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Federal Government, Balochistan Agree to Strengthen Cooperation for SME Development

14Jan

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Federal Government, Balochistan Agree to Strengthen Cooperation for SME Development

Islamabad, 14 January 2026(Kamran Raja): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, held an important meeting with Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, to discuss enhanced cooperation between the federal and provincial governments for the promotion and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Welcoming the Chief Minister to the Ministry of Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision is centered on empowering SMEs and women entrepreneurs as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He stated that, in line with the Prime Minister’s directives, all provinces must work collectively to strengthen Pakistan’s micro, small, and medium enterprise sect...

‎Passengers to skip UAE airport queues as Pakistan, UAE finalize pre-clearance system

13Jan

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‎Passengers to skip UAE airport queues as Pakistan, UAE finalize pre-clearance system

Islamabad 13 January 2026(Kamran Raja): A delegation from the United Arab Emirates led by Director General Customs and Port Security Ahmed bin Lahij Al Falasi called on Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi. Detailed discussions were held on Pakistan UAE relations, mutual cooperation, and simplifying immigration processes for travelers. ‎During the meeting , both sides agreed that a formal pact on “Pre-Immigration Clearance” between Pakistan and the UAE would be signed. The system will initially be launched on a pilot basis, with Karachi selected as the first location. ‎Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that under the pre-immigration clearance system, immigration and relevant clearance will take place in Pakistan itself. After its implementation, passengers ...

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Deepen Mining Cooperation, Explore Joint Investment Opportunities

13Jan

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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Deepen Mining Cooperation, Explore Joint Investment Opportunities

Press Release : January 13,2026(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik is in Riyadh leading Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On the sidelines of the Forum, Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain. The Saudi Minister appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the Forum, noting that global focus has increasingly shifted toward mining and critical minerals. He highlighted the vast pote...

ML-1 Project to Commence from Karachi Port in July 2026: Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi

13Jan

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ML-1 Project to Commence from Karachi Port in July 2026: Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi

Islamabad 13 January 2026(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi held an important meeting with Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Retd.) to discuss measures for strengthening the railway system for efficient cargo transportation from Karachi Port. The meeting focused on reducing congestion at the port and surrounding road networks by shifting a larger share of cargo transportation from roads to rail. Both sides agreed that rail-based freight transport is a cost-effective and sustainable solution to improve logistics efficiency and support trade activities. Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced major reform initiatives in the cargo transportation sector, stating that Pakistan Railways’ overall freight-handling capacity will be...

KSrelief Distributes 570 Food Baskets to Vulnerable Families in Jowzjan, Afghanistan

12Jan

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KSrelief Distributes 570 Food Baskets to Vulnerable Families in Jowzjan, Afghanistan

Jowzjan, January 11, 2026(Kamran Raja): The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 570 food baskets in Sheberghan, the capital of Jowzjan Province, Afghanistan, providing essential assistance to 570 vulnerable families.The aid benefited a total of 3,420 individuals, including returnees, internally displaced persons, and orphans, under the 2026 Food Security and Emergency Relief Project in Afghanistan.This initiative is part of the continued humanitarian support extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief, aimed at supporting the Afghan people, enhancing food security, and alleviating the suffering of communities affected by prolonged humanitarian challenges.

Senator Sherry Rehman Calls for Structural Change to Advance Women’s Political Leadership at UK Forum

12Jan

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Senator Sherry Rehman Calls for Structural Change to Advance Women’s Political Leadership at UK Forum

London, UK, 12 January 2026(Kamran Raja): At the UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy held at the House of Lords, Senator Sherry Rehman—Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change—delivered a powerful keynote address on “Women in Politics,” urging global political systems to move beyond symbolic celebration toward meaningful structural reform.Senator Rehman framed women’s political participation around three interconnected imperatives: assessing current realities, understanding what women need from politics, and shaping collective agendas capable of transforming societies.Citing global statistics, she highlighted the stark underrepresentation of women in leadership, noting that women hold only 27.2 percent of parli...

Indonesian Defence Minister Calls on COAS & CDF at GHQ: ISPR

12Jan

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Indonesian Defence Minister Calls on COAS & CDF at GHQ: ISPR

Rawalpindi, 12 January, 2026(Kamran Raja): Lieutenant General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (Retd), Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. Emphasis was placed on strengthening institutional linkages, expanding training collaboration, and promoting defence industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia.The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against ter...

Prime Minister Meets Delegation of UAE’s Renowned Sajwani Group

9Jan

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Prime Minister Meets Delegation of UAE’s Renowned Sajwani Group

Islamabad: 9 January 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation of the renowned UAE-based Sajwani Group in Islamabad today. The meeting underscored the steady progression of long-standing fraternal relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates towards deeper economic cooperation and increased investment. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan and the UAE share deep-rooted, enduring, and brotherly relations founded on mutual trust and respect. He noted that the recent visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan further strengthened bilateral partnership and created a conducive environment for expanding cooperation. Expressing satisfaction over recent high-level engagements and exchanges, the Prime Minister said these intera...

KSrelief Distributes Food Baskets to 510 Families in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province

8Jan

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KSrelief Distributes Food Baskets to 510 Families in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province

Badakhshan, January 6, 2026(Kamran Raja): The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) today distributed food baskets to 510 families in the city of Fayzabad, the capital of Badakhshan Province, and Kohistan District in Afghanistan. The assistance benefited 3,060 individuals, including Afghan returnees, orphans, and other vulnerable families, as part of the Food Security and Emergency Support Project for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – 2026. This humanitarian assistance is provided within the framework of the relief and aid programs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, implemented through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief. The initiative reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to supporting the brotherly Afghan people, strengthening food security, and alleviating the su...

COAS & CDF Visits Lahore Garrison; Reviews Operational Preparedness and Training Standards

8Jan

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COAS & CDF Visits Lahore Garrison; Reviews Operational Preparedness and Training Standards

Rawalpindi, 8 January 2026(Kamran Raja): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), visited Lahore Garrison today, where he was given a comprehensive briefing on the formation’s operational preparedness, training standards, and key initiatives aimed at enhancing combat efficiency. During the visit, the COAS & CDF witnessed a specialized field training exercise showcasing the latest technologies, underscoring the Pakistan Army’s emphasis on innovation and adaptability to meet the demands of the dynamic future battlefield. He also inspected sports and recreational facilities for troops, highlighting their vital role in maintaining physical fitness, morale, and overall well-being. The COAS & CDF also visited the High Care ...