PAKISTAN NEWS

ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Governor Sindh H.E. Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi today visited the Rwanda High Commission in Islamabad, where he was received by H.E. Fatou Harerimana, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan.The visit was undertaken on a reciprocal basis following High Commissioner Fatou Harerimana’s visit to the Governor House in Karachi in April 2026. The engagement reflects the growing diplomatic interaction between Rwanda and Pakistan and highlights the importance of provincial-level cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations. During the meeting, Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi and High Commissioner Fatou Harerimana held a detailed discussion on ways to further strengthen Rwanda–Pakistan relations, particularly in the areas of trade, in...

 ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026 (Nosheen): An important meeting regarding the scheduling of local government elections in Punjab was held at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) today under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The meeting was attended by Election Commission members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Babar Hassan Bharwana and Justice (retd.) Ikramullah, along with a four-member Punjab government cabinet committee headed by Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq. The Punjab cabinet committee included Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, Minister for Mines and Minerals; Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah, Minister for Agriculture; and Rana Sikandar Hayat, Minister for Education. The Chief Secretary Punjab and Special Secret...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026 (Ghufran): In a significant development for Pakistan’s external financing landscape, a Project Agreement between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL) for Pakistan’s first Diversified Payment Rights (DPR) Programme was signed at the Finance Division, Islamabad, in the presence of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.The Project Agreement was signed by Ms. Momina Aijazuddin, Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Middle East & Central Asia, IFC, and Mr. Atif A. Bajwa, President and CEO, Bank Alfalah Limited.The DPR Programme, being pursued under the direction of the Prime Minister, provides an innovative mechanism for mobilizing long-term foreign currency financing through...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026(Kamran Raja): On the occasion of Independence Day, a group of youths allegedly resorted to indiscriminate aerial firing late at night in Taqwa Market, G-9/4, Islamabad, creating panic and fear among residents and posing a serious threat to public safety. A video of the incident was also circulated widely in various social media groups.Taking immediate notice of the incident, Islamabad Police launched swift action and arrested four suspects allegedly involved in the aerial firing. The arrested suspects have been identified as Shahzaib son of Jahanzeb, Zohaib-ul-Hassan son of Hamid Qureshi, Muhammad Bilal, and Shoaib Iftikhar.Cases FIR No. 748, 749, 750 and 751 have been registered against the accused under relevant provisions pertaining to illegal possession and u...

Islamabad, 20 August 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Google LLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Child Online Safety to strengthen digital awareness, online safety and responsible use of digital platforms among children, parents, teachers and caregivers across Pakistan. Under the MoU, PTA and Google will jointly implement a Child Safety Program focusing on awareness, education and capacity-building. The initiative will equip parents and teachers with practical tools, resources and guidance to help children navigate the digital environment safely and responsibly. As part of the collaboration, the two organisations will develop child online safety awareness content in English and local languages, conduct training programs in educationa...

ISLAMABAD, August 19, 2026(Kamran Raja): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres this evening. During the conversation, both leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and discussed issues of significance at the international level. Senator Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for multilateralism and underscored the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges and promoting international peace and cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also commended Secretary-General António Guterres for his leadership and continued efforts in advancing the objectives of the United Nations over the years. Both sides agreed to rem...

19 August 2026 (Ghufran): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule for Pakistan’s home series against Sri Lanka and England, including an ODI tri-series featuring all three teams. According to the schedule, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka and England from October 9 to November 21, while Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan will begin on October 4.Sri Lanka will play a three-day match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face each other in three T20I matches in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13. England will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the ODI tri-series, which will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31. The schedule also includes two Test matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from ...

Islamabad, 19 August 2026 (Nosheen): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has confirmed that Pakistan has formally requested a $10 billion Exchange Stabilization Facility from the United States, with progress on the matter expected by September. Speaking informally to media representatives in Islamabad, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s application is currently under consideration by the US Department of the Treasury.He said the government is actively exploring multiple financial avenues and remains engaged in discussions with institutions including the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).The Finance Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to restructure bilateral debt.He explain...

Islamabad, 19 August 2026(Nosheen): Foreign Minister and Minister for Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Assad Hasan Al-Shabbani is undertaking a two-day official visit to Pakistan from August 19 to 20, on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.The Syrian Foreign Minister is being accompanied by a high-level official delegation, which has arrived in Islamabad.During the two-day visit, Pakistan and Syria will hold detailed discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations. The talks will focus on exploring new avenues to further enhance mutual cooperation and exchanging views on important regional and international developments. According to the Foreign Office Spokesperson, the visit marks an important milestone in efforts to further str...