WORLD

Washington: 20 February 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the sidelines of the Board of Peace Leaders’ meeting in Washington, today. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Prime Minister congratulated President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio on the successful inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace and reaffirmed that Pakistan was ready to work with the Board of Peace for the implementation of Gaza Peace Plan.Both sides underscored the importance of Pakistan-U.S. strategic relations and expressed satisfaction over the momentum and positive trajectory of the partnership, under the leadership of President Trump. Both sides agreed to enhance bil...

KARACHI, 19 February 2026(Kamran Raja): The Government of Sindh and the United States Department of Agriculture’s McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, on February 17, launched the Sindh School Meals Program, which leverages U.S.-provided commodities to deliver daily cooked meals and take-home rations to more than 200,000 students across nearly 1,300 primary schools in Sindh. With a USD $80 million funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the initiative will be implemented by Save the Children and the World Food Programme (WFP), in coordination with Sindh’s Planning and Development Department, School Education and Literacy Department, and provincial Food and Health departments, contributing to improved enrolment, attendance, and foundati...

London, Wednesday, 18 February 2026(Ghufran): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has lauded the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Balochistan for carrying out a successful intelligence-based operation against terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khwarij in Quetta. In his statement issued from London on Wednesday, the Prime Minister praised the professionalism, bravery, and swift action of CTD personnel, which resulted in the elimination of eight terrorists during a fierce exchange of fire. He noted that the timely and decisive response of the CTD thwarted the nefarious designs of the militants and prevented potential loss of innocent lives. The Prime Minister also expressed deep concern over the injuries sustained by three CTD officials during the operation. He prayed for their swift and complete ...

Islamabad, February 17, 2026(Kamran Raja): Huawei, a global leader in ICT solutions, has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation journey, positioning Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a central pillar for economic growth, governance efficiency, and ICT innovation.As Pakistan enters a critical phase of digital evolution, AI is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of the country’s digital future. The government has underscored the importance of AI adoption across governance, industry, and education, with initiatives focused on establishing Centers of Excellence, expanding AI curricula in universities, and equipping professionals with advanced digital skills.AI is expected to transform public services and key sectors through smarter healthcar...

Vienna, 17 February 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), the seat of the UN offices in Vienna, today. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch were also present during the meeting. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the IAEA’s vital role in promoting the responsible and peaceful use of nuclear technology in key sectors, including cancer diagnosis and treatment, agriculture, nuclear power generation, and industrial...

Rawalpindi, 17 February 2026(Kamran Raja): On 16 February 2026, a cowardly terrorist attack was attempted on a Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies Joint Check Post in Bajaur District by khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij. The assailants attempted to breach the check post security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Pakistan’s Security Forces. Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, the valiant troops effectively engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating twelve terrorists. In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the check post. Due to the impact of the blast, infrastructure at the check post collapsed. R...

Vienna, 17 February 2026(Ghufran): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed a high-level event at the United Nations Office at Vienna titled “Sustainable Development: Pathways for Global Peace and Prosperity,” underscoring the inseparable link between peace and development and Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the UN Charter and multilateralism. The event was attended by heads of Vienna-based international organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of think-tanks, and media. In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister appreciated the vital role of the International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in adv...

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...