Khawaja Asif Hopes for Progress in Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Amid Ongoing Tensions as the Defence Minister expressed guarded optimism ahead of the third round of negotiations between the two neighbouring countries. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Asif said Pakistan’s delegation had departed for Istanbul, where the latest phase of dialogue is being held under the mediation of Qatar and Turkiye. The defence minister made it clear that Pakistan’s focus remains unwavering — the Taliban regime must take decisive action against terrorist outfits including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and other groups operating from Afghan soil. Asif warned…
Author: Saifullah
President Asif Ali Zardari Proposes Enhanced Defence and Economic Cooperation with Qatar during his meeting with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, where both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral relations across multiple sectors. The Pakistani president put forward proposals for deeper collaboration in defence, defence production, agriculture, and food security—initiatives warmly welcomed by the Qatari leadership. According to official reports, the Emir of Qatar appreciated the proposals and directed relevant authorities to establish immediate contact with their Pakistani counterparts. Sheikh Tamim described the recent defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a “positive and timely development,”…
Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam Slip in ICC ODI Rankings as Other Pakistan Players Rise in the latest update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), reflecting mixed fortunes for Pakistan’s top cricketers in the 50-over format. Newly appointed ODI captain Shaheen Afridi and star batter Babar Azam both experienced ranking drops, while several of their teammates made impressive gains. In the batting category, Babar Azam slid one position to fifth place, now holding 728 rating points. However, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Fakhar Zaman each advanced a spot, moving up to 23rd and 26th positions respectively. Middle-order batter Salman…
PTI Senator Azam Swati Acquitted in Controversial Tweets Cases as a district and sessions court in Islamabad cleared him of two charges linked to his social media posts on Wednesday. The verdict marks the end of a prolonged legal battle that began in November 2022 when the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing arrested him over tweets deemed offensive toward Pakistan’s military leadership. The cases were later transferred to the newly established National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in April 2025 for further proceedings. According to FIA officials, Swati’s posts were part of what they called a “malicious campaign” intended…
The Torkham Border Closure Hits 25 Days, Trade Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Suffers as the key crossing point remains shut for all forms of bilateral trade on Wednesday. The prolonged suspension has entered its 25th consecutive day, creating massive disruptions for traders and transporters on both sides of the border. According to customs officials, hundreds of cargo trucks carrying import, export, and transit goods continue to remain stranded, forming long queues stretching across both Pakistani and Afghan territories. The ongoing closure has halted the movement of essential commodities, leaving thousands of tons of goods stuck at various checkpoints. Pakistan primarily…
Romania’s Ambassador Dan Stoenescu met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, energy, and culture. The Romania, Sindh Explore New Partnerships in Trade, Education, and Renewable Energy dialogue marked a significant step toward strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between Romania and the Sindh province. According to an official statement, Ambassador Stoenescu conveyed Romania’s keen interest in boosting collaboration across key sectors, including industrial manufacturing, textiles, food processing, information technology, and renewable energy. He proposed establishing a Romania–Sindh Economic Dialogue Platform to connect Romanian stakeholders with Sindh’s business chambers and promote…
Security forces have eliminated four more terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan — a term used for India-backed militant groups operating in Balochistan — during a successful intelligence-based operation in Kalat district, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. The Security Forces Eliminate Four Fitna al-Hindustan Terrorists in Kalat operation underscores Pakistan’s continued resolve to dismantle foreign-sponsored terrorism networks that threaten national peace and stability. According to ISPR, the terrorists were involved in multiple subversive activities targeting security personnel and local populations in Balochistan. The operation, launched on credible intelligence, was part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign aimed at…
President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged the international community to undertake comprehensive global financial reforms, including debt relief and fair taxation, to empower developing nations in achieving social justice and sustainable development. Addressing the Second World Summit for Social Development, he said that the current global financial structures unfairly burden poorer countries, restricting their ability to invest in people-focused growth and progress. The President Zardari Urges Global Financial Reforms for Social Justice and Sustainable Development marks Pakistan’s renewed call for a more equitable international economic order. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive development and global solidarity, President Zardari emphasized the…
Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed dozens of Sikh pilgrims from India in the first major border crossing since deadly clashes in May forced the closure of the Wagah-Attari land route between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The visit marks a rare moment of people-to-people contact amid ongoing military and diplomatic strain between Islamabad and New Delhi. According to Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi, more than 2,100 pilgrims were granted visas to attend the 10-day festival celebrating the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The event, starting Wednesday, will see pilgrims gather at Nankana Sahib — Guru Nanak’s…
Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq has announced that Pakistan will host its first-ever ATP Challenger event later this month, marking a major milestone in the nation’s sporting history. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Aisam-ul-Haq said the tournament will be held from November 24 in Islamabad — a proud moment that will help promote Pakistan’s soft image globally. He emphasized that after cricket, tennis has become the second sport attracting the highest number of foreign players to Pakistan. Highlighting the importance of international exposure, Aisam-ul-Haq stated that every Pakistani has a role to play in projecting the country’s…
