PAKISTAN NEWS

Islamabad, 21 August, 2026(Kamran Raja): The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), on the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has introduced a free facility for pensioners to obtain their Proof of Life certificates through multiple channels. Pensioners can now obtain their Proof of Life certificates from the comfort of their homes through the Pak ID mobile application. Pensioners who are unable to use the mobile application can have a family member obtain the certificate on their behalf.The free Proof of Life facility is also available at 5,000 e-Sahulat franchises, while certificates can be obtained free of charge from 988 NADRA registration centres and 500 Union Councils. Pensioners will be provided services on a priority basis at NADRA centres a...

NEW DELHI, 20 August 2026(News Desk): India’s Supreme Court on Thursday constituted a panel to investigate allegations of police violence and attacks on security personnel during youth protests that forced the education minister to resign last month. The protests were triggered by the leak of question papers for a national medical college entrance examination. Demonstrations initially began in New Delhi and later spread to other cities after tens of thousands of protesters attempting to march towards Parliament were met with tear gas and baton charges.According to the court’s order, the panel will be headed by a former Supreme Court judge and will include two other retired judges and two retired police chiefs. The panel will investigate allegations that female protesters faced targeted vio...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026 (Kamran Raja): The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces Act 2026 along with amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010, hours after the federal cabinet approved the proposed legislation. The two bills were presented before the lower house and passed by a majority amid an opposition walkout during the proceedings. The legislation marks a significant development in Pakistan’s defence-related legal framework, particularly as the government has linked the Defence Forces Act 2026 to legal changes introduced under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Earlier in the day, the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, approved the draft Defence Forces Act 2026 and proposed amendments to the National Command Authorit...

PESHAWAR, 20 August 2026 (Nosheen): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has directed all educational boards across the province to introduce the ‘show of paper’ facility to enhance transparency and accountability in the examination system.  The KP Education Department has directed all educational boards to immediately notify the new facility, under which students will be allowed to apply for inspection of their answer sheets. According to the department, all educational boards have been instructed to accept students’ requests to view their examination copies without any discrimination.Under the new practice, students will be able to inspect their answer sheets and better understand how their answers were assessed and how their marks were awarded.The initiative is aimed at promoting transpare...

 ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026 (Ghufran): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani in Islamabad and discussed bilateral relations, the regional situation and Syria’s reconstruction efforts. Welcoming the Syrian foreign minister and his delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and recalled his recent meetings with the Syrian leadership. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. He also reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for Syria’s position on the issue of the Golan Heights. Highlighting the historic and close ties between Pakistan and Syria, Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the need to translate the lon...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026 (Nosheen): Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced the formation of a united opposition alliance following a meeting with Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai at the Parliament House.Maulana Fazlur Rehman met Mahmood Khan Achakzai in his chamber, where they discussed political and parliamentary matters. JUI-F leaders Kamran Murtaza and Maulana Wasey accompanied Fazlur Rehman, while Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai and Asad Qaiser were present with Achakzai. Speaking briefly to the media before the meeting, Fazlur Rehman said that if the matter had been in his hands, PTI founder Imran Khan would have received treatment by now. Following the meeting, the JUI-F chief said consultations had been held with opposition leaders in both the Sen...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026 (Ghufran): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the opposition to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues, reiterating that the government remains ready for purposeful talks. Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said dialogue had always been the government’s preferred approach and that it was prepared to engage with the opposition in a constructive manner. Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the reduction in diesel prices and appreciated the efforts of the petroleum minister, saying the price of petrol had been reduced by Rs32. He said the government was making efforts to provide relief to the common people, particularly in view of the impact of the prevailing global situation on Pakistan.He said pro...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026(Kamran Raja): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Switzerland, H.E. Mr. Marghoob Butt, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of further strengthening Pakistan-Switzerland relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation across diverse areas.Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar particularly highlighted the need to promote trade and investment ties and expand business-to-business engagement between the two countries.The meeting reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Switzerland and exploring new avenues to further strengthen bilateral relations.  

ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026 (Nosheen): Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, today visited the Pakistan Monument and Islamabad Police Lines.Upon arrival at the Pakistan Monument, a smartly turned-out contingent of the Federal Constabulary presented a guard of honour to the Malaysian Interior Minister.The visiting minister paid his respects at the Martyrs’ Memorial, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha for the martyrs.  He paid tribute to the great sacrifices rendered by the martyrs in the service of the country.The Malaysian Interior Minister was also briefed on the historical significance of the Pakistan Monument. He appreciated the historical importance of both the Martyrs’ Memorial and the Pakistan Monument...