Tuesday, June 23

WORLD

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Successful Conclusion of First High-Level Committee Meeting Under Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Successful Conclusion of First High-Level Committee Meeting Under Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding

Bürgenstock, Switzerland, June 22, 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the successful conclusion of the First High-Level Committee Meeting held under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. In a statement, the Prime Minister said that the discussions were conducted in a positive and constructive atmosphere and resulted in significant progress toward advancing dialogue between the participating parties. He noted that the meeting concluded with an agreement on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal within the next 60 days, the establishment of a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight, and the initiation of further technical-level negotiations. Prime Minister Sharif commended the leader...
Pakistan, US and Qatar Express Optimism as Historic Iran-US Talks Begin at Bürgenstock
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Pakistan, US and Qatar Express Optimism as Historic Iran-US Talks Begin at Bürgenstock

BÜRGENSTOCK, Switzerland, June 21, 2026(Kamran Raja): The leaders of Pakistan, the United States, and Qatar on Sunday voiced strong optimism that the ongoing Bürgenstock talks between Iran and the United States would contribute to global peace, international security, and economic prosperity, describing the diplomatic initiative as a significant step toward a more stable and cooperative Middle East. Speaking to the media before the commencement of technical-level negotiations between Iranian and American delegations, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, US Vice President JD Vance, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that the joint diplomatic efforts represented the beginning of an important process aimed at achieving lasting regional and global ...
Saudi Authority Completes Kaaba Kiswa Replacement in Record Three Hours, Showcasing Advanced Operational Excellence
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Saudi Authority Completes Kaaba Kiswa Replacement in Record Three Hours, Showcasing Advanced Operational Excellence

Makkah, June 17, 2026(Kamran Raja): The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque successfully completed the annual replacement of the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa for the year 1448 AH in just three hours, marking a significant operational achievement that reflects the Kingdom’s high level of preparedness, technical expertise, and organizational excellence. The Kiswa changing ceremony, one of the most precise and sensitive operations associated with the Holy Kaaba, was carried out according to a meticulously planned schedule and under the highest standards of safety and quality. The swift completion of the process demonstrates the Authority’s advanced operational capabilities and the continuous development of national expertise in serving the Two Holy...
ISSI hosts Seminar on “Decoding the Future Trajectory of Pakistan–India Relations
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ISSI hosts Seminar on “Decoding the Future Trajectory of Pakistan–India Relations

Islamabad, May 16 2026(Ghufran): India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), organized a Seminar titled “Decoding the Future Trajectory of Pakistan-India Relations”. Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan (HI) was the Chief Guest. The speakers included Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI; Ambassador Abdul Basit, Pakistan’s Former High Commissioner to India; Dr Manzoor Ahmed, Former Ambassador to the WTO; Dr. Mujeeb Afzal, Assistant Professor, School of Politics and IR, Quaid-e-Azam University; and Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director ISC at ISSI. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood noted that the history of Pakistan-India relations has remained a mix of conciliatory and confrontational approaches. Citing several key figu...
Saudi Craftsmen Complete Final Preparations for Annual Replacement of the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa
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Saudi Craftsmen Complete Final Preparations for Annual Replacement of the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa

Makkah, June 15, 2026(Kamran Raja): The annual replacement of the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa (covering) is drawing near, marking one of the most significant and revered events associated with Islam’s holiest site. As the beginning of the new Hijri year approaches, skilled Saudi craftsmen are carrying out the final stages of the process, culminating months of meticulous work and devotion.The replacement of the Kiswa is a scene eagerly anticipated by millions of Muslims around the world. It represents not only a religious tradition of profound significance but also the culmination of a comprehensive process that combines craftsmanship, technical expertise, and deep reverence for the sanctity of the Holy Kaaba.As preparations enter their final phase, the area surrounding the Kaaba is transfor...
ISSI Hosts Launch of Pakistan’s First State of Freedom Report 2026
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ISSI Hosts Launch of Pakistan’s First State of Freedom Report 2026

Islamabad, 15 June 2026(Ghufran): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Mishal Pakistan hosted the launch of the State of Freedom Report – Pakistan 2026, the country’s first comprehensive national assessment of political, civil, economic, digital, legal, and social freedoms. The Chief Guest, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, welcomed the publication of Pakistan’s first State of Freedom Report and underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, citizen engagement, constitutional governance, and institutional accountability. He observed that objective assessments and informed public discourse play a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance outcomes. Emphasizing the significance of...
Saudi Arabia Completes Final Stages of New Holy Kaaba Kiswa Production
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Saudi Arabia Completes Final Stages of New Holy Kaaba Kiswa Production

Makkah, June 15, 2026(Kamran Raja): The final stages of producing the new Holy Kaaba Kiswa have been successfully completed at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah, underscoring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques through a blend of advanced technology and exceptional craftsmanship.Head of the Department for Assembling and Sewing the Kaaba Kiswa, Salah Al-Sulami, stated that the production process begins with the preparation of a white cotton inner lining covering all four sides of the Holy Kaaba. This lining is then carefully joined with intricately embroidered black silk panels adorned with Islamic inscriptions and decorative motifs.Each silk panel measures approximately 14 meters in length and one meter in ...
Prince Turki bin Talal Launches Aseer Summer Season 2026 to Boost Tourism and Economic Growth
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Prince Turki bin Talal Launches Aseer Summer Season 2026 to Boost Tourism and Economic Growth

Abha, Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2026(Kamran Raja): Governor of Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, officially launched the Aseer Summer Season 2026 today, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance tourism and position Aseer as a premier year-round global destination under Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the National Events Center as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the region’s tourism sector and stimulate economic growth.The season is expected to attract more than three million visitors through a diverse program featuring 122 events and 100 bookable experiences. Organizers anticipate the creation o...
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Landmark Peace Agreement Between the United States and Iran
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Landmark Peace Agreement Between the United States and Iran

Islamabad, 15 June 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the successful conclusion of a landmark peace agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a major diplomatic achievement that will contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and security. Following intensive negotiations, both sides have agreed to the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The official signing ceremony of the peace agreement is scheduled to take place on 19 June in Switzerland.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the leadership of the United States and Iran for demonstrating wisdom, restraint, and commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy. He noted...
First Hangor-Class Submarine PNS/M HANGOR Arrives in Karachi, Marking Major Milestone in Pakistan Navy Modernisation
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First Hangor-Class Submarine PNS/M HANGOR Arrives in Karachi, Marking Major Milestone in Pakistan Navy Modernisation

Karachi, 11 June 2026(News Desk): The first Pakistan Navy Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, arrived in Karachi today, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of Pakistan Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities.Upon arrival, the submarine was accorded a traditional naval welcome attended by senior naval officers, families of the crew, and Pakistan Navy personnel. Cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute to the incoming submarine and its crew, while Pakistan Navy Z9EC helicopters conducted a fly-past to commemorate the occasion.A reception ceremony was subsequently held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, where Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, graced the event as the Chief Guest.PNS/M HANGOR is equipped with advanced combat syst...