WORLD

Islamabad, 21 January 2026(Kamran Raja): In response to the invitation extended to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif by the President of the United States, H.E. Donald J. Trump, Pakistan would like to announce its decision to join the Board of Peace (Bol) as part of its ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.Pakistan expresses the hope that with the creation of this framework, concrete steps will be taken towards the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, further scaling up of humanitarian aid for the Palestinians, as well as reconstruction of Gaza. Pakistan also hopes that these efforts will lead to the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Palesti...

January 21, 2026(Ghufran): The Centre for Afghanistan Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised a Roundtable Discussion on the “The Situation in Iran: Regional Consequences & Pakistan’s Policy Approach” on January 21, 2026. Former diplomats, leading academics and prominent practitioners joined the discussion, which focused on the current situation in Iran, its regional implications, and Pakistan’s current and future policy outlook.Participants agreed that the situation in Iran remains fluid and complex, requiring careful assessment, and that Pakistan should continue to emphasise respect for sovereignty and Iran’s territorial integrity, restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation, while safeguarding regional stability and Pakistan’s o...

Islamabad, January 21,2026(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with the High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the minerals and energy sectors. During the meeting, High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan stated that the success of Barrick Gold at Reko Diq is a strong example to build upon Pakistan Canada mineral cooperation. He noted that Canada is actively working to bring more Canadian companies to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF). Highlighting the evolving global landscape, the High Commissioner remarked that in a changing multilateral world order based on networks, shared values, and common interests there is openness and willingness to engage with Pakistan. The ...

Sialkot, 20 January 2026(Ghufran): U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker, during her recent visit to Sialkot, praised the city’s dynamic business community and emphasized the strong potential for further expanding bilateral trade and investment between the United States and Pakistan to drive shared prosperity.Addressing a luncheon hosted by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, CDA Baker underscored the depth and resilience of the U.S.–Pakistan commercial relationship. Noting that bilateral trade was projected to surpass USD 8 billion in 2025, she highlighted the positive impact of sustained U.S. economic engagement in Pakistan.“Expanding trade reflects a strong foundation that highlights the positive impact of U.S. economic engagement in Pakistan and globally,” CDA Baker ...

Islamabad, January 20, 2026(Kamran Raja): The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, today met with a Chinese delegation to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on exports, manufacturing, mining, minerals, gemstones, and national industrial policies. The meeting was attended by Minister Counsellor Mr. Yang Guangyuan, Ms. Vera Luo of the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for China Mr. Zafar Uddin, and Secretary Industries and Production Mr. Saif Anjum. During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on enhancing Pakistan’s export capacity, revitalizing the manufacturing sector, and unlocking the country’s vast potential in mining, miner...

Islamabad, 20 January 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has departed for Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026, being held from 19 to 23 January 2026. The Prime Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, along with other senior government officials. During the visit, the Prime Minister will engage in important diplomatic and economic activities. He is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organiz...

19 January, 2026(Kamran Raja): Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft, alongside dedicated air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to participate in the multinational aerial combat Exercise Spears of Victory-2026. The exercise is witnessing the participation of fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. It offers a robust platform to enhance interoperability, operational synergy, mutual understanding and capacity building among participating Air Forces, particularly in large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated ISR, and operations in advanced electronic warfare en...

Islamabad, 16 January 2026(Nosheen): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) formalized an institutional relationship with Ethiopia's Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), based in Addis Ababa, by concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI, and by H.E Jafar Bedru Geletu, Executive Director, IFA, for their respective sides. The MoU was facilitated by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA). The signing ceremony was also attended by Atif Mian Sharif, Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia; and Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan. Director CAMEA Dr. Amina Khan, while giving her introductory remarks, stated that the signing of the MoU was a reflection...