Tag: dailyPakistanTimesNews

ISLAMABAD, 9 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Pakistan has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to restrict imports of goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing the measure as an important step against violations of international law. The Foreign Office said Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had jointly welcomed the UK restrictions on imports, as well as measures targeting services linked to illegal Israeli settlements. In a joint statement, the eight countries called on the international community to adopt similar measures and take concrete steps to restrict trade with Israeli settlements. They also urged accountability for organisations and individuals involved in settlement activit...

 ISLAMABAD, 9 September, 2026 (Nosheen): Asim Iftikhar has been appointed as Pakistan’s new Foreign Secretary, replacing Amina Baloch, whose tenure is set to conclude later this month. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved Iftikhar’s appointment, according to official sources. Iftikhar is currently serving as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and is expected to return to Islamabad to assume charge as Foreign Secretary after completing his current diplomatic assignment. A senior career diplomat, Iftikhar has held several key positions during his diplomatic career. His appointment comes as the Foreign Office prepares for a change at the top following the completion of Amina Baloch’s tenure in the third week of September.

 ISLAMABAD, 9 September, 2026 (Ghufran): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. According to the Foreign Office, the two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed the close and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Egypt. They also discussed regional developments and emphasized the need for close consultations on regional matters, including through the Regional Four (R4) Foreign Ministers’ mechanism with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The two foreign ministers also agreed to meet on the sidelines of the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)...

 MUZAFFARABAD, 9 September, 2026(Kamran Raja): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has decided to launch the “Suthra Kashmir” programme as part of its 100-day reform agenda, aiming to modernise and improve the waste management system across the territory. The initiative has been modelled on Punjab’s “Suthra Punjab” programme and will involve outsourcing solid waste management services to the private sector. Under the new system, private companies will be responsible for cleaning operations, while the government and relevant institutions will perform regulatory and supervisory functions. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Local Government and Rural Development Secretary Irshad Ahmed Qureshi, where officials discussed and finalised key measures for implementi...