Tag: thepakistantimes.net

ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026 (Nosheen): Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced the formation of a united opposition alliance following a meeting with Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai at the Parliament House.Maulana Fazlur Rehman met Mahmood Khan Achakzai in his chamber, where they discussed political and parliamentary matters. JUI-F leaders Kamran Murtaza and Maulana Wasey accompanied Fazlur Rehman, while Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai and Asad Qaiser were present with Achakzai. Speaking briefly to the media before the meeting, Fazlur Rehman said that if the matter had been in his hands, PTI founder Imran Khan would have received treatment by now. Following the meeting, the JUI-F chief said consultations had been held with opposition leaders in both the Sen...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026 (Ghufran): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the opposition to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues, reiterating that the government remains ready for purposeful talks. Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said dialogue had always been the government’s preferred approach and that it was prepared to engage with the opposition in a constructive manner. Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the reduction in diesel prices and appreciated the efforts of the petroleum minister, saying the price of petrol had been reduced by Rs32. He said the government was making efforts to provide relief to the common people, particularly in view of the impact of the prevailing global situation on Pakistan.He said pro...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August 2026(Kamran Raja): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Switzerland, H.E. Mr. Marghoob Butt, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of further strengthening Pakistan-Switzerland relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation across diverse areas.Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar particularly highlighted the need to promote trade and investment ties and expand business-to-business engagement between the two countries.The meeting reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Switzerland and exploring new avenues to further strengthen bilateral relations.  

ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026 (Nosheen): Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, today visited the Pakistan Monument and Islamabad Police Lines.Upon arrival at the Pakistan Monument, a smartly turned-out contingent of the Federal Constabulary presented a guard of honour to the Malaysian Interior Minister.The visiting minister paid his respects at the Martyrs’ Memorial, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha for the martyrs.  He paid tribute to the great sacrifices rendered by the martyrs in the service of the country.The Malaysian Interior Minister was also briefed on the historical significance of the Pakistan Monument. He appreciated the historical importance of both the Martyrs’ Memorial and the Pakistan Monument...

ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Governor Sindh H.E. Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi today visited the Rwanda High Commission in Islamabad, where he was received by H.E. Fatou Harerimana, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan.The visit was undertaken on a reciprocal basis following High Commissioner Fatou Harerimana’s visit to the Governor House in Karachi in April 2026. The engagement reflects the growing diplomatic interaction between Rwanda and Pakistan and highlights the importance of provincial-level cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations. During the meeting, Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi and High Commissioner Fatou Harerimana held a detailed discussion on ways to further strengthen Rwanda–Pakistan relations, particularly in the areas of trade, in...

 ISLAMABAD, 20 August, 2026 (Nosheen): An important meeting regarding the scheduling of local government elections in Punjab was held at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) today under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The meeting was attended by Election Commission members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Babar Hassan Bharwana and Justice (retd.) Ikramullah, along with a four-member Punjab government cabinet committee headed by Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq. The Punjab cabinet committee included Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, Minister for Mines and Minerals; Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah, Minister for Agriculture; and Rana Sikandar Hayat, Minister for Education. The Chief Secretary Punjab and Special Secret...