PAKISTAN NEWS

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...

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...