WORLD

Islamabad, 28th April 2026(Nosheen): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME), hosted a roundtable discussion on “The Middle East Crisis: Economic Implications and Emerging Opportunities for Pakistan,” on April 28, 2026. The event brought together leading policymakers, economists, and experts to deliberate on the evolving geopolitical situation and its economic ramifications for Pakistan. Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director, Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at ISSI, stressed that Pakistan faces both heightened risks and emerging opportunities, and must strengthen its capacity to adapt to an increasingly complex global economic environment. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI, in h...

Rawalpindi, 28 April 2026(Kamran Raja): The Army Rocket Force Command today conducted a successful training launch of the indigenously developed Fateh-II Missile System, equipped with advanced avionics and state-of-the-art navigational aids.The training launch was undertaken to enhance operational preparedness of troops, validate key technical parameters, and evaluate the performance of various sub-systems integrated to ensure improved accuracy and enhanced survivability of the weapon system.The launch was witnessed by senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Rocket Force Command, and Pakistan Army, along with scientists and engineers from strategic organizations. The observing forum expressed full satisfaction over the successful conduct of the training fire and com...

Islamabad, 28 April 2026(Ghufran): Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, addressed the SIA Summit 2.0 as Chief Guest in Islamabad today, underscoring the vital role of youth and women in shaping Pakistan’s economic future. The summit, titled “Building a Women-Led Social Enterprise Ecosystem in Pakistan,” brought together key stakeholders committed to advancing social innovation and inclusive growth. It was organized by the Social Innovation Academy in collaboration with partners including UN Women and OGDCL. In his address, the Chairman appreciated the efforts of the organizers and partners for creating a meaningful platform to promote women-led initiatives. He commended their contributions toward empowering communities and fostering entrepreneu...

Islamabad, 28 April 2026(Kamran Raja): A high-level delegation of senior officials from the European Union and representatives of leading European companies called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House today. The delegation was led by Mr. Peteris Ustubs, Director (Asia Pacific) at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. It included Ms. Thourya Triki of the European Investment Bank, along with senior executives from prominent European firms, including Adidas, Andritz, and IKEA. The Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, H.E. Raimundas Karoblis, also attended the meeting. The delegation is currently visiting Pakistan to participate in the EU-Pakistan Business Forum, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investmen...

April 27, 2026(Nosheen): The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized an event to commemorate Zimbabwe’s National Day. The proceedings, which began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Zimbabwe were moderated by Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Speakers included Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, BoG, ISSI; H.E. T.M.J Abu-Basutu, (RTD) Air Marshal, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Pakistan; Mr. Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Zimbabwe. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted the significance of Zimbabwe’s National Day, mar...

MAKKAH 27-04-2026(News Desk): The first convoy of Pakistani intending Hajj pilgrims, comprising 651 individuals, arrived in Makkah al-Mukarramah on Sunday after being transferred from Madinah, marking the formal transition of Pakistan’s Hajj operation into its next phase. Upon arrival, the pilgrims were received by Director-General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, along with Chief Coordinator Makkah Dr. Mirza Ali Mahsood, Coordinator for Residential, Food and Transport Zulfiqar Khan, Director Hajj Makkah Arif Aslam Rao, Deputy Director Hajj Azizullah Khan, and other senior officials of the Hajj mission.Madinah Stay DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro said all pilgrims had been accommodated in the Markaziyah area of Madinah, the central district surrounding Masjid al-Nabawi ﷺ, allowing easy walking acc...

Changsha, China: 27 April 2026(Kamran Raja): President Asif Ali Zardari today conferred the Sitara-i-Pakistan upon Prof. Pan Xiangbin at a special investiture ceremony held here, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cardiac care and his services to patients in Pakistan. Prof. Pan Xiangbin, an interventional cardiologist and cardiac surgeon, is Vice President of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Director of the National Interventional Quality Control Center for Structural Heart Disease. An internationally recognised expert, he has led the development of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, with a number of world-first innovations and patented medical solutions to his credit, including ultrasound-guided interventional techniques that enable t...

Changsha, China: 27 April 2026(Kamran Raja): President Asif Ali Zardari witnessed the signing of three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistani and Chinese entities, covering desalination, agricultural technology, and tea sector cooperation, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening practical collaboration in priority sectors. The first MoU was signed between the Local Government, Government of Sindh and Lucion Environmental Technology Group for the development of a seawater desalination project in Karachi aimed at enhancing the city’s water supply. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Sindh by Sharjeel Inam Memon, while Yuhui signed on behalf of the Chinese side. The second MoU, also between the Local Government, Government of Sindh and Long Ping Hi...