Pakistan(National Times)- LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday ruled out any possibility of a deal with those he accused of working against Pakistan’s interests, The News reported. Speaking to the media following a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Dar launched a scathing critique of the PTI leadership, alleging that it had actively harmed the country’s national interests. Dar also said that the Punjab government was making plans to celebrate a ‘safe Basant’, the traditional kite-flying festival. Last week, media reported that the Punjab government was preparing to celebrate a safe and regulated Basant festival in Lahore in February 2026. As per the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a high-level committee has been formed to chalk out a strategy for the event Sources said that authorities were considering hosting the Basant festival in the Walled City area and celebrating it over two designated days. The plan also includes a proposal to ban motorcycles for two days during the event to prevent accidents and ensure safety. Only district administration-registered vendors will be allowed to sell and buy kites, while those making kite twine will also need prior registration with the authorities. Dar has said Pakistan has seriously raised the issue of killings of eight Pakistanis in Iran. He called on the Iranian government to look into the matter and provide answers. The Pakistani nationals, who worked as car mechanics in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province, were shot dead by gunmen on Saturday. The firing incident took place at a workshop situated in Mehrestan district near the Afghanistan border, according to Iranian media. Six of the slain men belonged to Bahawalpur’s rural area, Khanqa Sharif, while the remaining two were from Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia.