WORLD

February 16, 2026(Nosheen): The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) organized a public talk under its Distinguished Lecture series, titled, ‘Rethinking Europe’s Middle East Policy: Balancing Interests and Values.’ The Distinguished Speaker at the event was Dr. Flavius Caba Maria, President of the Middle East Political and Economic Institute (MEPEI), Romania,. Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, BOG, ISSI also spoke on the occasion.Dr. Amina Khan, in her welcome remarks, highlighted three interlinked priorities shaping EU policy: engagement with the Gulf region, the evolving dynamics of the Israel–Palestine conflict amid the ongoing war in Gaza, and diplomatic management of relations with...

Rawalpindi, 16 February 2026(News Desk): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), met today in Abu Dhabi with His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on economic collaboration, investment, and security. They also exchanged views on regional developments and underscored the importance of continued coordination to promote peace and stability in the region. Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its longstanding inve...

16 February 2026(Kamran Raja):Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, extended warm greetings to the leadership and people of China on the occasion of Chinese New Year 2026, welcoming the Year of the Horse with a message of friendship and solidarity. In his message, the Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt wishes to President Xi Jinping, the brotherly people of China, and Chinese communities around the world. “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” the Prime Minister said, noting that the Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, resilience, and speed—values that resonate deeply with the shared journey of Pakistan and China. Highlighting the strength of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan and China are iron brothers, bound by an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and a shared vi...

16 February 2026(News Desk): Federal Minister for Interior and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, held a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Sunil Kumara Gamage, to discuss matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on enhancing cooperation in sports, especially cricket. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on promoting greater collaboration between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the field of sports. It was agreed to strengthen institutional linkages with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Sports and to expand bilateral cooperation for the development and promotion of cricket as well as other sports. The two leaders emphasized that sports diplomacy can play a vital role in further strengthening the longstanding and friendly relati...

February 13, 2026(Nosheen): The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised a Roundtable Discussion on the “Current Situation in Afghanistan: Implications for Pakistan and the Region” on February 13, 2026. Former diplomats, leading academics and prominent practitioners joined the discussion, which focused on the current situation in Afghanistan, its implications for Pakistan and the region.Participants observed that while Afghanistan continues to face complex challenges with regional implications, there remains a shared interest in stability and cooperation. They emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and constructive engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address concerns and manage difference...

Islamabad | 12 February 2026(Ghufran): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Pakistan, hosted a conference titled “Pakistan–Kazakhstan Relations: Post-Visit Reflections and Pathways for Strategic Cooperation” at the Movenpick Hotel, Islamabad. The conference followed the historic state visit of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan and reflected on the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Diplomats, scholars, and policymakers from both countries discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, education, emerging technologies, and regional security. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood underscored shared history and growing convergence on regional issues,...

Islamabad, 12 February 2026(News Desk): Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry held an important meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. John Mark Pomerleau. U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Natalie Baker, was also present on the occasion. The Federal Secretary Interior and other senior officials attended the meeting as well. During the meeting, the U.S. Assistant Secretary strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Quetta and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. Both sides exchanged views on Pakistan–U.S. bilateral relations and the evolving regional situation. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism, particularly in the a...

Islamabad,12 February 2026(News Desk): Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, successfully launched its indigenous PRSC-EO2 (Earth Observation-2) satellite today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s national space program. The satellite was launched via a Chinese launch service provider from the Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre in the South China Sea, making it Pakistan’s first-ever seaborne satellite launch. The successful liftoff of PRSC-EO2 represents Pakistan’s second indigenous Earth Observation satellite and demonstrates the country’s growing capabilities in satellite design and development. The achievement reflects Pakistan’s continued progress toward greater self-reliance in space technology. The EO-2 satellite is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s earth observat...

Islamabad, 12 February 2026(News Desk): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to continue its national struggle against all forms of extremism, terrorism, hatred, and violent ideologies with full determination. The Prime Minister stated that extremist and violent ideologies not only undermine peace and stability within societies but also erode fundamental human values such as tolerance, coexistence, mutual respect, and compassion. He emphasized that Pakistan has rendered unparalleled sacrifices over the past decades in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel and civilians stand as a proud testament to the natio...