Alternative Routes
Following the disruption of shipping routes utilizing the Strait of Hormuz in the wake of the Middle East conflict, Pakistan has started importing crude oil through the Red Sea route. In this regard, a Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessel has reached Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia, with expectations it will soon depart for Karachi carrying 73,000 tons of crude oil.
Injured, But Safe
Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes but is “safe and sound,” according to Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of the Iranian president. The disclosure comes amid mounting questions about the whereabouts of the new supreme leader, as he has yet to be seen, much less speak, in public following his appointment.
Eidul Fitr
In a statement, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission has said Eidul Fitr will likely fall on March 21 in Pakistan following a 30-day Ramzan, as there is little chance of sighting the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 19. The final decision on the sighting of the moon and celebration of Eid, however, would be up to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Pushing for Cybersecurity
I.T. and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said strengthening cybersecurity is essential to build investor confidence and ensure the success of Pakistan’s digital transformation. Without such a framework, she warned, investors and businesses seeking to operate in Pakistan’s digital economy would struggle to gain a foothold in the country.
Off-Ramp Options
Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the only acceptable end to the war “ignited by the Zionist regime [of Israel} and the U.S.” is “reparations” and “firm international guarantees against future aggression.” In a post on X, he said he had told leaders of both Pakistan and Russia that Iran was committed to regional peace but required assurances prior to ending the conflict.
War crime
A New York Times report has found that the United States was responsible for a Tomahawk missile strike on an Iranian elementary school, citing a targeting mistake. According to preliminary findings, the U.S. military was targeting an adjacent Iranian base and utilized outdated data for target coordinates. The disclosure follows President Trump alleging Iran itself may have been responsible.
‘Brotherly’ Nations
Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for Foreign Media Mosharraf Zaidi has told Bloomberg TV that there is no question of Pakistan supporting Saudi Arabia “no matter what and no matter when.” The statement comes amid rising Middle East tensions, with Iran targeting with missile and drones infrastructure in Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, housing U.S. military bases.
Fluctuating Prices
After a brief dip, oil prices have surged once again, with Brent Crude climbing above $100/barrel despite the International Energy Agency planning to release 400 million barrels of oil from its reserves, the largest such move in its history. Iran’s targeting of oil infrastructure in the Middle East has forced closures in Iraq, Oman and Qatar, with reduced operations in other oil-rich Gulf states.
Backing Talks
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, emphasizing that only a peaceful, negotiated settlement can prevent further civilian casualties, regional instability, and disruption to critical infrastructure and energy supplies. “This is a conflict that should never have happened,” he told the U.N. Security Council.
No Risk
U.S. intelligence indicates Iran’s leadership is still largely intact and is not at risk of collapse any time soon after nearly two weeks of relentless U.S. and Israeli bombardment. The ongoing conflict has roiled the global fuel supply and remains fluid, with Trump vowing the war will soon end even as Tehran maintains it is prepared for a prolonged fight.