KARACHI, Aug 20: President General Pervez Musharraf in a telephonic conversation with Commander in Chief US Central Command, General John P Abizaid, Thursday evening conveyed the concern of the people and government of Pakistan regarding the sanctity of holy shrines in various parts of Iraq, particularly the mausoleum of Hazrat Ali (AS) in Najaf.

The president expressed the hope that all possible steps would be taken by the troops in Iraq to ensure care and sanctity of the holy sites and to avoid causalities to innocent civilians.

He underlined the importance of the restoration of peace and stability in Iraq for its people as well as the entire region. -APP

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...