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SAUDI SPACE AGENCY ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF “SHAMS” SATELLITE ABOARD ARTEMIS II, MARKING HISTORIC ARAB PARTICIPATION IN LUNAR MISSION

5Apr

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SAUDI SPACE AGENCY ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF “SHAMS” SATELLITE ABOARD ARTEMIS II, MARKING HISTORIC ARAB PARTICIPATION IN LUNAR MISSION

Riyadh, April 04, 2026(Kamran Raja): The Saudi Space Agency today announced the successful launch and initial communication with the Saudi satellite “Shams,” deployed aboard the Artemis II mission using the Space Launch System (SLS). With this milestone, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia becomes the first Arab nation to participate in a mission under the Artemis program, aimed at advancing scientific innovation and fostering impactful international partnerships in space exploration.The Artemis II mission, led by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in collaboration with global partners, represents the program’s second phase. It will carry a crew of four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on the first crewed lunar flyby mission in over five decades, paving the way for futu...

Security Forces Neutralize Eight Militants in North Waziristan, Continue Sanitization Operations: ISPR

2Apr

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Security Forces Neutralize Eight Militants in North Waziristan, Continue Sanitization Operations: ISPR

Rawalpindi, April 02, 2026(Kamran Raja): On April 1, 2026, security forces detected the movement of a group of militants along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in North Waziristan District. According to official sources, troops engaged the group effectively, resulting in the elimination of eight militants associated with the Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the নিহত militants. The operation, described as precise and skillful, underscores ongoing concerns regarding cross-border movement of militants. Officials reiterated that the interim Afghan Taliban authorities must ensure effective border management on their side and prevent the use of Afghan soil for activities against Pakistan. Pakistan’s security forces reaffirmed their resolve to defend...

Saudi Minister to Chair 15th Executive Council Meeting on Islamic Affairs via Video Conference

2Apr

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Saudi Minister to Chair 15th Executive Council Meeting on Islamic Affairs via Video Conference

Riyadh, April 01, 2026(Kamran Raja): Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Conference of Ministers of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in the countries of the Islamic world, Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, will chair the 15th meeting of the Executive Council tomorrow via video conference from Jeddah, with ministers from all member states in attendance. The Executive Council comprises eight member states: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, The Gambia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco. The meeting will deliberate on a range of contemporary issues concerning Islamic affairs, with a particular focus on the role of ministries of Islamic affairs and endowments in promoting the values of moderation and tolerance. Discussions will also highlight efforts t...

PANAH Urges Government to Tax Tobacco, Sweet Drinks and other ultra-processed products Instead of Cutting Health and Education Budgets

1Apr

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PANAH Urges Government to Tax Tobacco, Sweet Drinks and other ultra-processed products Instead of Cutting Health and Education Budgets

April 1, 2026(Ghufran): The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with civil society organizations and public health experts, has strongly urged the Government of Pakistan to increase taxes on tobacco products, sugary drinks and other ultra-processed products instead of placing additional burden on the public through drastic cuts in development spending, particularly in the health and education sectors. In light of the ongoing global economic pressures and rising fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the government has announced significant reductions in development budgets and increased fuel prices. These measures, while aimed at managing fiscal constraints, risk severely undermining Pakistan’s long-term economic growth and human developmen...

Prime Minister Chairs High-Level Review Meeting on Mitigating Economic Impact of Regional Tensions

1Apr

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Prime Minister Chairs High-Level Review Meeting on Mitigating Economic Impact of Regional Tensions

Islamabad: April 1, 2026(News Desk): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting in Islamabad to assess and formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding Pakistan’s economy from the financial and economic impacts arising from the prevailing regional tensions. The Prime Minister noted that many countries around the world are currently facing challenges in maintaining the balance of supply and demand for essential commodities due to the evolving global situation. He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan has, by the grace of Allah, managed this situation effectively and successfully. He commended all relevant ministries and institutions for taking timely and effective measures to prevent any disruption in the supply and demand of essential goods. The P...

Group CEO of multinational telecommunication and digital services company called on Prime Minister

1Apr

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Group CEO of multinational telecommunication and digital services company called on Prime Minister

Islamabad, 1 April 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Mr. Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group, who called on him along with a delegation in Islamabad. Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister expressed goodwill and reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s strong commitment to facilitating investors in the digital operators’ industry, particularly in the information technology sector. He noted that the recent successful auction of the 5G spectrum in Pakistan reflects the country’s positive and effective direction towards technological innovation. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is pursuing a comprehensive and effective strategy to promote innovation in the IT sector and to attract increased international investment....

Security Forces Neutralise Thirteen Militants in Intelligence-Based Operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: ISPR

1Apr

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Security Forces Neutralise Thirteen Militants in Intelligence-Based Operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: ISPR

Rawalpindi, 1 April 2026(Kamran Raja): On 30 March 2026, Security Forces successfully neutralised thirteen militants belonging to Indian proxy Fitna Al Khwarij in two separate intelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. An intelligence-based operation was carried out in the general area of Bara, Khyber District, following credible reports regarding the presence of militants. During the operation, Security Forces effectively engaged the militants’ location. After an intense exchange of fire, ten militants were eliminated. In a separate operation in Bannu District, Security Forces engaged another group of militants. Following a fire exchange, three militants were successfully neutralised. Sanitisation operations are currently underway in both areas to ensure the ...

Pakistan, China Announce Five-Point Initiative for Peace and Stability in Gulf and Middle East

31Mar

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Pakistan, China Announce Five-Point Initiative for Peace and Stability in Gulf and Middle East

Islamabad, March 31, 2026(Kamran Raja): Pakistan and China have jointly unveiled a comprehensive five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace, stability, and security in the Gulf and Middle East region, amid escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns.The initiative was announced following a high-level meeting in Beijing between Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.During the meeting, both sides reviewed the evolving regional situation and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and adherence to international law.Key Elements of the Five-Point Initiative1. Immediate Cessation of Hostilities...

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Visits NADRA Headquarters, Reviews Performance and Reforms

31Mar

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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Visits NADRA Headquarters, Reviews Performance and Reforms

Islamabad, 31 March 2026(Kamran Raja): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the headquarters of the NADRA and chaired a high-level meeting to review the institution’s performance and ongoing as well as future projects. During the briefing, Chairman NADRA Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar informed the minister about the authority’s operational performance, service delivery improvements, and planned initiatives. The minister appreciated NADRA’s performance and its efforts to enhance public service delivery over the past two years, directing the institution to further expand modern and citizen-friendly services. Mohsin Naqvi emphasized stronger coordination between NADRA and law enforcement agencies, particularly in supporting the identification and deportation of illegal for...

Pakistan’s UN Envoy Briefs Manhattan University Students on Multilateralism and Global Challenges

31Mar

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Pakistan’s UN Envoy Briefs Manhattan University Students on Multilateralism and Global Challenges

New York, March 30, 2026(Kamran Raja): Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, today hosted a group of twenty students from Manhattan University at the Pakistan Mission, where he delivered a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s engagement with the UN system and its positions on key regional and global issues. Ambassador Ahmad underscored the unique value of the United Nations as the only forum with broad international legitimacy and trust, stating that despite existing challenges, it remains irreplaceable for fostering collective global action. He emphasized that multilateral cooperation is increasingly vital in addressing complex and evolving challenges such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), n...