US lifts bounties on senior Taliban figures

According to various media reports, the United States has lifted bounties on three senior Taliban officials, including Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who also leads the Haqqani network, a group long blamed for deadly attacks against Afghanistan’s former Western-backed government.

Haqqani, who previously admitted to orchestrating the 2008 attack on Kabul’s Serena Hotel that killed six people, including American citizen Thor David Hesla, no longer appears on the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice Website.

According to Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani, the US government revoked the bounties on Sirajuddin Haqqani, Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and Yahya Haqqani. “These three individuals are two brothers and one paternal cousin,” he told The Associated Press.

The Haqqani network, originally founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani, rose to prominence as one of the most lethal arms of the Taliban following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

The group has been linked to a series of high-profile attacks on the Indian and US embassies, the Afghan presidency, and other targets, and has also been accused of engaging in extortion, kidnappings, and other criminal activities.

Zakir Jalaly, a Foreign Ministry official in Kabul, said the US decision to lift the bounties — coming just days after the release of American prisoner George Glezmann — signaled a thaw in bilateral relations.

“Both sides are moving beyond the effects of the wartime phase and taking constructive steps to pave the way for progress,” Jalaly said. “The recent developments in Afghanistan-US relations are a good example of pragmatic and realistic engagement.”

Shafi Azam, another official, welcomed the move as the beginning of normalization, noting the Taliban’s recent assertion of control over Afghanistan’s embassy in Norway as further evidence of diplomatic progress.

Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have struggled with global isolation, worsened by their sweeping restrictions on women and girls.

Only a few countries, including China and Qatar, have formally or informally engaged with the Taliban diplomatically. The US has also maintained indirect channels of communication.

Despite being under United Nations sanctions since 2007, Sirajuddin Haqqani has traveled internationally in the past year. These trips, made with UN clearance, were his first abroad since the Taliban’s return to power.

Haqqani has also voiced rare public criticism of the Taliban’s decision-making process, highlighting internal divisions within the group’s leadership.

 

United States No Exit from Pakistan

"No Exit from Pakistan" by Daniel S. Markey offers an in-depth analysis of the complex and often turbulent relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Markey, drawing on his extensive experience in South Asian affairs, explores the multifaceted nature of Pakistan and the challenges it presents to US foreign policy.​

Complex Pakistani Identity:

Markey portrays Pakistan as a nation with multiple identities: an elite-dominated society, a military-centric state, a breeding ground for terrorism, and a country with a youthful, idealistic population. This diversity complicates both internal governance and external relations.

US-Pakistan Relations:

The book traces the historical oscillations in US-Pakistan relations, highlighting periods of close military cooperation during Pakistan's military regimes and strained ties during its democratic transitions.

Anti-US Sentiment:

Markey delves into the roots of anti-US sentiments in Pakistan, noting that both conservative and liberal factions harbor distrust towards the US, albeit for different reasons. Conservatives view the US as untrustworthy, while liberals criticize US support for military dictatorships over democratic institutions.

The author presents three strategic options for the US:

Defensive Insulation:

Minimizing engagement with Pakistan while protecting US interests through intelligence and military means.

Military-First Cooperation:

Focusing on strengthening ties with Pakistan's military to achieve security objectives.

Comprehensive Cooperation:

Engaging with both civilian and military sectors to promote democratic institutions, economic development, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Markey emphasizes that there is "no exit" from Pakistan for the United States, underscoring the necessity of a nuanced and sustained engagement to navigate this intricate bilateral relationship.

 

Lebanese president condemns Israeli airstrikes

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday condemned any attempts to drag Lebanon back into a cycle of violence, following an Israeli airstrike campaign on villages and towns in southern Lebanon in response to a rocket attack on the Israeli settlement of Metula.

The strike on Metula marked the first major cross-border attack since the November 2024 ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. No group has claimed responsibility for the rocket launch.

“What occurred today in the south, and what has been happening there since February 18, regarding the failure to adhere to the precise terms of the ceasefire agreement, constitutes an ongoing aggression against Lebanon,” Aoun said in a statement, warning it could derail the national rescue plan agreed upon by Lebanese stakeholders.

He called on Lebanon’s allies to remain vigilant against “what is being plotted against Lebanon by multiple hostile parties,” and urged the monitoring committee established under the ceasefire, along with the Lebanese army, to take urgent steps to prevent further escalation.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also issued a warning Saturday against further military escalation on the southern border, stressing the potential consequences of renewed hostilities.

“The continuation of hostilities could lead to a new war that would only bring destruction and suffering to the Lebanese people,” Salam said.

He held phone calls with Defense Minister Michel Mounir and UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, stressing that only the Lebanese state has the authority to declare war or peace.

Salam also criticized Israel for continuing to occupy Lebanese territory in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and urged the international community to pressure Israel to fully withdraw from all occupied areas.Earlier in the day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any further rocket fire from Lebanon would prompt Israeli strikes on Beirut, escalating concerns of a return to full-scale conflict.

Since the ceasefire took effect in November, Lebanese officials report nearly 1,100 Israeli violations, resulting in at least 85 deaths and over 280 injuries.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel was expected to fully withdraw from southern Lebanese border areas by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 due to non-compliance. Israel reportedly maintains military presence at five border outposts.

امریکہ کسی کا دوست نہیں

اسرائیل نے امریکہ کی طرف سے فراہم کردہ گولہ بارود کی مدد سے غزہ میں تقریباً ایک لاکھ افراد کو ہلاک کیا ہے جن میں زیادہ تر خواتین اور بچے ہیں۔ یہ قتل 7 اکتوبر 2023 سے جاری ہے۔

34 ممالک کی فوج موجود ہے، جو بنیادی طور پر تیل سے مالا مال ممالک، حکمرانوں اور تیل کی تنصیبات کی حفاظت کے لیے ہے۔ تاہم اس فوج کو فلسطینیوں کوبچانے   کے لیے استعمال نہیں کیا گیا۔ 

جہاں اسرائیل کھلے عام غزہ کے باشندوں کو قتل کرنے کا اعلان کر رہا ہے، وہیں سفارتی تعلقات برقرار رکھنے والے کئی مسلم ممالک نے سفارتی تعلقات منقطع نہیں کیے ہیں۔

ایک طرف اسرائیل غزہ والوں کو مارنے کے لیے امریکہ کی طرف سے فراہم کیے جانے والے مہلک ترین ہتھیار استعمال کر رہا ہے تو دوسری طرف خود کو بچانے کے لیے کئی عرب حکمران امریکہ میں اربوں ڈالر کی سرمایہ کاری کا وعدہ کر رہے ہیں۔

ہم صرف یہ چاہتے ہیں کہ یہ حکمران تاریخ میں جھانکیں۔ ایران کے شاہ کا امریکہ اور یورپی ممالک نے سب سے زیادہ لاڈ پیار کیا لیکن حکومت ہونے کے بعد امریکہ میں رہنے کی اجازت نہیں دی گئی،  حد تو یہ ہے کہ امریکہ میں اس کی تمام دولت ضبط کر لی گئی اور آج اس کا ولی عہد انتہائی قابل رحم زندگی گزار رہا ہے۔

یاد رکھیں ریاستہائے متحدہ ایک اصول پر عمل کرتا ہے، "اگر آپ اپنے دشمن کو نہیں مار سکتے تو اسے اپنا دوست بنائیں۔ ہمیشہ یاد رکھیں کہ ایک دن آپ کو اسے مارنا ہے۔"   اس کی تازہ ترین اور روشن مثال عراق کا صدام حسین ہے۔

 

Iran Nuclear Program: West’s Double Standards

The ongoing debate over Iran’s nuclear program has resurfaced, with a Wall Street Journal piece urging Iran’s complete nuclear disarmament. It likens Iran to South Africa’s voluntary disarmament and Libya’s renouncement of nuclear ambitions, arguing that only pressure — sanctions, military threats, and economic isolation — can force compliance. However, this argument overlooks historical context, Western double standards, and the consequences of past interference in West Asia.

Hypocrisy in Disarmament Demands

Comparing Iran to South Africa and Libya is misleading. South Africa dismantled its program during a peaceful transition from apartheid, not under external pressure. Libya abandoned its efforts after the US invaded Iraq in 2003 — a move that didn’t prevent Libya’s eventual collapse under Western intervention. Iran, aware of this history, has little reason to believe unilateral disarmament would ensure its security.

Iran, a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), allows International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections. In contrast, Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons, hasn’t signed the NPT or permitted inspections — yet faces no calls to disarm. If non-proliferation were truly the goal, the same standards would apply to all nations, not just US adversaries.

Broken Agreements and Misleading Narratives

Iran adhered to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), verified by the IAEA, until the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018, reimposing sanctions. Iran continued compliance, hoping European nations would uphold the deal, reducing commitments only after it became clear sanctions would persist. The portrayal of Iran as the party breaking agreements is a distortion of events.

Sanctions: Economic Warfare, Not Diplomacy

Sanctions have hurt ordinary Iranians without forcing government collapse or nuclear abandonment. Iran’s economy, despite hardships, has adapted through domestic industries and alliances with China and Russia. Economic warfare often fuels national resilience, not surrender.

Real Source of Instability

The issue isn’t Iran’s nuclear program — it’s Western intervention and support for authoritarian regimes to maintain US-Israeli military dominance. Iran remains open to dialogue but not likely to accept one-sided deals demanding surrender. True diplomacy requires mutual respect, not coercion — the only path to a fair, lasting peace.

PSX records another record high closing

Performance of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained strong throughout the week with the benchmark index recording its highest ever closing of 118,770 points and an intraday high of 119,422 points on Thursday. However, profit taking was seen on the last trading day with the index closing at 118,442 points on Friday, March 21, 2025 - up 2,906 points or 2.52%WoW.

The optimism was driven by expectations of a successful conclusion of the IMF staff level agreement, where revisions to macroeconomic targets under the MEFP were presented, including downward adjustments to FBR’s annual tax collection target, inflation, and GDP growth.

An extra up to US$1.5 billion under climate financing was discussed as well. Additionally, positive momentum was also driven by the IMF’s approval of government’s plan to borrow PKR1.25 trillion from commercial banks to resolve circular debt, which led a rally in the E&P and OMC sectors.

On the macroeconomic front, Current Account Deficit for February 2025 was reported at US$12 million taking 8MFY25 number to a surplus of US$691 million. Moreover, fertilizer offtake dropped 36%YoY during February 2025, where Urea offtake was recorded at 347,000 tons, down 36%YoY.

Auto financing increased by 3%MoM during February 2025 as well, marking a rise for the second consecutive month.

Market participation also improved, with average daily traded volume rising by 51%WoW to 508 million shares from 337 million shares in the earlier week.

Foreign exchange reserves held by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rose by US$49 million to US$11.15 billion as of March 14, 2025.

Other major news flow during the week included: 1) 8MFY25 exports were up 8.4%YoY, 2) Saudi Arabia approved US$100 million Oil Facility to resume from the ongoing month, 3) World Bank approved US$102 million for Pakistan, 4) SPI declined to 1.7%YoY, and 5) GoP agreed to decrease import duties to 7.1% from the current 10.6%, as per IMF conditions.

On the main board, E&P, Cable & Electrical goods, and Refinery were amongst the top performers, while Fertilizer and Commercial Banks reported a decline.

Major selling was recorded by Individuals and Companies with a net sell of US$10.5 million. Mutual funds absorbed most of the selling with a net buy of US$13.9 million.

Top performing scrips of the week were: NML, MARI, PAEL, IBFL, and TRG, while laggards included: SCBPL, AICL, FATIMA, EFERT, and FABL.

According to AKD Securities, the market is expected to remain positive in the coming weeks, with the potential announcement of a staff-level agreement in the near term serving as a key trigger for momentum. The benchmark index is anticipated to sustain its upward trajectory, primarily driven by strong earnings in Fertilizers, sustained ROEs in Banks, and improving cash flows of E&Ps and OMCs, benefiting from falling interest rates and economic stability.

The top pick of the brokerage house includes, OGDC, PPL, PSO, FFC, ENGROH, MEBL, MCB, HBL, LUCK, FCCL, INDU, ILP, and SYS.

 

 

Trump gives Iran deadline to reach new nuclear deal

US President Donald Trump, in a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing negotiations on a new nuclear deal, made clear that Iran has a two-month deadline to reach an agreement, a source familiar with the letter’s contents told CNN.

The directive comes as Trump has said he would like to reach a deal with Iran to gain more control over their nuclear capabilities.

Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff delivered the letter to the president of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan while he was in Abu Dhabi last week, the source said. The UAE later gave the letter to the Iranians.

“President Trump made it clear to Ayatollah Khamenei that he wanted to resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program diplomatically – and very soon – and if this was not possible, there would be other ways to resolve the dispute,” a spokesman for the National Security Council Brian Hughes said in a statement to CNN.

Axios was the first to report on the contents of the letter.

Trump also discussed a potential nuclear deal with Iran during his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, according to a White House readout of the call.

The readout stated that Trump and Putin “spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application.”

“The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel,” the readout continued.

Earlier this month, Trump told Fox News that there “are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal. I would prefer to make a deal, because I’m not looking to hurt Iran.”

“I said, ‘I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran,’ and I think they want to get that letter – the alternative is we have to do something, because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump added.

It is unclear how the US would respond if Iran fails to enter direct talks regarding its nuclear program. However, senior US officials have not ruled out potential military action, whether through the US or Israel, on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the future.

During his first term in office, Trump withdrew from the Obama administration’s nuclear deal with Iran and ordered a US-led strike on Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, leading to further backlash from Tehran.

Trump, in his second term, has returned to his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, in an effort to isolate the country economically and diplomatically.

Khamenei recently said calls for negotiations by “bully states” are aimed at dominating others, not resolving issues.

“The insistence on the part of some bully states on negotiations is not to resolve issues, but to dominate and impose their own expectations,” Khamenei said this month, as cited by Iranian state media outlets.