thursday caused panic among local people.

India reported on Thursday that a drone had hit the airport of Jammu where an air force facility is located.

India said it had activated its air defence system.

“Suspected bombing, shelling or missile strikes,” the former police chief of the Union Territory, Shesh Paul Vaid, wrote on X.

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India’s government had previously stated that it had attacked air defence systems in several locations in Pakistan on Thursday morning, with an air defence system in the megacity of Lahore near the shared border neutralised.

The military added it had responded to Pakistan’s attempt to hit military targets in the north and west of India, including 15 cities, with drones and missiles.

However, this was thwarted. There was initially no confirmation of this from Islamabad.

Pakistan’s military on Wednesday night confirmed the death of a civilian from the debris of a downed drone in the southern province of Sindh, although local media reports suggested more casualties occurred.

This brought the death toll from Indian strikes to more than 30 people and over 57 injured, including women, children and four soldiers.

The Indian military reported 13 deaths from Pakistani artillery fire Wednesday night.

One soldier was among the dead.

Source: dpa/NAN

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The seminary was emptied of its students in recent days as speculation grew that would be targeted by India, but the family of Masood Azhar, founder of the Jaish-e-Mohammed Islamist militant group, was still there, according to the group.

Ten of Azhar’s relatives were among 13 people killed in the strike, including women and children, the Pakistani military said.

Thousands of people turned out for their funerals at a sports stadium later in the day, shouting “Allah Akbar”, or God is Great, and other religious chants.

“(Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s brutality has broken all norms,” the group said in a statement.

“The grief and shock are indescribable”.

It said that five of those killed were children and the others included Azhar’s sister and her husband.

It did not respond to a request for comment on why the family was still at the site.

Azhar, who has not been seen for years, and his brother, Abdul Rauf Asghar, deputy head of the group, did not appear to have attended the funeral prayers.

The road to the site was cordoned off after the strike.

Further north, around half an hour after midnight, four Indian missiles hit a sprawling complex in Muridke over six minutes, a local government official said.

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The attack demolished a mosque and adjacent administration building and buried three people in the rubble.

A sign outside describes the site as a government health and educational complex, but India says it is associated with militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Delhi and Washington blame LeT for the 2008 attack on the Indian city of Mumbai that killed more than 160 people.

LeT, which has denied responsibility for that attack, is banned.

The attack left other buildings in the complex untouched.

A local official said that normally there were up to 3,500 staff and students at the site, but almost everyone had been evacuated in recent days as they feared it would become a target.

Hafiz Saeed, leader of LeT and its successor organizations, is in a Pakistani jail since being convicted in 2020, on terror financing charges. He says his network, which spans 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services, has no ties to militant groups.

Delhi said it had conducted pinpoint strikes on the two headquarters of its militant adversaries, part of what it said were nine “terrorist camps” targeted.

“Over the last three decades Pakistan has systematically built terror infrastructure,” it said in a briefing on the attacks.

Pakistan said India had hit six sites, killing 26 people and wounding 46, all “innocent civilians”.

Officials and experts said India’s attack on its neighbour, its most significant in decades, fulfilled a long-cherished goal, but Islamabad warned that it would hit back.

The conflict between India and Pakistan has been confined in recent decades mostly to the disputed mountainous region of Kashmir.

But the air strikes in the towns of Bahawalpur and Muridke were seen in Islamabad as a major escalation.

India said seven of its targets were used by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, both Islamist groups designated “terrorist” organisations by the U.N. Security Council.

India launched the attacks in response to the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists in Indian Kashmir last month.

Jaish says that it carries out educational and charity work in Pakistan and its militant activities are only in India. Delhi says that it runs training camps in Pakistan, as well as indoctrination schools, and that it launches militants into India.

For decades Hindu-majority India has accused Pakistan of supporting Islamist militants in attacks on Indian interests, especially in Kashmir.

Pakistan denies such support and in turn accuses India of supporting separatist rebels in Pakistan, which New Delhi denies.

*Source: Reuters

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The UN statement said Tuesday’s airstrikes were a violation of international law and called for an investigation.

“International law obliges military forces to take necessary precautions to prevent civilian harm, including distinguishing between civilians and combatants in operations,” the UN statement added.

The UN Children’s Agency said that at least 20 children were killed in the attack.

“Children are not and must never be a target,” UNICEF South Asia Director Sanjay Wijesekera said on X.

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Afghan authorities reported that at least 46 civilians were killed in the airstrikes.

The victims were said to be refugees from the Waziristan region in Pakistan.

Afghanistan had summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in Kabul to protest the attack.

The Pakistani diplomat was handed a “serious protest note” informing Pakistan that the protection of Afghanistan’s territory is “a red line” and that such “irresponsible actions” will have consequences, the Afghan foreign ministry said.

Pakistan claims that the airstrikes targeted suspected Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, TTP, militant hideouts.

The TTP is a militant group that has been responsible for numerous attacks in Pakistan.

Islamabad claims that the TTP is hiding on Afghan soil, a claim that Kabul denies.

Source: dpa/NAN

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Alhamdulilah for the reassuring divine assertion of the Almighty Allah to the effect that after hardship shall come relief. Certainly, the wish of every sincere Muslim in Nigeria with a fair knowledge of the situation with Hajj management is the restoration of wisdom and even enhancement of same. Only Allah has the capacity to make good things happen.

It was almost a completely hopeless situation until the Federal Government finally took the renewed hope agenda to the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, after suddenly retiring the versatile hajj management czar, Ustaz Zikrullah Hassan. Till date, Polyglot Hassan is the only Chairman of NAHCON who has had a most respectable mix of experience of managing hajj successfully in both the private and public sectors.  Indeed, he managed Osun State Hajj Board without any board constituted for eight years and the pilgrims all over the state remain in awe of Ustaz till date. Beyond the Osun pilgrims, Hassan’s fellow chairmen of hajj boards in all the 36 states of the federation and Abuja also conceded leadership to him on account of visible sterling qualities

While at NAHCON therefore, Ustaz Hassan had commenced institutionalizing structures that should endure for ages. As a thoroughbred professional (he’s a lawyer and business management expert) with strong inclination for creativity as well as continuity where necessary, he ran 2022 and 2023 hajj operations harmoniously. Such was the glowing performance that the leadership of the hajj boards of all participating West African countries adopted him as their leader! (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/546419-the-nahcon-intervention-in-nigerias-diplomatic-profiling-by-tunde-akanni.html?tztc=1)

Resplendent in sheer exhibitionism of a bad salesman, the succeeding regime took off on a lousy note characteristic of toddlers learning to tread with large army of idlers anxious to flaunt their pathfinding role. The path they found turned out to be the road to perdition with the detailed disservice done the ummah playing out till date.

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The choice of a professor therefore was a most fitting reinforcement to the glorious era of Ustaz Zikrullah Hassan which ended abruptly just when the preparation for 2024 Hajj started gathering momentum.

Why should Professor Saleh Usman Pakistan not glorify professorship further by replicating the performance of the brother Professor at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Is-haq Oloyede described by their shared principal, President Bola Tinubu, as an uncommon scholar and an icon of integrity? Like Oloyede of JAMB, Pakistan’s academic affiliation is Arabic and Islamic Studies. Pakistan’s fortune is probably stronger with the presence on the NAHCON board, a heavily credentialed scholar and two-time vice chancellor of impeccable integrity, Prof Mahfouz Adedimeji, ably representing the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA.

What will Pakistan do wrong by emulating his contemporary’s good qualities to earn himself and families, earthly applause as well as Allah’s favours confidently and most importantly present Islam in the best mould to the world?

Transparency matters a lot.  As is the case with Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, of JAMB,  operators in the Hajj sector are quick to tell anyone interested that the preparations for the next Hajj commences almost immediately the one just concluded was over. Annually, JAMB is never contented with keeping mum over its trials and triumphs. It presents the scorecard of her performance to the world for proper understanding. The world can therefore comment competently on JAMB matters even as some comments are informed and some others may not be necessary at all being unfounded and completely irrelevant.

Transparency pays all stakeholders and enables all to aspire to act right and promptly too. It signals accountability and attracts a lot of respect to those officials who are compliant. The ummah in Nigeria is anxious to see NAHCON rise gloriously back to the path of honour.

As a public trust, the commission should endeavour to earn the confidence of pilgrims from all parts of the country in ways most harmonious. The President has unmistakably demonstrated the importance of this most convincingly.  What with the recent ‘transplanting’ of whole council team of the Federal University Oye Ekiti to Federal University, Lokoja and that of Lokoja to Oye Ekiti? The idea was to ensure a pan-Nigerian outlook for the leadership of the two universities, the press statement announcing the change stated.

The Saleh Usman leadership should be able to build on the sincere growth and developmental efforts of Ustaz Hassan especially now that Hassan stands vindicated in spite of blackmailers campaign against him like they are already up in hostility against Saleh Usman even before seeing him settle.

Though not a media professional, Hassan appreciated the need for a code of practice for journos that may be enlisted to cover hajj for NAHCON. For the first time in 2023, the code was introduced. The code may need to be updated and perfected but will surely help substantially in the coverage of hajj beyond sheer casual stringing.  This is particularly necessary because of the need for authenticated information on the sacred exercise as different from any social, political or ceremonial facet of human life.  This may therefore call for a thorough and coordinated orientation for all journos from across all state boards and even the private tour operators. Thankfully, there is ample technology to make this happen if NAHCON endorses this.

The scholar that Saleh Usman is should even up the stake as someone familiar with research and development especially as applicable to the trend of radicalization of the communication sector changing by the day with possibilities bourgeoning.  Documentation of hajj should enjoy trendy technological skills including livestreaming such that the media team should be made to realise that the new leadership will encourage team members to update skills as NAHCON may only patronize only the trendy ones. No media organisation should be made to believe that NAHCON cannot make any choice different from them as had been the practice over the years.  The logic that Prof Saleh Usman should reckon with is that this is the same way digital media innovations have been multiplying and manifesting novel capacities to endear themselves to users fanning up stiff competitions with newer possibilities.

Prof Saleh Usman hardly needs be told that hajj, with little or no subsidy as may be the case this year, calls for high grade prudence but this could even be done with more honour if NAHCON can simply adopt the stipulations of the protocols of Open Government Parnership, OGP, long signed by President Buhari, which will signal to the world that indeed this new leadership signals a very clear departure from that of the corruption ridden and grossly incompetent immediate past leadership.

With Prof Saleh Usman’s pedigree, one may simply conclude that NAHCON will head for greater performance.  But how soon will this be? He has my best wishes.

*Akanni, PhD, associate professor of journalism at LASU, is a veteran hajj reporter. 

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Receiving a letter of credence from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Ahmed, President Tinubu emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to promoting global peace and stability through collaboration within international organizations, such as the United Nations.

President Tinubu noted that since establishing diplomatic relations in 1961, Nigeria and Egypt had collaborated on key international priorities, including promoting regional peace, security, and stability.

The discussions at the meeting also touched on the situation in the Sahel and Sudan.

Acknowledging Egypt’s role towards a truce in the crisis in Gaza, President Tinubu said: ”We need to do more. Stability in the region is of paramount importance.”

Ambassador Ahmed conveyed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s willingness to bolster economic partnership with Nigeria, emphasizing Egypt’s interest in increasing trade and investments between the two countries.

”We need to complement each other on investments. Many Egyptian companies are interested in coming to Nigeria to invest,” the Egyptian Ambassador said.

In discussions with Major-General Sohail Ahmed Khan (retired), High Commissioner of Pakistan, President Tinubu described the Ambassador’s military background as invaluable for exchanging ideas to expand security and defence cooperation.

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He underscored the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism.

”We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas.

”As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation on security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector where the Minister is doing very well. How can we improve our bilateral relationship? We must do more,” the president said.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan noted the demographic similarities between the two countries and expressed a desire to elevate the relationship to new heights.

”Pakistan has the fifth largest population in the world while Nigeria is the sixth largest. We have a significant youth population, and our national flags are similar. I would like to take our relationship to a new level, from strength to strength,” the High Commissioner said.

In a separate meeting with Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis of Greece, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy that encourages collaboration and progress for the benefit of all.

He restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Greece and building bridges of cooperation to address common challenges.

The president assured the Greece Ambassador of Nigeria’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to socio-economic growth and development.

”Nigeria and Greece have good historic ties. We have shared priorities, including promoting democracy, and there is room to expand cooperation.

”The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries.

”What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.

”Our government is about renewed hope. Nigeria will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent,’’ the president said.

Ambassador Kotsionis outlined Greece’s efforts to finalize agreements with Nigeria in the areas of tourism, scientific exchange, technology, and maritime.

”We are ready to sign the agreements with Nigeria as soon as they are ready. There is a lot to be done between the two countries, and we will need the support of your government. We hope to achieve incredible things in Nigeria during my stay,” the ambassador said.

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Floods have damaged half-a-million homes, affecting about 30 million people, killing above 1,000.

The floods have washed away hundreds of roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

READ ALSO: Military cooperation: Buhari thanks Pakistan for consistency

President Buhari said Pakistan and its population were in the thoughts and prayers of Nigerians as they confronted the humanitarian disaster of epic proportions.

He appealled to the United Nations and other aid agencies to take urgent steps to assist people without shelter and food as well as the millions who required urgent humanitarian relief.

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The president spoke Friday at State House, Abuja, while receiving General Nadeem Raza, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic.

Said the president: “We greatly appreciate your help in terms of training members of our armed forces, officers and men. Some of my colleagues trained in your country, and you have remained consistent in assisting us. We benefit a lot from Pakistani, and we are grateful.”

General Raza said Nigeria was the most important country in Africa, “and we value our collaboration. We learn and benefit a lot from each other.”

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A statement from the Pakistani military said the aircraft was on a routine training flight when it crashed but there was no immediate word on the cause of the accident or the type of aircraft involved.

Military and civilian rescue workers took at least 12 injured civilians to hospitals in the city and extinguished the fire, leaving the smoking ruins of a house which appeared to have borne the brunt of the crash.

“The plane hit the side of the building and the structure it has crashed into has completely collapsed,’ an army officer at the scene said.

The site, in a village on the edge of an affluent housing development called Bahia Town, was surrounded by military and rescue service vehicles and security officials pushed back a crowd of bystanders.

Garrison city Rawalpindi is close to the capital Islamabad and is where the headquarters of the Pakistan army is based.

Earlier, the website of newspaper The News International carried footage showing a building engulfed in flames in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

Source:  Reuters

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