Tag: The Pakistan Times

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...

Rawalpindi, 15 January 2026(Kamran Raja): Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026, a bilateral counter-terrorism (CT) exercise between the Pakistan Army and the United States Army, is being conducted from 8 to 16 January 2026. The two-week-long exercise marks the 13th iteration of this long-standing training series, held regularly since 1995, aimed at strengthening professional military cooperation between the two armies.A Distinguished Visitors’ Day ceremony was held on 15 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi. Her Excellency Ms. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America to Pakistan, accompanied by senior U.S. military dignitaries, graced the occasion along with the Commander Rawalpindi Corps.During the visit, the dignitaries were briefed...

Islamabad, 15 January 2026(Nosheen): India Study Center at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad organized the book launch ceremony titled “Defense and Diplomacy: A Compilation of Selected Articles by S.M Hali”. The event was graced by Senator Nisar A. Memon, former Chairman, Standing Committee of the Senate on Defence and Defence Production, as the Chief Guest, and Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman, former Chief of Air Staff, as the Guest of Honour. Other speakers included Mr. Sultan Mehmood Hali, author of the book; Ambassador Naela Chohan, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia; Vice Admiral (R) Muhammad Haroon, former Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Dr. Aalia Sohail Khan, Country Director, American Institute of Pakistan Studies. The book comprising 12 extensive chapter...