PAKISTAN NEWS

RAWALPINDI, 12 August, 2026 (Ghufran): An under-preparation Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonated on the morning of August 12, 2026, while terrorists affiliated with Fitna Al Hindustan were preparing it in Surab District of Balochistan.The premature detonation resulted in the confirmed deaths of eight terrorists, while several others sustained injuries. The blast, followed by the secondary detonation of explosives stored at the site by the terrorists, also reportedly caused the tragic deaths of three nearby civilians.Following the incident, security forces and Balochistan Police immediately reached the site and launched a comprehensive joint clearance operation to track down the perpetrators and their facilitators.During the operation, security forces detected the mov...

Islamabad, 12 August 2026(Kamran Raja): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday received the credentials of Ambassador-designate of Italy Ugo Ciarlatani and Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Korea Han Sungho at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.The President congratulated the two envoys on their appointments and expressed confidence that their diplomatic assignments would contribute to further strengthening Pakistan’s relations with Italy and the Republic of Korea.During his interactions with the ambassadors-designate, President Zardari emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in a range of areas of mutual interest.He particularly highlighted the need to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, technology and development, while exploring new avenues for...

Islamabad , 12 August 2026(Kamran Raja): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasized that the health and well-being of mothers and children are fundamental to Pakistan’s sustainable development, stressing that investment in maternal, newborn and child healthcare is an investment in the country’s human capital and future. Addressing the launch ceremony of the National Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Social and Behaviour Change Communication Campaign as Chief Guest, the Chairman congratulated the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and UNICEF Pakistan on the initiative and appreciated the contributions of development partners, healthcare professionals, academia and civil society. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said healthy mothers and children form the...

  Islamabad, 12 August 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday launched the country’s first National Youth Employment Policy, Skill Ambassador Programme and National Power Sector Innovation Programme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equipping young people with education, skills and employment opportunities.Addressing a ceremony held in connection with International Youth Day, the Prime Minister said the youth were the nation’s greatest hope and would not be left behind in Pakistan’s journey towards development and prosperity.He stressed that equal access to quality education was essential for national progress, saying no talented child should be deprived of higher education merely because of financial constraints.The...

 LAHORE, 12 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja) — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker on Wednesday, with discussions focusing on education, security, investment and cooperation in various sectors.During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in security, artificial intelligence, digital assets and energy. They also discussed seeking the expertise of US specialists to help Punjab address challenges related to floods and smog.The proposal to organize a Punjab-US Business and Investment Forum in Lahore also came under discussion. The forum is aimed at creating greater opportunities for investment and strengthening economic cooperation between Punjab and the United States. Natalie A. Baker appreciated Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s...

ISLAMABAD, August 12, 2026 (Nosheen) — Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to further expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation and explore new opportunities for trade and investment during the ninth session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission held in Islamabad.Addressing the meeting, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan-Belarus relations were based on mutual trust, cooperation and shared interests. He said there was significant potential to take bilateral trade, investment and economic ties to a new level. Jam Kamal Khan said the two countries had agreed to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, industry, energy, technology, defence, health and pharmaceuticals. He added that a feasibility study on establishing a joint working g...

 ISLAMABAD, 12 August, 2026 (Ghufran) — The Foreign Office said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to Iran was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, discussing security matters and promoting peace and stability in the region.Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Naqvi, who arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, was holding meetings with senior Iranian officials. He said the visit provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations, security issues and regional developments, with particular emphasis on constructive engagement among countries in the region. According to Iranian media, Naqvi was received in Tehran by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and later held meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and P...

LAHORE, 12, August 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Corporate Crime Circle conducted raids in different areas of Lahore and arrested two suspects for allegedly violating the Copyright Act.The arrested suspects have been identified as Muhammad Shahid and Zahid Abbas. According to the FIA, both suspects were apprehended during separate raid operations carried out in the Bhatta Chowk and Thokar Niaz Baig areas of Lahore.During the raids, FIA officials recovered a large quantity of counterfeit products bearing the names of well-known registered companies. The suspects allegedly manufactured and sold products of registered companies without obtaining the required authorization or permission.The FIA has arrested both suspects and launched an investigation into the matte...

ISLAMABAD, 12 August 2026 (Kamran Raja): President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) on Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Amir Raza at a ceremony held in Islamabad.President Zardari presented the prestigious award to General Syed Amir Raza in recognition of his distinguished services to the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military and government officials attended the ceremony.Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, along with the Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, were also present at the event. Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the ceremony, along with other senior officials.Federal ministers Attaullah Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal and Muhammad Aur...

ISLAMABAD, 12 August 2026 (Ghufran): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced Pakistan’s first National Youth Policy, featuring a 35 percent quota for women in the labour force and a 10 percent quota to support youth startups.Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad on International Youth Day, the prime minister said the policy would focus on creating equal educational and economic opportunities for young people.Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan has millions of talented young people who can excel globally if provided with quality education. He stressed the need to bridge the gap between educational opportunities available to children from affluent and underprivileged families. He said Daanish Schools were established as an alternative to elite educational institutions and announced that ...