Saif Ali Khan
The ‘Islamabad Talks’, scheduled to begin today Friday and final round will be tomorrow April 11, will see high-level teams from Washington and Tehran arrive in Pakistan today, but what we know so far, both sides have chosen strong representation, from US Vice President JD Vance to Iran’s Araghchi. As of now, there is no official, confirmed list of countries that are certain to participate in these ceasefire talks in Islamabad.
However, such talks usually include or may include these countries or parties, oncourse Iran, US, Pakistan as host, Turkiye, Egypt, UN (as mediator or observer) Possibly European countries UK, France and Germany, or regional countries (depending on the situation) as Saudi Arabia, China, Russia and may be involved in. Since such sensitive diplomatic talks are often kept secret or restricted until the last minute, the final list of participants is usually revealed only through official announcements or media briefings.
American President Donald Trump announced early last Wednesday a two-week ceasefire halting the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has engulfed the Middle East. The development, anxiously awaited by much of the world, followed a long night of back-channel diplomacy spearheaded by Pakistan. Now, with a fragile ceasefire barely holding and tensions still flaring, Islamabad is set to host talks between the warring parties this Saturday.
In an earlier post on Truth Social, Trump said the US had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which he described as “a workable basis on which to negotiate”. On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned a 15-point US proposal that US proposal that negotiators said could end the conflict.
UK
Waseem Kazmi
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates yesterday April 9, as part of a crucial diplomatic tour of Gulf countries aimed at easing regional tensions and strengthening international cooperation.
The visit comes at a sensitive time following a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. During his trip, Starmer is expected to hold high-level talks with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on maintaining peace and ensuring stability in the region.
Officials say the primary objective of the visit is to support the recently agreed ceasefire and prevent further escalation of conflict. The UK government is also working closely with Gulf allies to restore confidence in global trade routes, particularly the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Speaking ahead of the meetings, Starmer emphasised that “there is still a lot of work to do” to turn the temporary ceasefire into a lasting agreement and to secure safe maritime navigation.
The Prime Minister had earlier held discussions in Saudi Arabia before arriving in the UAE, underlining the UK’s active diplomatic role in the Gulf. His visit also highlights Britain’s efforts to minimise the economic impact of the conflict, particularly rising global energy prices.
Analysts view the trip as a key step in reinforcing the UK’s position as a mediator in international crises, while strengthening its strategic partnerships in the Middle East.
Government said the cap on Plan 2 and postgraduate loans aimed to protect graduates from the risk of rising inflation due to the Iran war. Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said it wanted to “defend against the consequences of far-away conflicts in an uncertain world”.
There have been calls to lower the interest rate on Plan 2 student loans as part of a wider overhaul of the system. The cap will apply to Plan 2 student loans – which were issued in England between September 2012 and July 2023 and are still issued in Wales – for the 2026-27 academic year. It will also apply to Plan 3, or postgraduate, loans.
The Plan 2 interest rate is the retail prices index (RPI) measure of inflation plus up to 3%, depending on earnings. It is set every September, using the RPI in March that year. It is currently 3.2% (RPI in March 2025) plus up to 3%.
RPI for March 2026 has not yet been published, but it was 3.6% in February. Analysts believe the rate of inflation is on the rise because of the Iran war. This is not the first time a cap has been introduced. The government imposes caps when it thinks inflation, and therefore the interest rate, will grow too high. Caps were in place for Plan 2 loans between July 2021 and February 2022, then again from September 2022 to August 2024. The highest cap was 8%.
(BBC news, Image PA)
The Secretary General, IMO thanked Pakistan for its tireless efforts in brokering the ceasefire as well as hosting the negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad
London: The Secretary General, IMO thanked Pakistan for its tireless efforts in brokering the ceasefire as well as hosting the negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad. He requested for Pakistan’s positive role in developing an exit mechanism for vessels and seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz
Bureau report
Manchester
The Forum of Muslim Organisations (FMO) will organise a seminar titled “A Time for Action – The Far Right and Local Elections” on Sunday, 12 April at the Rethink Rebuild Society Centre on Stockport Road, Manchester. The arrangements for the event were reviewed during an online meeting chaired by Khalid Anis. Participants who attended the meeting included Abdul Rahman, Ayesha, Nasar Malik and Sadek Hamid. Khalid Anis said that this will be the second event organised by the Forum of Muslim Organisations following its very successful launch programme.
The seminar will be held on Sunday, 12 April, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Khalid Anis said that the organisation has an important role in developing ideas on how Muslims can tackle the current issues facing society. He added that the seminar will discuss the upcoming local elections and concerns about far-right activities.
Raja Faiz Sultan
An event was held at Hounslow Jamia Mosque and Islamic Centre, under the banner of the “Hounslow Social & Political Committee”, hosted by Shafiq Rehman general secretary of the Mosque.
Sarfraz Ali MBE was chief guest on this luncheon event who received this honour from the His Majesty King Charles with a shield for his services to the community. Renowned journalist Shaukat Dar was presented at the event a shield was also presented to for his newly appointment as advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. On this occasion, Javed Akhtar chairman Islamic centre Hounslow Jamia Mosque, Barrister Zubair Awan, Barrister Arif Reman, former Mayor of Hounslow Councillor Sumiya Chaudhry, former Deputy Mayor Shakeel Akram, Chairman of AlMustafa Welfare Trust, Abdulrazzaq Sajid, Executive editor of “The London Post”, Wajahat Ali Khan, political and social figure, former advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood, Chaudhry Shaban, Ali Muhammad Zameer Bahadur Khan, businessman Tariq Gujjar and others also attended.

PMLN UK hosted a dinner in honour of Senator Nasir Butt and journalist Shaukat Dar
Staff reporter
The Pakistan Muslim League UK organised a dinner in honour of the Senator Nasir Butt and Journalist Shaukat Dar who is recently appointed as Media Advisor for the UK and Europe to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, the event was attended by journalists, local politicians and people from all walks of life. It was a cross-party reception and a memorable evening with the British-Pakistani community, filled with warmth, respect, and unity.
Speakers Congratulated to Senator Nasir Butt on his appointment to the Senate and also
Heartfelt congratulated to Shaukat Dar on his appointment as Media Advisor.
All the speakers in their speeches expressed their thoughts and congragulated to Senior vice president PMLN UK Iqbal Sandhu and President Youth wing PMLN UK Anjum Chaudhry , Rizwan Gujjar and the entire team for their wonderful hospitality.

Iftikhar Qaisar, renowned travelogue writer and filmmaker, Abdulrazzaq Sajid , Chairman AlMustafa welfare trust, Wajahat Ali Khan, Executive editor “The London Post” Ghulam Hussain Awan, Joint Secretary Pakistan Journalists Association UK, Mushtaq Hussain Mashraqi, Senior Journalist/ Columnist, Mian Shahjahan Ahmed, Advisor to Reading Pakistan Community Centre, Amir Shahzad, Journalist/ Promoter (NP), Imran Shahzada , Billu Badsha , Tahir Chaudhry, senior journalist Waseem Kazmi, Waheed Ahmed, And Raja Faiz Sultan, founder/ Head of RFS news were in the attendance.
Community expresses grief over the death of renowned educationist Amanat Anjum’s mother
City reporter
Quran recitation at Hounslow Jamia Mosque on the death of the mother of renowned educationist Amanat Anjum. Members of the journalistic community, political parties, and the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom gathered at Hounslow Jamia Mosque, West London to offer prayers for the late mother of renowned educationist Amanat Ali Anjum.
Vice President of the Pakistan People’s Party, and Labour Party politician has said that may Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah and bless the bereaved family with strength, patience, and comfort during this difficult time.

Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester
The election campaign for Manchester City Council (MCC) is going on in full swing, as all political parties have introduced their candidates. There is tough competition between the Labour Party, the Green Party of England and Wales and Reform UK, while Workers, Conservative, LibDem and independent candidates are also busy in door-to-door campaigning. The local elections for 32 seats will be held on 7 May.
Political observers said that the ruling Labour Party is facing a hard time in the local elections because voters are not happy with the party leadership, especially Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood over immigration policies, while Muslim voters are also criticising the government regarding its Gaza policy. The Labour Party also lost the parliamentary by-election in the Gorton and Denton constituency in Manchester, and Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer won the election with a heavy margin. Reform UK got second place and the Labour Party third position in the by-election. “It is the first local election in history when Labour Party candidates are facing hardship because voters are not happy with the leadership as well as their policies,” sources added.
A Labour candidate for the Manchester Council said that they do not have any connection with national policies and legislation in Parliament, and that they are dealing with local issues and showing excellent performance to overcome civic problems. Meanwhile, Labour Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar from the Rusholme ward kicked off his campaign this week, while Cllr Ahmed Ali, Cllr Jill, former deputy leader Nilofar Siddiqui, Nasir Siddiqui, Sehrish, Dua, Farah and Asma also joined the door-to-door campaigning along with him. He listened to public complaints and assured residents that housing, parking and fly-tipping issues would be resolved.
Staff reporter
London
AlMustafa Welfare Trust” has shifted its offices from Hounslow to the Brentford area. On the first day of work in new office, all the staff recited the Quran. On this occasion, the Chairman “AlMustafa” Abdulrazzaq Sajid” spoke about the difficulties and progress of the journey of this institution from its inception to the present day, he appreciated the hard work and efforts of all the staff and prayed for the further development of the institution. At the end of the ceremony, Raja Faiz Sultan, Sikandar Iqbal and Ijaz Ahmed Malhi recited Naat Rasool e Maqbool (peace be upon him).
